Chapter 36 · Arrested in Uniform

"Don't move." The guard's hand closed over my wrist before I even touched the elevator button. Ledger still tucked under my arm, apron still damp from the linen cart. "Security override on this floor. You're not cleared."

"I'm cleaning the executive corridor. Same as every night." I tried to pull back. His grip didn't budge.

"Not tonight you're not. Radio says unauthorized staff near the boardroom during a closed session." He clicked his shoulder mic. "Base, I've got her. Chambermaid, service badge only."

That word — chambermaid — landed like a slap, and I hated that it still worked on me after everything.

"Let go of her."

Jae's voice came from behind, flat and already annoyed, like he'd walked into this on purpose. He didn't look at the guard first. He looked at me — at the ledger corner sticking out from under my arm — and something in his jaw tightened before he covered it.

"Sir, she was inside the east corridor during your private call. Ms. Velasco flagged it."

"Ms.