Part-247

  Afterward, James showered, dressed, and prepared for his meeting with Toya’s grandmother. He took out his smartphone, hesitating for a moment before dialing the he line rang a few times before a familiar voiswered, "e over when you're ready," Toya’s voice was as curt as ever, but James could sense an underlying hint of something else—perhaps unease?

  When James arrived at Toya's grandmother's house, he knocked on the door. Toya answered, her eyes as cold and guarded as always. She stepped aside to let him in, but her expression didn't ge. The house was quiet ay, except for the tig of a clo the background. James followed Toya into the living room, where she gestured toward the couch. He sat down, feeling a bit out of pce. Toya stood for a moment, her hands csped behind her back.

  “Thank you,” James replied politely as he ehe house, taking in the elega cozy interior. It had been a while since he st visited, and he couldn't help but admire the warmth that the pce exuded.

  "I’ll call Grandma," Toya announced and disappeared down the hallway, leaving James alone for a moment. He felt a bit out of pce but didn’t have time to dwell on it as he soon heard footsteps approag.

  Joya Rahman appeared, her face lighting up with a weling smile. "You finally found time to meet me," she greeted warmly, sitting across from him.

  James bowed his head slightly, apologizing, "I’m sorry for the dey. I had my exams."

  She waved her hand dismissively. "o apologize, dear. I’m just gd you’re here." She paused, then added, “And I really appreciate what you did for me—those scammers using my ID card, preying on i children… You’ve saved me from a lot of headaches.”

  James smiled modestly. "It was the least I could do, ma'am. I know how important it is to protect children, and I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I hadn't helped you. I'm gd I was able to make a difference."

  Joya was touched by James' siy. "You're a good young man," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "I'm so grateful to have you in my life."

  Their versation flowed easily after that, and James felt himself rexing. It was o engage in something other than fighting for once. As they spoke, he noticed Toya returning with a cup of tea, which she hao him a bit more forcefully than necessary.

  “Drink it quickly,” Toya muttered, shooting him a pointed look that left no room fument. Her eyes narrowed, as if she were daring him to disobey her. James hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. He khat Toya was not a particurly friendly person, and he didn't want to provoke her. However, he also didn't want to make her any ahan she already was. Finally, he took a sip of the tea, careful not to make it too loud. Toya seemed satisfied with his response, and she turned away without saying anything further.