Outside the glittering high-rise, a man in white lounged against his car, pulling a cigarette case from his pocket. He tapped one out, hesitated, then slid it back with deliberate slowness.
His brow furrowed slightly as the deep night swallowed him whole, the air prickling with unexpected chill.
He called Dontaz, only to be blasted by chaotic noise—another night of gaming and bar-hopping, no doubt.
When Oded grilled him about the halted Radiance collaboration, Dontaz folded instantly. The man couldn't lie to save his life.
"What exactly are you hiding from me?"
Oded's voice was icy and measured.
"W-well, you'd have to ask Avalie. She put the Radiance deal on hold so you could focus on the drama shoot. Their promo schedule clashes with filming."
Dontaz stammered, clearly torn. Oded's
