As evening fell, Damien Sterling's car arrived punctually, parking next to the fountain outside.
The driver respectfully opened the door, and Damien stepped out, his presence as imposing as ever, though to Emma, he seemed perennially shrouded in gloom.
Entering the house, the phone rang, and Damien answered with a detached, "Take care of it."
Emma tensed immediately, her hand gripping the sofa tightly.
Who was on the call? What did that final "Take care of it" imply? Could it be about Ethan Turner? The thought panicked Emma.
Unbeknownst to her, Damien had approached, noting Emma's discomfort.
"Feeling unwell?" he inquired, his tone calm, betraying no sign of their previous confrontations.
Emma, momentarily lost in thought, nearly blurted out, "What have you done to him?" but held back, knowing full well such a question would only incite Damien.
