The atmosphere in the private room turned abruptly frigid.
Set against the festive backdrop, it was utterly bizarre.
Kingsley Jennings, holding his wine glass, had a sudden realization:
'Maybe I shouldn't be here?'
The very air seemed to thicken and grow thin at the same time. Several pairs of eyes—filled with surprise, shock, and astonishment—were fixed on him. There was also...
...a fiery glare that looked ready to flay him alive.
...and an icy stare that seemed intent on freezing him to death.
There were too many emotions for him to process.
Though it was a bright, sunny afternoon, he felt a bone-deep chill, as if dark clouds were gathering and a cold wind was piercing through him.
A dead silence—
—each second stretched into an eternity.
Sebastian Lockwood's fingers slowly tightened. He felt as if someone had placed a hand on his heart.
Then, with a sledgehammer, brought it down hard.
His heart seized, and a tremor shot through his entire being.
