Chapter 154

In the Langford Hotel's monitor room, the suited security manager paused the surveillance video. He looked up at a grim-faced young man in his twenties and respectfully reported, "Sir, Elaine entered Room 8, 50th floor."

This young man was Tobias Weston, eldest son of the Langford Tower owners. After his bodyguards failed to find Elaine when she fled his room, he'd summoned the security manager to review the surveillance footage. They quickly located Elaine entering Room 8. It was Gilmore's room.

A cold light flickered in Tobias's eyes. "Does she think she can escape me by hiding there?"

A burly man with a buzz cut, standing behind Tobias, asked, "Sir, shall I retrieve her?"

"No, we're going together," Tobias decided. He then instructed the security manager, "Mr. Tinch, introduce yourself as Elaine's boyfriend. Beat the guy in the room and take Elaine."

The security manager understood Tobias wanted him to pretend Elaine was cheating. He detested the plan but obeyed, given Tobias's identity. Minutes later, Tobias, the security manager, and several guards headed to Room 8.

Meanwhile, Gilmore and Elaine sat on the sofa, admiring the night sky through the floor-to-ceiling window, awaiting a meteor shower. Gilmore's eyes twitched; his "God's Eye" revealed Tobias's approach and plan. He smiled, thinking, "A brilliant plan, but not that easy to execute."

Footsteps and knocks sounded. A voice called out, "Elaine, I know you're in there. Come out, and we can pretend nothing happened. Otherwise, I'm breaking down the door!"

Elaine, hearing the commotion, paled. Whispering fearfully to Gilmore, she pleaded, "Don't open the door! It's Tobias!"

Gilmore took her hand. "No need to panic. Come with me."

He led her to a window, opening two. Elaine was surprised. "Escape through the window? We're on the 50th floor!"

Worried, she asked, "Isn't this too dangerous?"

Gilmore smiled. "Elaine, close your eyes. I'll do a magic trick. Don't open them until I say so."

Intrigued, Elaine repeated, "Close my eyes, and you'll do a magic trick?" She wondered how he could perform a trick now, but trusted Gilmore, who'd saved her and provided $200,000 for her father's surgery.

She obediently closed her eyes. She felt his hand on her waist, her heart racing. While she wondered about his intentions, she trusted him. He was unlike Tobias, who'd groped her and tried to hide his loan. The contrast was stark.

Gilmore whispered, "The magic begins. Don't open your eyes."

His breath on her ear created an intimate atmosphere. Her cheeks flushed; he tightened his grip, and she felt like she was flying.

She landed, opened her eyes, and found herself on a rooftop overlooking Oakhaven. It was Langford Tower. Astonished, she asked, "Is this Langford Tower's rooftop?"

Gilmore nodded. Elaine was speechless, marveling at his "magic trick" that transported them from the 50th floor to the rooftop.

(The final promotional sentences have been removed as they are not part of the story itself.)