Chapter 163

Chapter 163:

It was rush hour, and the streets were packed with hurried office workers. Some stared at their phones, others ate breakfast as they walked, while a few tightly gripped their briefcases, rushing to their destinations.

The morning sun gleamed off the building’s glass panels, sending bright rays of light scattering.

With numerous companies inside, the elevator lobby was crowded.

All three elevator banks were full, except the one on the far right, which stood empty, separated by a glass door that created a small, exclusive space.

This was the executive elevator, reserved only for senior management. A password was required to open the glass door.

Fernanda remembered that Cristian had sent her the password for this elevator. She quickly opened their chat and found the code.

Watching the constant flow of people entering the building, it was clear it would take two or three more rounds before she could board. The path was completely blocked, so Fernanda had to maneuver through the crowd.

“Excuse me, could I pass through?” Fernanda asked the man in front of her, where there was a narrow gap.

The man assumed she was trying to cut in line. With a sharp glance, he snapped, “What do you want? Trying to skip ahead? Go to the back of the line p>

He moved forward, blocking the gap entirely.

Fernanda tried again. “I just need to get through. I’m trying to reach the other side p>

“No one’s letting you cut in line here either. How rude! Everyone’s waiting their turn. You think you can just jump ahead p>

His raised voice caught the attention of several people, all of them turning to glance at Fernanda.

A few exchanged knowing looks. They’d witnessed this kind of behavior before—someone trying to use their appearance to get special treatment. But this man wasn’t falling for it.

Fernanda stood there, speechless. The way was blocked, and she couldn’t exactly float over them, could she?

The man shot her a scornful look, clearly unimpressed.

He thought he saw through her game—pretending to pass by just to sneak into the line. Where could she possibly be headed? There was only one exclusive elevator, and she didn’t look like senior management. She must be a new employee. He wasn’t about to fall for such an obvious trick.

“Do you want to get through?” a young woman in front turned and asked Fernanda. “You can go through here p>

“Don’t be tricked by her! She’s just trying to skip the line!” the man shouted. “We’re all in a rush to get to work. Why does her time matter more than ours p>