Chapter 23

• In the confined space of the elevator, with no immediate prospect of rescue, tension hung in the air. Layla tried to shake off her unease, but the situation triggered an unexpected panic in her. She felt her heart racing, her breathing becoming shallow and rapid. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead.
• Christian noticed Layla's distress and became genuinely concerned. "Layla, are you okay?" he asked, his voice softening.
• She struggled to catch her breath and nodded, her face pale. "I'm... I'm fine," she managed to say, but her trembling hands gave away her anxiety.