Rain began falling heavily before Zeraida's high-profile promotional event concluded. By the time she stepped beneath the hotel entrance canopy, the gentle drizzle had transformed into a violent downpour. Water hammered relentlessly against the pavement while flashes of lightning illuminated the darkened urban skyline.
Zeraida checked her phone display once again, frowning at the blank notification screen. There was still no sign of her assigned driver arriving at the venue.
This is turning into a complete disaster, she thought, releasing a quiet breath.
Her manager, Rhea, had already departed an hour earlier alongside the main production team. Rhea assumed the private Arventine chauffeur was en route to pick up Zeraida, leaving her completely unescorted.
Twenty long minutes slowly ticked by under the cold canopy. Then thirty.
