Ms.
Craig would not have made such a suggestion if the dish had not just been served, untouched.
Raegan looked over and to her surprise, it was Mitchel and Katie.
She was stunned that he would dine with Katie.
As their eyes met, Katie glanced back.
She didnât need to say anything.
Her presence next to Mitchel felt like a declaration of triumph.
Raegan felt her heart sink gradually.
Only last night, she was whispering self-encouragements to keep fighting.
Yet now, not even a full day later, her grip on hope was slipping.
Raegan stopped Ms.
Craig with a shake of her head.
âLetâs not bother them.
We can come back another time.
â
Ms.
Craig realized it was somewhat awkward to ask others to share their meal, so she dropped the idea.
They ordered some other dishes instead and began chatting.
Suddenly, a waitress arrived at Raeganâs table with a steaming pot of seafood stew and smiled.
âLadies, this is from the lady over there.
Please enjoy.
It was portioned out before being served, so itâs perfectly hygienic.
â
Ms.
Craig, taken aback, said, âWould you thank the lady for us?â
The waitress nodded and moved away.
Unable to see Katieâs face, Ms.
Craig turned around and smiled in gratitude.
âPeople are kind these days, yet we shouldnât accept food from others so freely,â Ms.
Craig said, nudging the stew aside without wanting to seem dismissive.
Raegan gave the stew a try, spooning a taste into her mouth.
The flavors burst, usually a sign of exquisite cooking, but all Raegan tasted was a bitterness.
It didnât taste good, not good at all.
Raegan glanced up to see Katieâs beaming face, which only added to her irritation.
Ms.
Craig mused, âThe Dixon Group didnât need to say much, did they? Their actions are broadcasting their position loud and clear.
â
Confused, Raegan queried, âWhat did you mean?â
Ms.
Craig, munching on some lettuce, responded casually, âI did some digging.
Turns out, any company linked with the Dixon Group is hitting snags.
Our private investigations reveal itâs much like the issues âCrescentâ had at the start.
â
Raegan leaned in and asked softly, âCould you elaborate?â
Ms.
Craig replied, âActually, the postponed delivery of products from Crescent was no biggie for companies like us because our intent wasnât to make things difficult for Crescent in the first place.
We were looking for solutions.
Now, it seems the companies that were toughest on Crescent at the start are the ones that are stuck.
Theyâre completely immobilized and unable to do a thing.
â
In a hushed tone, Ms.
Craig confided, âThe word is the Dixon Groupâs making amends for Crescent.
Thatâs why youâre seeing this shift.
â
Raegan felt a jumble of thoughts and abruptly rose.
âExcuse me, I need to make a call.
â
âOf course,â Ms.
Craig acknowledged.
Raegan found a secluded spot upstairs to dial Matteo.