Chapter 111. News Broadcasting

I am behind the wheel, driving on what should be an enjoyable ride, but the thrill is replaced by gnawing anxiety. My mind drifts, and I notice a digital billboard flashing with the latest news updates. The traffic is slow, but that’s a blessing right now. I have all the time in the world to absorb the details of the breaking news.

The billboard, which was earlier promoting Beyoncé’s upcoming musical concert, now shifts to a serious news update. My heart skips a beat as I read the new headline. The news anchor, a woman I recognize from countless TV reports, is now speaking directly to me through the screen.

This woman is not just a newscaster; she’s a fixture in the city’s news landscape. Her face is synonymous with breaking news, and seeing her now feels like a personal invasion of my privacy.

“Just a few minutes ago, Matriarch Alessandra Russo, the richest woman in the country, was just shot! The shooter has yet to be identified.”

A rush of sati