Chapter 158

In the Langford Tower monitor room, the security manager's dark circles betrayed a sleepless night. His eyelids felt heavy, constantly threatening to close. He fought the urge, his gaze fixed on the LCD screen displaying over a dozen crucial images. He believed these surveillance feeds would reveal Elaine and Gilmore's escape route from Langford Tower.

All night, he replayed the video from the corridor outside Room 8, 50th Floor. He saw them enter, but never leave. They seemed to have vanished. He also reviewed footage from several other key locations, but found no trace of them. Nevertheless, Tobias's orders kept him relentlessly reviewing the tapes and monitoring the cameras, hoping for a clue.

Early morning arrived. He knew any new discoveries were unlikely. Exhausted, he yawned, yearning for a nap in the monitor room before reporting his lack of progress to Tobias.

As he rose from his chair, a movement on the screen caught his eye. His eyes widened. Something significant was happening. The camera facing Room 8 showed the door opening; Gilmore and Elaine emerged, hand-in-hand, walking towards the elevator.

Confusion turned to dawning realization. "They were in the room all along?" he wondered. Yet, Tobias's thorough search of Room 8 had yielded nothing. Why were they leaving now?

He had no time to ponder. Gilmore and Elaine were already exiting the lobby elevator, preparing to leave Langford Tower.

"Oh no! I can't let them escape!" he exclaimed, grabbing his walkie-talkie. He barked orders to the lobby security guards: "Listen up! All first-floor security, stop the young couple just leaving the lobby. Don't let them go!"

"Roger that, manager!" a guard responded.

Another guard queried, "Manager, we're stopping that couple?"

"Yes! Go after them! They just left the lobby—the couple holding hands! You'll be sorry if you let them escape!" he yelled into the walkie-talkie.

"Yes, manager!" the guards replied fearfully.

The security manager raced from the monitor room to the elevator. His anxiety mounted. If Elaine and Gilmore escaped, Tobias would fire him. He took the elevator to the first floor and rushed outside. He saw a dozen panting security guards running towards him.

"Where are they?" he demanded.

A breathless guard, displaying his cell phone, reported, "Manager, they drove off as soon as we started chasing them." He added, "We couldn't catch them, but we have photos as proof!" He showed the security manager a video of a sleek, luxurious Mercedes Benz speeding away, leaving the guards behind.

The security manager's mouth twitched. He was too late! He'd failed. Terror etched itself on his face. He hesitated, unsure whether to call Tobias.

His phone rang. The caller ID read "Mr. Weston." His face darkened. He answered, "Hello, Sir. Good morning!"

Tobias's voice was laced with contempt. "Mr. Tinch, don't tell me you've found nothing after a night of investigation—how did Elaine escape?"

The security manager hesitated, then blurted, "Sir, Elaine and Gilmore, the guests in Room 8, remained in the room all night and left only thirty minutes ago."

"They stayed in the room? Did you order their apprehension?" Tobias demanded.

"Sir, they escaped in the blink of an eye. My men chased them, but they sped off," the security manager replied dejectedly.

"Damn it! Idiots! I'm coming to Langford Tower now," Tobias seethed, ending the call.

Meanwhile, Gerald and Everly (in Rooms 9 and 10, 50th Floor) each received a message from Gilmore: "Driving a friend to the station. Leave the hotel quickly. Someone's after me."

They immediately alerted Harlan and his wife. The four quickly departed Langford Tower.

Tobias arrived at Langford Tower, followed by bodyguards. The security manager led them to the monitor room, replaying the footage of Gilmore and Elaine leaving Room 8.

Tobias was sure they'd hidden there the previous night, yet the room had been searched.

"Let's go back to Room 8," Tobias ordered.

"Yes, Sir," the security manager replied.

They rushed to Room 8. The security manager opened the door; Tobias strode in, followed by his bodyguards.

"Check for hiding places," Tobias instructed.

A bodyguard pointed to the bed. "Sir, there's blood!"

They saw blood staining the white sheets.

The sight visibly affected Tobias. He knew what it meant. The security manager and bodyguards held their breath, silently cursing the bodyguard who had pointed out the blood. Tobias's anger was palpable. Fear silenced everyone.