Chapter 28

• Carlos walked into the wide, glittering hall of the mansion. The party had ended hours ago, but a few guests still lingered, their voices were low and tired. The scent of wine and perfume still hung thick in the air, mixed with the faint smoke from the candles that were slowly burning out.
• He moved quietly through the space, his shoes making soft clicks on the marble floor. The decorations still stood, the golden ribbons, the glass centerpieces, but they already looked lifeless. The night had gone off script, and everyone felt it.
• As he headed toward the exit, he spotted Mr. Grant, one of his biggest investors, talking to a waiter. The man turned the moment he saw Carlos.