Finally, as the gala began to wind down, Reyes turned to her and said, "Shall we call it a night, Christine? I have an early meeting tomorrow."

Christine nodded, relieved to be escaping the suffocating atmosphere. "Yes, of course."

Outside, the cool night air was a welcome despite from the stifling heat of the event. Reyes handed Christine into the waiting car.

"Thank you for tonight, Christine," he said, his voice low and husky. "You were... amazing."

Christine forced a smile, feeling like she was trapped in a nightmare. "The pleasure was mine, Reyes."

As the car pulled away from the curb, Christine caught a glimpse of the stranger standing...