Stephen winced at his watch: well after the girls' bedtime. He began to make his responses for goodbyes, pushing his way through the party now heading for the door. Marianne, tapping her foot in the car, stood at the glass doors watching him, a mixture of anxiety and irritation on her face.Inside the hall, Stephen weaved his way through milling guests, sipping wine, and making small talk. On his way to the exit, Charles's voice shattered the murmur."Stephen, wait a minute," Charles called from behind.Stephen turned aroun—his eyebrows shooting up. "Yes, Charles?"He nodded toward Stephen's pocket. "Your phone is flashing."Stephen drew out his phone, hairs rising on the back of his neck at the blinking light that told him he had a message. A feeling of apprehension swamped him as he quickly read the system's message.Charles regarded him with interest plain in his eyes."I hope everything is okay," Charles said indifferently as he sipped from his glass.Stephen forced a tight smile

Stephen left the Empire building late that evening; the heft of decisions made throughout the day weighed upon his shoulders. The sky ahead was washed in shades of orange and purple, telling the tale of another day breathed out. Climbing in his car, the lights of the city turned on, one by one, shining bright to remind—this is, after all, the city that never sleeps.The drive back to his penthouse was a silent one, a total contrast to the hectic day he had gone through. His mind replayed the meetings, the conversation with Enoch, and over and over again, he mulled over the troubled call from Marianne. By the time he pulled into the underground garage, he was feeling the weight of the exhaustion deep in his bones.Stephen rode the private elevator up to the top of the hotel and hoped for just a moment of peace. The doors opened, and he walked into the darkened living room, taking in the eerie silence. The spacious room, normally cramped, created a disturbingly empty feeling, void of th