Chapter 15
Chapter 15 The Wrong Elevator
Opal’s card must have a lot of money-everyone knew the Marlows were wealthy.
But her mentor’s card…
Finched
Zora pressed her lips together and shook her head. She’d never checked it. It might look similar, but her mentor had been poor. There couldn’t be much inside.
He’d probably saved for years.
The kids back in Maplewood had never even seen the city. She wanted to make enough money to bring them out too.
This city was huge and bright. She wanted everyone from Maplewood to see it.
She had to find a way to earn more.
Back when she lived in the Knox Villa, Wendy had always hovered. Whenever Zora tried to go out, she’d bomb her with questions.
Jolie would add, “Going out, Zora? Seacrest has lots of important people. Be careful.
“If you cause trouble, call Mom. Don’t make us worry p>
It sounded kind, but it was sharp underneath.
Wendy ate it up, treating Zora like she’d wreck everything if she left alone.
Eventually, Zora just stopped going out.
Now she was free. She could do what she wanted.
She began mentally organizing a list of things to do.
Zora told the driver to drop her at the downtown mall.
She went inside and headed straight for a quiet elevator.
She thought it was strange-no one else was waiting for this one, even though other elevators had lines.
People nearby stared at her weirdly.
Soon, the doors slid open. Zora stepped in.
Everyone’s eyes widened.
Who is this girl? So bold! She just walked into Mr. Pierce’s private elevator.
Inside, the group’s conversation fell silent.
“Uh, miss-this elevator is p>
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14:47 Mon, May 25 MA
Chapter 15 The Wrong Elevator
Tristan Hayes, Leighton Pierce’s assistant, tried to warn her.
“Hmm p>
Zora looked back, confused, her eyes clear and innocent.
“Never mind. We’re not in a hurry p>
A lazy, deep voice cut through the quiet space.
The elevator doors slowly closed, and the car began to ascend.
It was too late to ask her to leave now.
Zora looked up at the man who’d spoken-and stared.
He was stunning, on par with her mentor.
Finished
He had slanted, almond-shaped eyes, messy brown hair, sharp, defined brows, a high, straight nose, and naturally pink lips. Dressed in a black shirt, collar unbuttoned slightly, he leaned casually against the wall- lazy, relaxed, and effortlessly handsome.
One word flashed through Zora’s mind.
Gorgeous.
She wanted to put him in a gilded cage and keep him all to herself.
“Staring much, kid p>
Leighton drawled. Something about her gaze felt odd.
Tristan bit back a smile.
His boss was teasing another girl.
But this one didn’t look like a chaser. She just seemed… dazed, like she wasn’t quite all there.
The executives exchanged looks.
“Nothing.” Zora didn’t like being called “kid.” She turned away.
She realized she’d gotten into the wrong elevator. It wasn’t public.
“Aren’t you gonna press a floor?” Leighton asked.
She was so out of it. Like a little penguin.
“Oh.” Zora pushed her button.
Nothing happened.
She turned back. “It won’t work p>
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14:47 Mon, May 25 MA
Chapter 15 The Wrong Elevator
Leighton blinked.
He hadn’t anticipated that either.
“Mr. Pierce, this is a private elevator. We have to go to the top floor first, then use a key card for the other floors,” Tristan explained.
That’s what he’d tried to say earlier.
But his boss had stopped him.
It was to keep obsessive fans from hounding his boss.
Silence fell between the two.
Zora glanced at Leighton.
Her eyes clearly screamed: You’re an idiot.
He shouldn’t have stopped his assistant from telling her to get out.
Leighton couldn’t believe he’d just been judged by a young girl. He opened his mouth, then stopped at her clear, unapologetic eyes.
Even the big CEO didn’t think about private elevator rules.
“Take her to her floor once we’re up,” he told Tristan stiffly.
“Yes, sir p>
They were headed to the 18th floor.
The elevator rose quietly. No one spoke.
Zora wasn’t one for words.
Zora wasn’t talkative. And Leighton was too embarrassed to say anything after being looked down on by the girl.
20
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The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All
Jane is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.