Chapter 5 - The High Tower
Arthur and Maya quickly exited the grand ballroom through a concealed service door.
The transition from the glittering gala to the stark concrete hallway was jarring.
Maya led the way with her hand resting instinctively on her sidearm.
She moved with a fluid grace that belied the heavy tension in the air.
"We need to get you to the secure penthouse suite immediately," Maya instructed over her shoulder.
Arthur nodded, matching her rapid pace without complaint.
He was a powerful tycoon, but he was not unaccustomed to navigating sudden crises.
They stepped into a private elevator reserved exclusively for executive use.
Maya swiped a specialized keycard to override the standard floor controls.
The heavy steel doors slid shut, sealing them in a quiet, ascending box.
Arthur leaned against the mirrored wall and let out a long, exhausted breath.
"Marcus has been with my company for over fifteen years," Arthur murmured softly.
His voice carried the heavy weight of profound personal disappointment.
"Trust is a dangerous currency in your world, Mr. Pendelton," Maya replied without looking away from the floor indicator.
"Please, call me Arthur."
Maya simply offered a curt nod in professional acknowledgment.
The elevator chimed softly as it reached the top floor of the Belvedere Hotel.
The doors opened to reveal a massive, dimly lit penthouse overlooking the city skyline.
Maya stepped out first, her eyes sweeping the shadowed corners of the luxurious room.
Everything appeared perfectly still and completely undisturbed.
However, Maya’s smartwatch suddenly emitted a low, continuous vibrating pulse.
She stopped dead in her tracks.
May you like
"Get back in the elevator," Maya ordered in a fierce whisper.
Before Arthur could react, a figure stepped out from the darkness of the balcony.
