Chapter Three

LARA

The twenty-fourth floor didn’t look any different than it had earlier that morning. Same muted tones, same soft lighting, same quiet hum of administrative calm. But as I stepped out of the elevator, everything felt different. My steps slowed. My throat was dry. And despite my best efforts to stay calm, my nerves buzzed beneath my skin like static.

Sylvia’s door was slightly ajar.

I raised my