It was as if it were the oldest heartbeat in this world, echoing steadily beneath the deep night sky.
.........
In the top luxury suite of a hotel in East Capital Center.
The heavy blackout curtains were drawn apart on both sides, and outside the huge floor‑to‑ceiling window was the dazzling neon of the prosperous city.
The room was carpeted with hand‑woven wool; stepping on it made no sound at all.
The central air‑conditioning vents sent out a mild breeze at just the right temperature, and the air was suffused with a faint fragrance.
On the spacious genuine leather sofa sat a man.
He looked to be around thirty, with short brown hair slicked back neatly with styling gel.
His facial contours were very deep, eye sockets sunken, and beneath his high nose bridge was a pair of slightly thin lips.
