I watched her step into the elevator, and I quickened my pace, ensuring I reached it in time. This was just phase one of my plan, and I needed it to go smoothly—no mistakes, no miscalculations.
Before the doors could fully close, I slipped my hand between them, forcing them apart. The metal groaned as the sensors registered my obstruction, and the doors slid open once more.
Our eyes met for a brief second— just a flicker of recognition— before she quickly averted her gaze. I stepped in, my movements deliberate but casual.
Glancing at the illuminated panel, I noticed she had selected the seventh floor.
"Floor number five, please," I said, keeping my voice polite but firm. She was standing closest to the buttons, so without a word, she pressed it.
The elevator hummed as it began its asc
