Chapter 5 - The Glass Staircase
Christian moved with lethal precision. He grabbed Clara by the elbow, guiding her out of the suite and bypassing the private elevators entirely.
""Why aren't we taking the lift?"" Clara whispered, holding Lily tightly beneath her oversized green cardigan.
""Marcus owns the building’s third-party security contractor,"" Christian muttered, leading her down a narrow, soundproofed service corridor lined with brushed steel. ""The main elevators can be remotely halted between floors from the basement master console. We take the internal fire stairs down to the executive garage.""
They descended the spiral concrete steps in heavy silence, broken only by the rhythmic click of Christian’s leather shoes and Lily’s quiet, rhythmic breathing. Clara's heart battered against her ribs. She was wearing borrowed designer slacks and a simple silk blouse Julian had provided, feeling like an imposter thrown into a war zone she didn't understand.
When they reached the sublevel four parking bay, the heavy reinforced door swung open to reveal a black armored SUV with tinted windows. The engine was already idling smoothly in the subterranean shadows.
Julian stood by the rear passenger door, his expression grave. ""The lobby is compromised, Mr. Vance. Marcus's lead enforcer, Thorne, is at the front desk with two plainclothes officers. They're demanding to inspect the residential registry.""
""Let them search,"" Christian said, helping Clara into the back seat. ""They won't find her name anywhere near my lease.""
Clara buckled Lily into the brand-new car seat that had already been installed. Her hands shook violently. ""What happens if they stop us at the gate?""
Christian climbed in beside her, pulling the heavy, ballistic-grade door shut. The seal engaged with a heavy pneumatic hiss, cutting off the sounds of the outside world. He turned to look at her, his broad shoulder pressing lightly against hers in the confined space.
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""They won't stop this car,"" Christian said, reaching out to gently clasp her trembling hand. His grip was surprisingly warm, steadying the chaos inside her. ""Hold onto Lily.""
The SUV surged forward, roaring up the concrete ramp toward the exit gate. As the security shutter rolled open to the blinding daylight of the avenue, a dark sedan violently swerved across the ramp, blocking their path completely.
