The driver's hands trembled as he fumbled with the keys, desperately trying to ignite the engine. The fear and adrenaline coursing through his veins made his fingers unsteady. After a few tense moments, the engine roared to life, a harsh sound that seemed to echo his own panic. With a sudden, almost violent motion, the car lurched forward, tires screeching against the asphalt.
In the back seat, Lina was thrown against the side door by the force of the acceleration. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she could feel the bile rising in her throat. "Oh my god,slow down!" she screamed, her voice a mixture of terror and desperation. She grasped for the door handle, her knuckles white with fear, but her words were lost in the roar of the engine and the rush of the wind through the open windows.
Daniel, sitting beside her, remained eerily calm. His eyes were fixed on some point ahead, his jaw set in a firm line. He seemed impervious to the chaos around him, his composure a stark contrast to Lina's distress.
The car careened through the streets, Lina's body jolting with each sharp turn. Her hair was disheveled, her face pale, and her eyes darted wildly between Daniel and the driver. "This is insane!" she cried out, her voice barely audible over the roar of the engine.
The city streets blurred into a dizzying array of lights and shadows as the car hurtled forward. Lina clung to her seat, her knuckles white, her breaths coming in short, panicked gasps. She cast anxious glances at Daniel, who remained unflinchingly composed. The contrast between them was stark: Lina, a mess of nerves and fear, and Daniel, an unyielding pillar of control.
After what felt like an eternity, they finally screeched to a halt in front of Blackwood Enterprises. The imposing building loomed over them, its dark facade reflecting the chaos of their arrival. Lina fumbled with the door handle, her hands still shaking, and stumbled out of the car. She closed the door behind her with a resounding thud, taking a moment to steady herself on the sidewalk.
Before she could fully regain her balance, the car surged forward once more, tires squealing as it sped away. Lina watched in disbelief, her heart still racing from the harrowing ride. "Looks like Daniel doesn't want to live again," Lina muttered under her breath, frustration and disbelief mingling in her tone. She watched the car disappear down the street, her heart still racing from the harrowing ride. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she turned towards the imposing facade of Blackwood Enterprises. The sleek, dark exterior of the building mirrored her tumultuous emotions, but she steeled herself and walked purposefully towards the entrance.
As soon as she stepped into the lobby, the cool air conditioning provided a stark contrast to the warm morning outside. The lobby of Blackwood Enterprises was vast and modern, with polished marble floors that gleamed under the bright lights. Large, abstract sculptures and expensive-looking artwork adorned the walls, giving the space an air of sophistication and power.
No sooner had Lina crossed the threshold than the receptionist, a young woman with a sharp bob and a stylish uniform, looked up from her desk and immediately rushed towards her. Her face was a mask of concern, her eyes wide with worry. "Lina! Are you okay?" she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of shock and sympathy. She reached out as if to steady Lina, her hands hovering uncertainly. "What happened? Why did Lady Linda beat you up like that the other time?"
Lina flinched at the mention of Lady Linda, the memory of the past altercation still raw and painful. Although her appearance was slightly rumpled from the wild car ride, it wasn't enough to warrant the receptionist's concern. It was clear her worry stemmed from what had happened previously.
Despite the genuine concern in the receptionist's eyes, Lina had no desire to explain the morning's events. The details were too fresh, too painful, and she couldn't bear to relive them in front of a stranger. "I'm fine," she said curtly, avoiding the receptionist's gaze. She straightened her posture, trying to project an air of confidence and control, even though she felt anything but.
The receptionist hesitated, clearly wanting to ask more questions, but Lina's demeanor made it clear that she wouldn't get any answers. "If you need anything, please let me know," she said finally, her voice softer, tinged with reluctance. She stepped back, giving Lina the space she clearly needed.
Lina nodded briefly, grateful for the receptionist's discretion. Without another word, she moved past the desk and headed towards the elevators at the far end of the lobby. Each step felt heavy, her body still trembling from the adrenaline and fear of the car ride, but she forced herself to keep moving. The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and she stepped inside, the mirrored walls reflecting her slightly frazzled but determined appearance.