Dimitri abruptly pulled the car to a stop, causing it to skid slightly as he slammed the brakes. The sudden halt left Valine jolted in her seat, her eyes widening with surprise. She quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, glancing at Dimitri. Without wasting a moment, he opened the car door and stepped outside, his tall figure silhouetted against the darkness of the night.

She quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and followed him outside, concern on her face. The night air was cool, and she caught up to him, asking, "Dimitri, what's going on?"

Dimitri stood a few paces from the car, clearly frustrated and restless. He took a deep breath and turned...