After slipping on the mask and shades, Hadley helped Elissa do the same. She met Tamara’s eyes. “Take a different elevator. We can’t risk anyone noticing us.”

Tamara hesitated, her brows knitting together. “But Mr. Scott said—”

“Trust me on this,” Hadley cut in, her urgency clear. “We can’t risk running into Ernest with you by our side. He will immediately notice.”

Tamara towered above most women in any crowd. And worse still, Ernest knew she was working for Eric and always by Hadley’s side.

“I’ll bring Elissa down first and wait in the car,” Hadley added. “There are four bodyguards on watch down there. Don’t worry. We’ll be alright.”

The elevator doors slid open at just the right moment.

“Move!” Hadley yanked Elissa inside without giving Tamara a chance to catch up.

Tamara wavered for a beat and then bolted for the stairs, determined to meet them in the lobby.

Inside the elevator, Elissa and Hadley pressed close together, trying to look inconspicuous.

At every stop, more people crowded in, making the small space even tighter.

Leaning in, Hadley whispered, “It’s safer with all these people around us.” A packed elevator meant it would be easier to slip by Ernest unnoticed if he happened to appear.

“Right.” Elissa squeezed Hadley’s hand, nerves making her grip unsteady.

When the elevator finally opened on the ground floor, they stepped out, hands still clasped. Heads lowered, neither dared to make eye contact with anyone despite their disguises.

“Let’s keep moving!”

“Got it!”

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They slipped into the bustling crowd, weaving their way through bodies to reach the exit.

A sudden jolt of fear ran through Hadley. She spotted Ernest storming in from the entrance.

Elissa’s fingers dug into her arm, confirming that she had seen him too. They tried not to breathe too loudly, keeping their faces turned down as they sped up.

All of Ernest’s attention was locked on Addy. He barely registered anyone else as he rushed toward the ward.

He brushed right past Elissa.

Her heart thudded in her chest, and for a moment her knees threatened to buckle.

Hadley kept her steady, holding on tight.

Once inside the elevator, Ernest froze mid-step.

Quentin glanced at him, looking baffled. “Is something wrong?”

A troubled look flickered across Ernest’s face. “Something isn’t right…”

“Not right? What do you mean—” Quentin started, but didn’t get to finish.

Ernest had already bolted out of the elevator.

“Mr. Flynn?” Quentin was completely at a loss.

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