Part 23: The Extraction Window

Part 23: The Extraction Window
The plan was simple.
During the keynote speech, Clara was supposed to take Leo to the penthouse suite they had rented two floors down, claiming the boy was tired.
My father’s extraction team was waiting in the service elevator.
Everything was perfectly timed.
But arrogant men are unpredictable when they feel their control slipping.
Elias noticed the silent exchange between Clara and me.
He didn't know what it meant, but his paranoia flared.
Instead of staying for the applause, Elias grabbed Clara’s arm.
Hard.
“We’re going upstairs,” he hissed.
I watched them disappear toward the private elevators.
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The timeline had fractured.
I didn't panic. I set my glass down and walked toward the emergency stairwell.