CHAPTER 145
KATYA POV
The elevator hummed softly as it descended, and for a few blessed seconds I let myself breathe.
Just the quiet whirring. Just the promise of work. Just… space.
But the second the doors slid open. Chaos swallowed me whole. I froze on the threshold.
The entire third floor buzzed like a kicked anthill.
Maids rushed back and forth in every direction, arms full of trays, flowers, fabrics, polished glasses, metal stands, crates of champagne, baskets of whatever, boxes sealed with gold labels I didn't recognize.
A rolling cart rattled past me, stacked so high with decorations it looked like it might tip.
Someone was shouting orders. Someone else was yelling back. Shoes clicked, heels clacked, brooms swept, doors slammed, and voices overlapped in frantic waves.
I blinked rapidly.
What…?
A maid nearly collided with me, skidding to a stop. "Watch it!" she snapped before bolting off again without waiting for a reaction.
