Their conversation continued as Evelyn followed Miriam up the stairs.

Miriam walked ahead in silence. Her head was tilted at a slight angle. A flicker of malice passed through her eyes.

Suddenly, she spun around and shoved Evelyn with force.

Evelyn reacted instantly. She caught Miriam's arm, her own footing solid.

Frowning deeply, Evelyn stared at the woman. "Did you just try to push me?"

She paused for a beat before continuing. "I don't know you. We have no history. What possible reason could you have to hurt me?"

Evelyn had been cautious since arriving. But she never expected an attack from a stranger, a cleaner she'd just met. This woman had tried to send her tumbling down the staircase.

A thought struck her.

Perhaps this wasn't their first encounter. Maybe this woman knew exactly who she was.

"What are you talking about? I don't understand." Miriam, her plan foiled, panicked. She tried to wrench her arm free. "Let me go! I'm warning you, I'll call the police!"

Evelyn let out a cold laugh. "Go ahead. We can explain everything. Why you brought me up here. Your attempt to push me down the stairs. Tell me, what is your motive?"

Panic flashed in Miriam's eyes.

"You're mistaken! I was just checking you were still behind me. Don't twist my actions." Frustrated, Miriam countered vehemently. "This is an injustice! I was only helping you find your way, and now you accuse me? I'm just a cleaner!"

Evelyn remained unmoved. She tightened her grip. "Whether it's a false accusation or the truth isn't for you to decide. We're going to security. The hallway cameras will show what really happened. Then we'll see how you explain yourself."

Determined to uncover the truth, Evelyn knew this was no simple misunderstanding. The cleaner's action was deliberate and malicious. There had to be a deeper reason. Without another word, Evelyn forcefully grabbed Miriam and started pulling her back down the stairs. Miriam's eyes widened in sheer terror. She struggled violently to break free.

It was useless. Her prolonged illness had left her weak. She was no match for Evelyn's firm hold.

Evelyn summoned unexpected strength. She dragged Miriam all the way to the first floor.

"Release me!" Miriam screamed in desperation.

As they neared the hotel's security office, Miriam's fear intensified.

In a sudden, desperate move, she stomped hard on the hem of Evelyn's gown. The fabric jerked taut, pulling Evelyn backward. She lost her balance.

"Ah!" Evelyn cried out in surprise.

Seizing the opportunity, Miriam shoved Evelyn sideways and broke into a run.

"Stop right there!" Evelyn yelled, giving chase.

In her rush, Evelyn's heel twisted awkwardly. She stumbled forward dramatically.

A faint snapping sound echoed. A sharp, immediate pain shot through her ankle.