Chapter 25

Chapter Twenty-Five

Genevieve stepped into the grand lobby, her eyes sweeping over the impressive space. Towering black stone walls framed gleaming white marble floors, intricately accented with gold trim. Nearby, elevators with shining gold doors stood ready to whisk visitors upward. She quickly scanned for the nearest restroom, slipping inside without hesitation. Once inside, she peeled off her leggings and swapped them for her heels. With a careful adjustment of her black, cap-sleeved dress revealed beneath her coat, she smoothed down the stray hairs around her face, giving herself a small nod of encouragement in the mirror.

Feeling a surge of newfound confidence, Gen made her way toward the reception desk. She waited quietly as the beautiful blonde receptionist finished her phone call. The woman ended the conversation and gave Gen a polite, though slightly strained, customer-service smile.

“May I help you?” she asked, her phone screen lighting up again with a steady stream of incoming calls.

“I’m sorry, I’m trying to find Accardi Industries. Are they…” Gen began.

“Fourth floor,” the receptionist replied abruptly before picking up the next call on hold.

Gen’s brow furrowed in confusion. Surely a company with the stature and revenue of Accardi Industries wouldn’t be tucked away so low in the building. If not the top floor, then at least somewhere higher than the fourth.