Today is yet another hectic day at MarAdams & Associates law firm, with cases flooding in from various third-party funding sources. The office is buzzing with activity-chattering colleagues, the rapid tapping of keyboard keys, and the hum of photocopy machines. Despite the chaos, everyone manages to take a moment for a quick break here and there.

During one of these pauses, you can find Scott sitting beside a window with Mr. Okyere, a senior attorney at the firm, as they enjoy their lunch in the office kitchen while engaging in conversation.

In the heart of the kitchen, Sylvia sits with a few other women from the firm. She eats quietly while listening to their chatter. Every now and then, she sneaks a glance toward Scott and his lunch companion. It's the first time she's seen him actually eating-usually, he opts for coffee, so this heavier meal catches her attention. Today must be different; he's clearly quite hungry.

Among a crowd of colleagues, Sylvia keeps a close eye on Scott as he takes a bite of chicken, chewing slowly while he listens to Mr. Okyere. She notices his Adam's apple moving up and down with every swallow. It strikes her how attractive he looks even while eating, prompting her to bite her lower lip slightly as she takes in the scene.

Lately, she has found herself oddly fixated on him. Ever since Scott started ignoring her, avoiding her desk and mini office, she has struggled to get him out of her mind. She can't deny that she misses his cheesy jokes and warm smiles. Rather than feeling relieved that he's respecting her space, she wishes he were here with her right now.

Ironically, her wish is somewhat granted, but not in the way she hoped. Instead of Scott approaching her, it's Miss Amoah who strides over to her table, a file in hand.

"Why are you taking so long on your break?" Miss Amoah asks sharply. "Don't forget, tasks are waiting for you."

She places a file in front of Sylvia. "Familiarise yourself with this case. You'll be meeting the client and handling everything on your own since I have pressing matters to deal with." She looks pointedly at the file. "It's a straightforward case, and I trust you can manage it solo. This is your opportunity to show that you belong here."

With a challenging glance at Sylvia, she adds, "I hope you don't let me or this firm down." Then, she walks out of the kitchen, leaving all eyes on her.

As soon as Miss Amoah leaves, whispers fill the room. One lady turns to Sylvia and comments, "Wow, that woman is intense. I wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now." She offers Sylvia an apologetic look. "On the bright side, at least you get to work on your own case without someone looking over your shoulder."

All eyes remain on Sylvia, even Scott, who regards her with an unreadable expression.

***

By the time Sylvia got home, her head was pounding and her feet were aching. She kicked off her heels and rushed to her neatly made queen-size bed, lying back and staring at the ceiling.

"What's that woman's problem?" she wondered. "There's nothing straightforward about the case she handed me. And don't even get me started on my client's ex-husband. Despite the restraining order my client filed against him, he still manages to stalk her. Talk about ridiculous." Rolling over onto her side, Sylvia thought, "I need to figure out how to make him stop this. Can you believe a law enforcer would do this to his ex-wife and a citizen he's sworn to protect? What is wrong with this policeman?" Lost in her thoughts, a knock on the door jolted her. Glancing toward the entrance, she saw her big sister, Mabel, standing there.

"Hey, are you alright? I heard a noise in your room and thought I should check in. You don't look so good," Mabel said, concern etched on her face.

Sylvia let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm fine-it's just been a tough day at work." She sat up in bed. "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you."

Mabel, intrigued, stepped closer. "What is it?" she encouraged.

"How well do you know Mr Scott MacLen?" Sylvia asked.

Mabel took a seat on a stool by Sylvia's dresser. "I don't really know him. I met him once at your workplace, and Shelley never mentioned him. Why do you ask?"

Sylvia leaned back against the headboard. "I'm asking because I'd like to know what he likes so I can get him a gift. I might have accidentally said something that he overheard, and now he's not talking to me."

Sylvia noticed the disappointment in her sister's expression. "Haven't I told you to watch your words?" Mabel frowned. "What did you say this time?"

"I might have called him a man-child and said he's not the type of guy I'd ever date," Sylvia admitted.

"Seriously? That's what you chose to say?" Mabel replied, exasperated.

"I don't know how you can fix this," Mabel sighed.

"I'm working on it," Sylvia snapped back, propping one knee up on the bed and leaning forward. "I need you to find a way to subtly ask Shelley what Scott likes without her husband catching wind of it. Getting him something he truly enjoys might just help smooth things over."

Mabel shook her head. "Is that your plan?"

"Yes-unless you have a better idea," Sylvia shot back, raising an eyebrow.

"No," Mabel sighed as she stood. "I can't promise anything, but I'll give it a try. Anyway, you need to rest. You really look exhausted."

Meanwhile, in Ben's car, he turned to the man sitting beside him. "I'm sorry we have to meet here instead of at my house," he said.

"My wife's at home, and the last thing I need is for her to see you. If she does, she might figure out that I'm behind her ex-boyfriend's police run-in that got him killed. That's why we need to talk here."

Turning back ahead, he continued, "Now, about why we're here. I need your help in getting information on my father and his business. I've noticed he's gotten himself into some sort of trouble, and I want you to dig into his life to find out what's going on."

Detective Bruce processed Ben's request, then replied, "If I agree to do this, I'll need to fly out of the country to Boston."

Ben nodded. "Is that going to be a problem for you?"

Detective Bruce paused, contemplating the question. He knew leaving Ghana for the USA wouldn't be easy, especially since he had recently started a relationship with Mabel. He wondered how she would react to the news. Although she was aware of his job, she didn't know that it sometimes required him to travel abroad, particularly since he mostly worked for Ben and Mr. MarQueen.