Chapter 259: Cocoa??

It was already past noon, yet the sky over Star Harbor showed no sign of clearing. The rain had settled into a steady rhythm, heavy and persistent, washing over the city as if it intended to stay for days. From the tall glass windows of the office, the view of the port was blurred, ships barely visible through the grey curtain of water, cranes standing still as operations slowed under the storm.

Inside the office, the atmosphere remained calm.

Miles signed the last document placed before him, his pen moving smoothly across the page. He closed the file and slid it forward.

June stepped in, gathering the papers carefully, arranging them into a neat stack with practiced precision.

Miles leaned back slightly and picked up the remote, turning on the television mounted on the wall.

The Sterling Media Channel appeared instantly.

The anchor spoke with clarity, her tone professional yet composed.

“As predicted earlier this year, the monsoon is expected to be particularly heavy across Haven. Coastal regions such as Star Harbor are already experiencing strong weather conditions due to a developing storm in the ocean. The rainfall is expected to continue through the night and into tomorrow morning.”

The screen shifted to visuals of the port, waves crashing against barriers, workers securing equipment.

“Shipping operations at the port are facing delays, and the impact is expected to be visible in supply chains over the coming days. Several flights have also been delayed due to reduced visibility and strong winds. Authorities have closed beaches to the public until further notice.”

Another visual showed the mayor addressing the public.

“The city administration has issued advisory notices urging citizens to take precautions against seasonal illnesses. Residents are advised to carry umbrellas and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.”

June folded her arms lightly as she listened.

“Is this normal here?”

Miles watched the screen for a moment before answering.

“It is a port city.”

His voice was calm.

“This is part of life here. People grow up with it. They adapt.”

He paused slightly, his gaze drifting toward the rain outside.

“Sometimes I think… if nothing had happened in my past… if everything was normal… I would just be another person living in this city.”

There was no regret in his tone, only a quiet thought that passed through him.

June looked at him, her expression softening.

“You are better than any ordinary citizen, boss.”

Her voice carried sincerity.

“It might sound selfish… but if you were not who you are today… I might not even be alive.”

Miles glanced at her.

June continued.

“You have saved countless people. Not long ago… you saved the world.”

A faint smile appeared on her face.

“Life may have been harsh… maybe it still is… but I truly wish you get all the happiness you deserve.”

Miles looked at her for a moment, then smiled faintly.

“Maybe you are right.”

He leaned back slightly.

“Thank you.”

June smiled in return.

Miles shifted his attention back to the screen.

“These new anchors are doing well.”

June nodded immediately.

“You will not believe it. The weather reporter joined just yesterday.”

Miles raised his brows slightly.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

June’s tone carried a hint of amusement.

“It is her first job. She is a fresher.”

Miles let out a quiet chuckle.

“That is impressive.”

June continued, her voice carrying pride now.

“And not just media. Every division is moving forward at full pace.”

She began listing them effortlessly.

“The jewelry division, education institutes, security firms, telecom operations… all the original Sterling Enterprises businesses that your grandfather built are expanding again.”

Her eyes reflected the scale of it.

“Construction, pharmaceuticals… even the oil wells we recently acquired in the Middle East are showing growth.”

She paused slightly.

“We are turning Star Harbor into a corporate hub.”

Miles listened quietly.

June’s expression sharpened slightly as she added.

“And once Mr. Dion and Mrs. Flora present their final plan… the Mordecai weapon business will not survive.”

Miles turned his head slightly.

“Is Flora still working?”

June nodded.

“I was just on their floor earlier today.”

Her tone lowered slightly, almost impressed.

“They are working on something… even you would not expect.”

A small smile appeared.

“She said this will be her last task before she takes maternity leave.”

Miles’s expression softened.

“That is good.”

A brief pause.

“I am looking forward to the review tomorrow.”

Then another thought crossed his mind.

“When are they planning to tell mom?”

He tilted his head slightly.

“Or are they still hiding it?”

June chuckled lightly.

“They are probably just busy. Give them some time.”

Miles sighed softly, shaking his head.

“Maybe.”

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

A staff member entered, carrying a tray.

The food had been neatly packed earlier in the morning by Elena, now reheated and arranged carefully.

She placed it on the table and stepped back.

Miles looked at it, then at the rain outside.

A faint smile appeared.

“Heavy rain… and mom’s home cooked meal.”

He leaned forward slightly.

“It feels like a perfect day.”

Outside, the storm continued to pour over the city.

Inside, for a brief moment, everything felt calm.

Miles picked up the fork, the metal cool against his fingers, and for a brief moment the warmth of the room faded away. The sound of rain softened, the present slipping quietly into the past as his mind wandered without resistance.

…

Paris.

