Chapter 10

As Elijah stepped into the elevator, he felt a rush of excitement. It had been ages since he'd even ridden in an elevator, let alone one this sleek and polished, lined with mirrors and soft lighting.

The feeling of luxury surrounded him as he pressed the button for the top floor. The doors closed with a quiet hum, and he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face.

This was his first real taste of what having money and freedom felt like. No more being looked down on or treated like he didn’t belong. For the first time, he had control over his life, and tonight was just the beginning.

Soon, the elevator glided to a smooth stop at the top floor, and with a soft ding, the doors slid open. Elijah stepped out into a quiet, dimly lit hallway lined with luxurious carpeting and framed artwork.

Taking a deep breath, he walked down the hall, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpet. Finally, he reached his suite door. With a quick swipe of the key card, the door unlocked with a satis