Outside the ballroom, the cold night air greeted her like an old friend.
A sleek black government sedan waited beneath the entrance canopy.
Two military police officers stood beside the vehicle.
The moment Celeste appeared, both snapped to attention.
One opened the rear door.
The other saluted.
"Good evening, Commander."
She acknowledged them with a slight nod before stepping inside.
The convoy pulled away without unnecessary fanfare.
Inside the ballroom, no one moved.
Arthur suddenly shoved past the frozen guests.
"Wait!"
He rushed toward the entrance, nearly slipping on the marble floor.
By the time he burst outside, the convoy had already reached the gates.
Its taillights disappeared into the darkness.
Arthur stood motionless.
His chest tightened.
Something was terribly wrong.
Not with tonight.
With the last ten years.
Behind him, Daniel slowly walked outside.
Neither man spoke.
They simply watched the empty road where Celeste had vanished.