The soft clink of cutlery echoed faintly as the server arranged the fork and spoon in front of him with precise movements. The table was positioned perfectly at the corner of the restaurant, offering a clear line of sight to the entrance and almost every seat inside.

Ghost sat still, his posture relaxed, yet his eyes missed nothing.

The man had already arrived.

He sat a few tables ahead, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that seemed untouched by the rain outside. His posture was straight, composed, but there was a subtle tension in the way his fingers curled around the porcelain cup. He lifted it slowly, taking a measured sip of coffee, his gaze occasionally drifting toward the clock mounted on the wall.

His face carried sharp features, clean and disciplined, but his eyes revealed something else. They were restless.

Not afraid.

Not nervous.

Waiting.

Ghost’s gaze lingered on him, analyzing every small movement, every shift in posture, every glance.

The waiter approached.

“Your order, sir.”

Ghost did not look away from his target.

“Double shot espresso.”

The waiter nodded and left.

A faint vibration came from his phone.

Marcel.

The message was short.

The car had reached the nuclear plant safely.

Ghost typed a quick response without hesitation.

“Take your usual position.”

He placed the phone aside, his attention returning fully to the man.

His mind worked quietly.

He is waiting for someone.

His fingers wrapped around the cup as his espresso arrived, the aroma rising gently with the steam. He took a slow sip, his eyes still fixed ahead.

If Gabriel did not meet him… then why take that turn?

Another sip.

Time passed.

Then the door opened again.

A second man entered.

Ghost’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Recognition struck instantly.

The man walked in with confidence, his presence carrying weight without effort. His attire was simpler, yet there was something unmistakably dangerous about him. He moved like someone who knew exactly where he belonged.

He took the seat across the first man.

Their eyes met.

A handshake followed.

Firm.

Calculated.

No hesitation.

Documents were exchanged across the table, their conversation quiet but intense. Ghost could not hear the words, but he did not need to. Their expressions, their body language, the rhythm of their interaction told enough.

This was not a casual meeting.

This was business.

Serious business.

Ghost’s grip on the cup tightened slightly.

Is that man the…

The thought remained unfinished, but the realization was already there.

They spoke for a few minutes, then stood up, leaving separately, as if they had never met at all.

Ghost finished the last sip of his second espresso, placing the cup down with calm precision.

He stood up and walked out, opening his umbrella as the rain greeted him again.

Outside, the streets shimmered under the falling water.

The second man stood near his car, one hand holding an umbrella, the other holding a phone as he spoke calmly.

Ghost turned slightly, connecting his earpiece.

“Base, come in.”

Static crackled briefly.

“This is base.”

Ghost’s voice lowered, steady and sharp.

“He is playing a double game.”

A brief silence followed.

“Not only did he meet the Disaster Maiden… he just met a man from Al Qiyan.”

“What?”

The reaction from the other side was immediate.

Ghost’s eyes remained fixed on the man.

“Their head is right in front of me.”

The line shifted.

Another voice came through.

“Ghost, this is the commander.”

Ghost straightened slightly.

“Get away from him.”

A pause.

“This is not in your league. That man is Raiid Al Nawwar. He is extremely dangerous.”

Ghost’s eyes narrowed faintly.

“But..”

“We will handle this.”

The commander’s voice was firm.

“He is not your priority. Your mission is different. Stay focused.”

Ghost glanced at the man again, memorizing every detail.

“Do you copy?”

A faint smirk appeared on his lips.

“Copy that, commander. I am moving.”

The connection cut.

Ghost stepped a little farther down the street, lifting his phone discreetly.

A quick photo.

The license plate captured clearly.

He lowered the device.

“Believe it or not… they are connected.”

The man finished his call, got into his car, and drove away, disappearing into the rain.

Ghost stood there for a moment, then turned.

The street carried a different scent now.

Warm.

Sweet.

Chocolate.

A small stall stood nearby, steam rising from cups of hot cocoa as people gathered briefly under the shelter.

Ghost walked past it, intending to move on.

Then he stopped.

She was there.

Chloé.

Standing under the soft cover of the stall, her presence almost untouched by the chaos of the rain. Her hair caught the light in a way that made everything else feel distant, her expression calm, unaware of the storm she unknowingly silenced inside him.

For a brief moment…

Everything slowed.

The noise.

The mission.

The danger.

All of it faded.

Seeing her… calmed him.

“Are you stalking her now?”

A familiar voice broke the stillness.

Ghost closed his eyes for a second, exhaling softly before turning.

“Léo…”

He looked at the boy, a faint hint of disbelief in his tone.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in school?”

Léo grinned.

“Today is Wednesday. Mid week break. Only morning lectures.”

Ghost raised a brow slightly.

“Really.”

Léo leaned closer, nudging him lightly.

“So…”

He glanced toward the stall.

“Do you want some hot cocoa?”

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