Serena walked out of the company, later than usual. She had stayed back to avoid the weird stares and whispers from the employees. Her plan was to get home after work, bury herself in reports, and pretend the morning hadn’t happened.

When she walked out of Brighton’s glass lobby, a familiar black car was already waiting by the curb.

The driver stepped out and opened the door with a polite nod. “Mr. Blackwood’s instructions, ma’am.”

She hesitated. “Is he expecting me?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Serena almost refused. Almost. But exhaustion and curiosity outweighed her pride. With a quiet sigh, she slid into the backseat.

When the car stopped in front of...