“I know, it’s unbelievable,” Chloe said, shaking her head and gesturing dismissively toward Evelyn. “I caught her trying to scan into the executive lift. Can you imagine? She was holding some ridiculous fake VIP card, acting like she owned the place. But don’t worry, Mr. Vance. I took care of it.”
Chloe pointed a French-manicured finger down at the floor, proudly showcasing her handiwork.
Arthur’s gaze slowly dragged downward. He stared at the two broken halves of the heavy, premium black access card lying by the toe of Evelyn’s nude high heel. He saw the embedded gold microchip, now cracked perfectly down the middle.
Arthur knew exactly what that card was. There were only three of them in existence. He had one in his own pocket.
A cold sweat broke out across the back of Arthur’s neck. His collar suddenly felt unbearably tight. He tried to speak, but his throat was completely dry. He swallowed hard, making a faint, choked sound.
“Ch-Chloe…” Arthur finally managed to stammer, his voice trembling so badly it barely sounded like his own.
“Honestly, the nerve of some people,” Chloe interrupted, rolling her eyes and completely ignoring the panic radiating from her boss. She crossed her arms, turning her smug gaze back to Evelyn. “They think because they put on a cheap knock-off suit they can just bypass the front desk and rub elbows with the executives. I already told her to get out before I have her thrown out.”
The whispers in the background grew slightly louder. A junior financial analyst holding a tray of coffees stopped dead in his tracks. A receptionist behind the sprawling glass front desk stood up, watching with wide eyes.
Evelyn hadn’t moved a single inch. She didn’t look angry. She didn’t look embarrassed. She looked at Arthur with the calm, terrifying patience of a predator watching its prey realize it had nowhere to run.
“Arthur,” Evelyn said.
Her voice wasn’t loud, but it cut through the murmuring lobby like a freshly sharpened blade.
The crowd collectively gasped. Several employees exchanged bewildered glances. No one in the building—not even the senior vice presidents—called Mr. Vance by his first name in public.
Chloe’s jaw dropped in sheer outrage. She uncrossed her arms and took an aggressive step toward Evelyn.
“Excuse me?!” Chloe barked, her face flushing red with fresh anger. “Did you just address Mr. Vance by his first name? Who do you think you are? You don’t speak to him! You don't even look at him!”
Arthur raised a shaking hand, reaching out as if he could physically grab the words out of the air before they did any more damage. “Chloe, shut up. Please, just—just stop—”
But Chloe was on a righteous crusade now. She was defending the castle, completely unaware that she was standing on the tracks, arguing with the conductor of the oncoming train.
“No, Mr. Vance, you are entirely too polite,” Chloe insisted, giving him an obsequious nod before turning her wrath back onto Evelyn. “This woman is clearly unhinged. She’s trespassing, she’s harassing senior leadership, and she’s refusing to leave.”
Chloe snapped her fingers high in the air, signaling the front desk. “Security! Get over here! Now!”
From the far side of the lobby, two large security guards in dark suits hurried over. Their heavy footsteps echoed loudly against the marble. The lead guard, a broad-shouldered man named Marcus, looked between the broken card on the floor, the trembling executive, and the furious marketing manager.
“Is there a problem here, Ms. Miller?” Marcus asked, his tone cautious. He had worked in corporate security long enough to sense when the energy in a room was dangerously off.
“Yes, there is a problem, Marcus,” Chloe snapped, pointing a sharp finger mere inches from Evelyn’s face. “This woman is an intruder. I caught her trying to sneak into the VIP elevator. I want her physically removed from the premises immediately. Drag her out by her arms if you have to.”
Marcus frowned. He looked at Evelyn, noting her impeccable posture, the expensive cut of her cream suit, and the quiet, immovable confidence radiating from her. People who snuck into buildings didn't stand like that. People who didn't belong usually panicked when security arrived. This woman looked perfectly at home.
“Ma'am, is this true?” Marcus asked respectfully, keeping a safe distance.
Before Evelyn could answer, she smoothly shifted her gaze from the security guard back to the Chief Operating Officer, who was now openly hyperventilating.