Elena hated elevators. Not because they were small, not because they made that awful ding noise every five seconds—but because of mornings like this one.
She had stepped inside with her coffee (a boring black one, thanks to Frost's tyranny), only to find Alexander already standing there, crisp suit, immaculate as ever. Of course.
"Good morning, Mr. Frost," she said, trying to sound professional and not at all like she was still annoyed about yesterday's macchiato theft.
"Miss Carter." He gave her the briefest of nods, eyes glued to his phone.
The elevator doors closed. The silence stretched.
Then, three floors down, the doors opened again—and in swept Sophia Bennett.
"Elena," Sophia said, her smile just sharp enough to cut glass. "Still fetching coffee, I see?"
Elena returned the smile, sugar-sweet. "Well, someone has to keep Alexander from fainting due to caffeine deficiency."
Sophia's eyes glittered, flicking between them. "How… devoted."
Alexander didn't look up from his phone, but Elena swore she saw his mouth twitch—just slightly.
The elevator began moving again. Then it jolted. Stopped.
The lights flickered.
"Oh, fantastic," Elena muttered. "Trapped in a metal box. Just what I always wanted."
Sophia sighed dramatically, leaning against the wall. "How inconvenient. Though I suppose it could be worse." Her gaze slid to Alexander. "At least I'm in excellent company."
Elena rolled her eyes so hard she was surprised they didn't fall out. "Yes, what a dream. Power outages and awkward silences."
"Awkward?" Sophia's smile widened. "Oh, darling, the only one making this awkward is you."
Before Elena could snap back, a voice crackled over the intercom: "We're experiencing a temporary power outage. Please remain calm."
"Calm," Elena muttered, pacing. "Sure. Trapped in an elevator with my boss and his Bond-villain ex. Totally calm."
Alexander finally looked up from his phone, fixing her with that cool, unreadable gaze. "Miss Carter."
"Yes?" she shot back.
"You're rambling."
Her jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"
"You do it when you're nervous," he said simply.
Elena threw her hands up. "Well forgive me for being slightly stressed in a tiny metal death box."
For the first time, Sophia let out a low laugh. "Adorable. She really is."
Elena crossed her arms, glaring at both of them. "If this elevator doesn't move soon, I swear I'll—"
Ding.
The doors slid open. Freedom.
Elena stormed out first, muttering about "overgrown ice statues" and "evil Disney villains."
Behind her, Alexander and Sophia exited more slowly. Sophia smirked. "She's spirited. I'll give her that."
Alexander said nothing. But as he followed Elena down the hall, the corner of his mouth curved in the faintest, most dangerous smile.