Michael turned abruptly, his feet carrying him swiftly away from Bella. The sound of his shoes echoed through the air, each step lengthening the distance between them.
He reached his vehicle in swift, economical strides, and the door handle grasped firmly in his hand. With a sharp tug, the door swung open, revealing the dimly lit interior.
Michael slid into the passenger seat. The door slammed shut behind him, enveloping him in silence.
His gaze fixed on some point ahead, his eyes narrowed in thought. His jaw clenched, the muscles working beneath his skin.
The driver's eyes met Michael's in the rearview mirror, a question lingering in their depths. "Where to, sir?"
"The meeting hall," he instructed his driver, his voice low and urgent.
As the vehicle glided through the streets, Micha
