269: Early Winter

As they stepped out into the crisp evening, the unexpected sight of snowflakes weaving through the air caught them off guard. Winter had announced its arrival with a serene, snowy embrace. "Didn't expect snow this early. We should hurry before it gets worse," Jada mentioned, pulling her stylish coat tighter around her, a shield against the sudden chill. The group murmured in agreement, the cold nipping at their spirits, urging a swift retreat home. Their plans halted at the sight of a familiar car gliding to a stop. Bauer emerged, his presence a silent statement of intent. Emma and her friends exchanged knowing looks, an unspoken consensus that Bauer and Emma had matters to address privately. "I'll catch up with you all later," Emma assured her friends, her gaze fixed on Bauer. "We have things to discuss." Once her friends had dispersed into the snowy night, Bauer invited her into the warmth of his car, the heater a welcome reprieve from the cold. "Were you alright af