As she retreated, Carlow chuckled softly to himself, realizing she was genuinely upset.

It seemed he had pushed the joke too far.

Hurrying after her, he caught sight of Karina stepping into the closing elevator and called out, "Hold the elevator!"

Karina stood there, giving Carlow the silent treatment as the elevator doors closed gently.

Noticing her stubbornness, Carlow took a large step forward and pressed the open button just in time, causing the doors to reopen.

Despite Karina's tense expression, Carlow couldn't help but chuckle softly as he stepped into the elevator. "Didn't I ask you to wait? Were you ignoring me on purpose?"

Karina replied with a poker face, "Did you ask me to wait? You simply said, ‘Hold the elevator.' My hearing's just fine."

Carlow looked at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Are you genuinely upset?”

Karina remained silent, refusing to engage.

Sensing her unease, Carlow tone softened. “I'm sorry, I. I like to joke around with people I get along with. I hope you don't mind."

He had intended to say he liked to joke with those he was interested in, but he changed his wording, afraid of making her uncomfortable.

Karina remained silent.

Carlow moved closer, gently coaxing, "What can I do to make things right?"

The sudden close proximity of Carlow's striking features caused Karina's heart to skip a beat.

With a nervous swallow, she instinctively stepped back, urging, “Hey, give me some space, will you? We're hardly friends!"

Carlow, undeterred, closed the distance between them, his gaze exuding a gentle warmth.

"I thought we were pretty close after our little moment in the car," he remarked.

Feeling trapped, Karina's pulse quickened with panic.

His undeniable charm rendered her flustered, her heart racing uncontrollably.

As the elevator doors opened, Karina hastily pushed past him and fled.