(Third POV)
The emotional weather at Redwood Café had shifted so quickly, it almost felt supernatural.
One moment, the table had been steeped in silence and old wounds.
The next, laughter had tentatively crept back like sunlight peeking through heavy curtains.
Not perfect.
Not healed.
But alive.
And Vince Kho, being Vince Kho, was absolutely not about to let the residual softness go to waste.
He stood up again — which should have been illegal at this point.
"I would like to officially congratulate every single one of us," he declared, arms wide like a motivational speaker who had just completed a seven-step miracle webinar.
Kate blinked. "For what exactly?"
"For surviving interpersonal collapse with only minimal emotional casualties."
Jeff nodded solemnly. "A worthy achievement."
"And," Vince continued, eyes gleaming, "for that reason, I am proposing a brand refresh."
Steven shifted his gaze from Michelle to Vince with visible displeasure. "A what."
