Chapter 17
More eyes turned toward us.
I kept my head down, voice small. "I'll clean the shirt for you. Or replace it. Whatever works."
She looked me over slowly, as though offended by the suggestion."Can you afford to pay for it?"
Her nails were long and polished—sharp enough to dig.With one flick, she hooked my hair and tore off my mask.
It fell to the floor.And just like that—my face was exposed.
I heard someone behind me gasp softly.The woman in front of me froze, her sentence halting on the edge of her lips.
I closed my eyes for a second. Then, quietly, pulled the collar of my coat higher.
"I'm sorry," I whispered again. "I'll accept whatever consequence you decide."
Silence fell over the lobby like snow.
Then—ding.
The elevator opened with a soft chime.
And a tall figure stepped out.