The moment the car door slammed shut, Kirsten felt as if she'd been catapulted into a whole new realm.
The rhythmic patter of rain and the city's bustling commotion outside were completely muffled. Inside the vehicle, the only audible sounds were the steady hum of the engine and the faint whoosh of the air-conditioning system.
Edmond sat beside her, just a couple of feet away.
He remained silent, not even sparing her a glance. Instead, he was deeply engrossed in the tablet on his lap, his long fingers occasionally swiping across the screen. An aura of haughty aloofness surrounded him, as if warning others to keep their distance.
The tablet screen was awash with a sea of data and charts. Kirsten stole a quick peek and then quickly averted her gaze, afraid of accidentally stumbling upon
