Silent Substitution

Staff Corridor—Hotel Crest Sovereign, 18:25

Maeve walked with very confident steps—clipboard in hand, busy but unhurried expression. Like staff checking final preparations for a big event.

The staff corridor was much quieter than the guest area. Plain concrete walls. Neon lights too bright. Labeled doors: "Laundry", "Storage", "Staff Lounge".

Maeve counted steps—had memorized the hotel layout from