Chapter 39. A Shocking Encounter

Victoria’s POV

In my quest to avoid being discovered by Ethan, I had decided against taking the elevator directly. I knew Margaret would find it suspicious if I bypassed the stairs completely. Instead, I’d used the elevator to descend to a lower floor before stepping out, opting to navigate the rest of the way on foot.

My heart pounded heavily against my chest as I walked, my head bowed low to avoid attracting attention. The nervousness and anxiety gnawed at my composure, leaving a nauseating weight in my stomach.

Stay composed, I told myself. You can’t afford to fall apart now.

Each step echoed in my ears as I moved through the corridor. The building was eerily quiet, the faint hum of fluorescent lights overhead amplifying the silence. I kept my strides steady, but every fiber of my being was on edge, ready to bolt at the slightest hint of danger.

Then, just as I neared the hallway that led to the stairwell, my heart lurched at the unmistakable