Cheshire, Wilmslow.
Night fell, and the eastern outskirts of the town were bustling.
The two-lane road had become heavily congested, forcing the town's police station to send officers to the intersections early, reminding all passing vehicles to take a detour.
"Sorry, the road ahead is closed tonight. Could you please take another route?"
A police officer knocked on the window of a Mercedes and asked.
Though phrased as a question, his tone sounded more like a reminder—or even an order.
"We're going to the party, sir." The driver lowered the window and spoke to the officer.
"Do you have an invitation?" The officer kept his eyes fixed on the distance and did not notice the driver inside.
"It's me, Officer." The driver reminded him again.
Only then did the officer turn his head and see Vincent inside. He was immediately startled.
"Oh, sorry, Vincent. There are too many people tonight. We can barely handle them all."
After saying that, the officer shouted to his colleagues manning the roadblock nearby, signaling them to let the car through at once.
"Hey, Vincent, are the people sitting beside you and behind you the team's new signings?" the officer asked with a smile.
His eyes were sharp enough to see through the tinted windows and spot the passengers in the front passenger seat and the back row.
"Yes, that's right." Kompany smiled.
"Okay! Everyone has to work hard in the new season! Let's bring home a Champions League trophy!"
The officer saluted, patted the roof of the car, and waved them through. He had to get ready to check the next vehicle.
After passing through the roadblock, the Mercedes headed east along the town's narrow streets.
"Is this really such a huge affair? Even the police have been mobilized?" Hazard sat in the