Chapter 33

As the day drew close, Via packed up her things and headed to the parking lot, eager to get home and see her children. She approached her reliable old sedan, which had seen better days, and unlocked it. However, when she tried to start the engine, it sputtered and died.

"Come on, not now," she muttered, trying again. The car made a few feeble attempts before falling silent. Via sighed, resting her head on the steering wheel in frustration.

After a few more unsuccessful tries, she accepted defeat and grabbed her phone to inform Cassie that she would take a cab on her way home. As she waited for a taxi to pass, she stood by the entrance of the building, watching the last rays of the sun dip below the horizon. The city was alive with the evening bustle, and she couldn't help but feel a bit stranded and vulnerable.

Just then, a sleek black car pulled up to the front of the building. The driver's side window rolled down, and Via was surprised to see Raizen Nakamura behind the wheel.

"Ms