Chapter 0188


    The meeting disperses, and my staff go their separate ways. Karl lingers, shuffling his feet in a way that


    makes me think he has something on his mind.


    “Abby, do you have a moment?”


    “Sure, what’s up?”


    “If you’re worried about the article, I can help you find a good journalist. Someone who can capture the


    essence of the ce, the people,” he says.


    I’m touched by his offer. “That''s really kind of you, Karl. Thanks.”


    He clears his throat. “I could walk you home. We could talk more about it.”


    I hesitate for a moment, considering. Then, I nod. “Alright, let’s walk.”


    We leave the restaurant, locking up for the night. The street is mostly quiet, a few cars passing by, and


    a low buzz of activity from the nearby bars. The air is cool, a bit crisp, but not ufortable.


    “You know, I’ve been really impressed with how the restaurant is doing,” Karl says, breaking the


    silence.


    “Oh?” I can''t keep the surprise out of my voice.


    “Yeah. I mean, I remember being so pissed off when you entered that cook-off. Thought you were


    going to ruin our chances of going to the Alpha party together. But look at you now, making headlines.


    I’m sorry that I ever acted like that. I should have been more supportive.”


    I look at him, shocked and a bit touched by his candidness. “That’s really sweet of you to say, Karl.”


    He shrugs, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Just stating facts. I’m proud of you, Abby.


    Really, I am.”


    “You have no idea how much that means to me,” I reply. “And I’m d you came back, after everything


    that happened. So I guess in a way, I’m also sorry—sorry for storming out on you back at the house.”


    He sighs. “I’m more surprised you let me back, especially after what happened with Adam. Thanks for


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    forgiving me.”


    I stop walking, looking him square in the eye. “Let’s get one thing clear: I haven’t entirely forgiven you


    for that. And I don’t know if I ever will. But I do understand that your intentions, misguided as they were,


    came from a ce of caring.”


    Karl nods, solemn. “I get that. And I mean it when I say I’ll never pull a stunt like that again.”


    “I’m d to call you my friend, Karl, after everything we’ve been through,” I say, extending my hand.


    He looks at me, then down at my hand, and for a moment, I think I see a flicker of disappointment in his


    eyes. But then it’s gone, and he takes my hand, giving it a firm shake.


    “Me too, Abby. Me too.”


    We resume our walk, nearing my apartment building. “Speaking of friends,” Karl says, “Have you talked


    to Chloe recently?:


    My face falls. “No, I haven’t. She won’t return my calls. I’ve pretty much given up at this point.”


    “Don’t give up,” he says firmly. “Chloe wille around. If I have to, I’ll make sure of it.”


    “Thank you, Karl. For everything.”


    He rxes and hugs me back, just as tightly. “You’re wee, Abby.”


    We say goodnight, and I turn to go inside, my mind whirling. Karl’s words about Chloe stick with me,


    echoing in my head as I near my apartment. I stop short before unlocking my door, thinking about the


    unfinished article, the untold stories, the depth of what we’ve all built at the restaurant. New ch?pter


    av?ble o? Draмаnоvеls.cоm


    Justpromise, understanding, and… family.


    I march down the street toward her apartment, each step fueled by burning conviction.