[Jake's POV]
The Jade Palace executive suites were located on the top floor, far removed from the noise of the casino.
The elevator was silent. Mirrored walls. No music. I watched my own reflection. The Pelican case in my left hand felt heavier the higher we went. The air inside was cold and smelled faintly of glass cleaner.
I walked out of the elevator, carrying the Pelican case in my left hand. The hallway was lined with dark wood paneling and thick, sound-absorbing carpet. It smelled like lemon polish and money. The lights were recessed, warm, and dim. Standing outside the double doors of the director's office were four Aegis contractors. They had their hands resting aggressively on their holstered weapons, their eyes locked onto me with intense hostility.
They knew I was the one who had dropped their men in the stairwell.
