The city seemed to fade into the background as John drove. The streets, once so familiar, became blurs before his eyes fixed on the road. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, as if trying to control not only the car, but also the whirlwind of emotions overwhelming him.

Leaving the main avenues behind, he entered a more remote neighborhood, an up-and-coming upper-class area. It was a less exclusive area than the circles he usually frequented, but one that was gradually gaining prestige