Almost everyone who had attended the unscheduled meeting about Meret's kidnapping and everything that followed had already left — including Xavier and Lisa.
Xavier had volunteered to take Lisa home, but when they stepped out of the palace, Lisa found her father waiting by the car, looking both relieved and furious. Once his eyes landed on his daughter, he turned and entered the car without saying a word. The silence spoke louder than anything he could've said.
Lisa didn't need to be told there was going to be a long night of lectures waiting for her. She only waved goodbye to Xavier, who understood without needing an explanation. He gave her a small nod before stepping into his car. Her father started the engine, and without a glance back, drove them away from the palace gates.
After they were out of sight, Xavier exhaled deeply, hands tightening on the steering wheel as he pulled out of the palace courtyard. The night air was still heavy from the events that had taken place.
