Twenty minutes later.
They stood in front of a tall building.
Glass and steel. Modern. Expensive-looking.
Sign above the entrance: WebNoble Headquarters
Large letters. Gold. Pretentious.
Alex looked up. Harmony Plaza. Fifteenth floor.
They walked toward the entrance.
Glass doors. Revolving.
A security guard stepped forward. Hand raised.
"Stop."
Middle-aged. Uniform. Bored expression.
"Are you authors, editors, or staff?"
Alex gestured to Lilian. "She's an author."
Pointed to himself. "I'm nothing."
The guard's expression didn't change.
"Then you can't enter."
"Authors need appointments. Non-staff aren't allowed."
Waved his hand. Dismissive.
"Please leave if you have no business here."
Lilian's hand tightened on Alex's arm.
Pulled him back gently.
"Alex... maybe we should just forget it."
Her voice soft. Resigned.
"I was almost over it anyway."
"It's not worth the trouble."
Alex looked at her. Her eyes down. Defeated.
No.
He took out a thing.
