ELIThe elevator ride up was long, or at least it felt long. Longer than usual. Maya was beside me, standing with her arms folded, her jaw set in that focused way she gets when she’s trying not to spiral.We hadn’t said much since the message.Eventually, the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. It was our cue to leave.And suddenly, I forgot how to breathe.Dean Holloway was standing directly outside the elevator, right in front of me, like he’d been waiting for the elevator.For a second, I genuinely thought I was hallucinating.He looked exactly the same as he did on campus, his tailored suit, composed posture, and his hands folded neatly in front of him.But he was clearly not supposed to be here.Not in Carter’s world.His eyes met mine and something flickered there but I couldn’t tell what it was“Eli,” he said with a small nod.And Maya went rigid beside me.“Dean Holloway,” she said carefully.He inclined his head slightly.“I didn’t expect to see you here.”That was al
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