We ran toward the elevator, the bright lights of the lobby reflecting off the polished metal doors.

Nathan pressed his executive security badge against the scanner.

The scanner beeped, but instead of the usual green light, a red light flashed twice.

A sharp, mechanical chime echoed through the quiet garage.

The screen on the wall lit up with a single word.

ACCESS DENIED.

Nathan stared at the red light.

His jaw tightened, a blue vein pulsing near his temple.

“She blocked my code,” he said.

“Can she do that?” I asked, clutching the thick manila folder to my chest.

“Not legally,” Nathan said. “Not without a full vote from the directors.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

His fingers moved quickly over the screen as he dialed.

“Marcus,” Nathan said when the call connected. “Where are you?”

He listened for a second, his eyes scanning the empty concrete garage.

“I am downstairs by the private elevator,” Nathan said. “My badge was deactivated.”

He paused, listening to the voice on the other end.

“I need you to override the system from the security room,” Nathan said. “Do it now.”