Dane's heart pounded in his chest, threatening to burst from the mounting tension. The hotel lobby now seemed unbearably oppressive, suffocating him with its plush furnishings and gilded decor. He clenched his fists, frustration simmering beneath his icy exterior. They couldn't find Marley. She had disappeared after leaving the Brooks', refusing to return to the hotel.
"Damn it!" Dane muttered, his mind racing as he paced back and forth. He couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was terribly wrong, that Marley was in danger.
"Any news?" Dane demanded, his voice taut with barely contained anger as he approached Arthur, who was busy making phone calls.
"Nothing yet," Arthur replied, concern etched on his face. "I've got people looking everywhere, but she seems to have vanished."
