Kiara entered the room and was surprised to see Nina looking gloomy.
"What's wrong, Nina? I thought we had resolved this issue. Why are you still grieving for Caleb?" she asked, her expression serious.
Nina sat up quickly, trying to hide her sadness. "It's not about Caleb, actually," she blurted out, sighed, and continued.
"I went to his grave to pay my respects after you left this morning, but on my way back, I saved a man who was attempting suicide. Long story short, he ended up offering us a contract, but there's a problem."
"What's the problem, and who is this man? Are you sure he really has a job for us, or is he trying to take advantage of you?" Kiara asked, concerned for her friend's well-being.
"I doubt that. He actually gave me his business card," Nina replied, reaching into her handbag and pulling out the card Philip had given her.
"Take a look," she said, handing it to Kiara.
Kiara examined it for a moment and sighed in relief. "I think I've heard of this business before."
"If that's the case, why do you look so down? You should be happy about getting a contract," she said, trying to understand Nina's sadness.
Nina took a deep breath and swallowed hard. "Unfortunately, I have to meet him tomorrow," she said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Who? Marcus? Is he somehow connected to the company?" Kiara asked skeptically.
"No, he asked us to meet him at Shade Pack Enterprises because he has a meeting there. I'm sure you know who owns that business," Nina explained.
Kiara sighed and paused for a moment. "What should we do? Should we cancel the appointment?" She asked, seeking her friend's advice.
"Well... You and Marcus have nothing in common anymore, right?" Kiara asked, and Nina shook her head in disagreement.
"Good," Kiara said, tucking her hair behind her ear. "Everything about Nightshade Pack is in the past and should be forgotten. I doubt we'll even see him there since we're not part of the meeting. He'll probably go back to his office after the meeting."
"We might only run into Lucas and Leo since they're not directors in the company either," she added.
"I don't want to see anyone from the pack there. In fact, I don't want to go to the company," Nina replied, running her fingers through her hair with unease written on her face.
Kiara chuckled nervously and placed her hand on Nina's back. "Nina, I won't force you to go tomorrow, but remember it's been almost three years since the incident at the pack happened. You shouldn't be avoiding Marcus or his family. Show them that you've moved on and are doing well for yourself," Kiara said reassuringly.
Nina took a deep breath and looked at Kiara, her expression showing that Kiara's words were having an impact.
Encouraged, Kiara continued. "By achieving great things, you'll realize that you don't need him or them. Your stepmother, her daughter, and Marcus will see that you can thrive without them. You've got this."
"Thank you, Kiara. You've been a blessing in my life. I wonder where I would have be now if you hadn't come that night to save me. I might have ended up like Caleb," Nina said, her voice filled with gratitude and vulnerability as she remembered her late son.