After a brief pause, she stood up from her seat, her movements a little tentative as she reached out and shook his hand.
His touch was warm, firm, and despite the awkwardness of the moment, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of reassurance.
Just as she was beginning to settle into the exchange, Jude's voice broke through, interrupting the moment. His tone was practical and no-nonsense, a sharp reminder of the urgency that had brought them all here.
"I think we need to discuss the situation. Time is not on our side if we're going to resolve this," Jude said, his eyes scanning both Sophia and Tryson. The reminder hit her like a splash of cold water.
Sophia's hand jerked away from Tryson's, her mind snapping back into focus as Jude's words grounded her.
She quickly turned her head towards him, nodding in agreement. There was no more room for small talk.
With that, they all settled into their seats, the air thick with the weight of the conversation that was about to unfold.
