Chapter 14: The Mysterious Investor

Chapter 14

Listen to the Story

The café was busier than usual that morning, but Maya couldn’t focus on the customers. Her eyes kept drifting to the window, scanning the street for any sign of the man in grey. He had promised to return, but two days had passed with no word.

Eric placed a tray of clean cups on the counter. “You’re thinking about him again.”

Maya nodded. “He said he would explain everything. Something must be happening.”

Before Eric could answer, the café door opened. A tall man in an expensive dark coat stepped inside. His shoes were polished, his hair perfectly styled, and his smile practiced. He looked out of place among the wooden tables and warm lights.

“Good morning,” he said smoothly. “You must be Maya and Eric.”

Maya exchanged a glance with her brother. “Yes… can we help you?”

The man removed his gloves one finger at a time. “My name is Mr. Halden. I’m new in town. I’ve heard wonderful things about your café.”

Eric forced a polite smile. “Thank you.”

Mr. Halden walked slowly around the room, examining the walls, the tables, even the view of the lake outside. “This location is excellent. Peaceful. Valuable.”

Maya felt a chill. “Why are you here, Mr. Halden?”

He turned toward her with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m an investor. I buy properties that have… potential. And your café has a great deal of potential.”

Maya’s stomach tightened. Eric stepped forward. “We’re not selling.”

"This is a charming property," Mr. Halden continued, his eyes scanning the treeline rather than the menu. He offered to buy the café for a price that seemed far too high. Maya felt a chill that had nothing to do with the morning air. She immediately suspected he had ulterior motives for the land. While the offer was tempting for a small business, the timing—right after they had found the keeper's box—was far too convenient.

“We’re still not selling,” Maya said firmly.

The investor studied her for a moment. “Here’s my business card. If you change your mind, give me a call.”

Maya’s heart raced. He can’t know about the box… can he? Anna entered from the back room and froze when she saw him. “You’re Mr. Halden,” she said quietly. “People in town have been talking about you.”

He smiled. “All good things, I hope.”

Anna didn’t answer.

Mr. Halden put on his gloves again. “Think about my offer. I’ll return soon.”

He left as calmly as he had arrived, but the air in the café felt colder after the door closed.

Eric exhaled. “He can’t be trusted. No one offers that much money just for a small café.”

Anna nodded. “He might be connected to the keeper’s disappearance.”

Maya looked toward the forest. “He must want the land for a reason. And it can’t be good.”

The mystery had just grown deeper—and far more dangerous.