Chapter 7 - The Master Key
Elena screamed as the broken platform plummeted down the side of the towering hotel.
The emergency brake miraculously engaged on the secondary cable with a bone-jarring metallic screech.
They were left dangling dangerously just outside the massive glass windows of the Grand Ballroom.
Inside, hundreds of oblivious guests were still dancing and drinking champagne.
Carter kicked the glass window with his heavy combat boots, shattering a hole large enough for them to squeeze through.
They tumbled back onto the ballroom floor, hiding behind a thick velvet curtain to catch their breath.
"Victoria still has the drive, and she is heading for a helicopter on the roof," Carter panted.
"The roof access requires Julian's biometric master key," Elena realized, wiping sweat from her forehead.
She peered through the curtain and saw Julian mingling near the center of the dance floor.
"I have to get close enough to steal the keycard from his tuxedo pocket," she stated firmly.
Carter looked at her like she had completely lost her mind.
"He already knows who you are, Elena, he will have you killed the second he sees you," Carter argued.
"He cannot execute me in front of three hundred high-society witnesses," she replied, stepping out from behind the curtain.
She boldly walked straight onto the crowded dance floor, intercepting the billionaire perfectly.
She placed her hand on Julian's shoulder, forcing him into a slow waltz before he could react.
"You are incredibly bold, Miss Vance," Julian hissed through a forced, public smile.
Elena smiled back sweetly while her fingers expertly slipped into his inner jacket pocket.
She secured the smooth plastic keycard and smoothly pulled away from his embrace.
Julian did not look angry at all.
May you like
He reached into his other pocket and pulled out a microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please lock the ballroom doors," Julian announced to the entire crowd.
