-----
Meanwhile...
"You finally decided to answer my call," Reniel said coldly. "I'm not going to beat around the bush, Diane. I want to know where Daniel is hiding."
There was silence on the other end of the line for a long moment before Diane responded, her voice trembling.
"R-Reniel, is that you?... I-I d-don't know... I don't know where D-Daniel is... so stop bothering me with your constant calls..."
Reniel froze, momentarily caught off guard by the unmistakable fear in Diane's voice.
It had been years since he last spoke to her, but he had always known Diane to be resolute, unshakable, and never one to show fear. But now, there was something different—something that made him pause. What had happened to make her sound so terrified?
