“Elevators are to the left.

The corporate gala starts in twenty minutes, so please try to keep the hallway quiet.

Our high-profile guests expect a premium experience.”

Clara did not reach for the keycard.

She simply stood there, adjusting Lily’s sleeping weight against her chest, and fixed her dark eyes on Karl with an intensity that made the man, despite himself, involuntarily straighten his posture.

“What is your full name?” she asked, her voice dangerously calm.