Chapter 2: The Arrogance of the Small Mind
Marcus laughed, a harsh, grating sound that echoed through the high-ceilinged atrium. "Fire me? Do you even know who I work for? I’m the head of security for this sector. I decide who stays and who goes. You're just a woman with a bag you probably can't afford."
He leaned in, his presence meant to threaten. "Don’t you dare try to lecture me. I saw your type the moment you walked in. You think because you dress like you have money, you can run the place? Get out before I have you physically removed."
Elara remained perfectly still. She watched him—his puffed-out chest, the way he adjusted his tie to look important, the way he ignored a couple nearby who were clearly touching jewelry without gloves. She knew exactly what he was doing. It was a power game, and he was losing it without even realizing the match had started.
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"You have thirty seconds," Elara said, checking her watch.
"Thirty seconds for what? You to leave?" Marcus scoffed, turning his back on her to chat with another guard. He felt untouchable. He had done this a dozen times before, and every time, the "troublemaker" had scurried away with their tail between their legs. He didn't notice the sudden silence that began to ripple through the store as staff members stopped what they were doing and looked toward the entrance.
