“Did you ask why he was being removed?”
“I did, sir. The manager told me he was refusing to leave.”
Samuel looked at him.
“You didn't know what was happening.”
Ethan lowered his eyes.
“I knew you were asking about a reservation. I should have said something.”
Adrian regarded him for a moment.
Then he said something Ethan would remember for years.
“Following an order doesn't erase your responsibility to think.”
He opened the door.
“Come with us.”
And together, they entered the Grand Aurelia.
CHAPTER 3: THE RETURN
Vanessa Whitmore was standing near the reception desk when she saw Samuel return.
Her expression instantly hardened.
She marched toward him.
“Excuse me! I thought I made myself clear.”
Samuel stopped.
Adrian stepped forward.
“Are you the general manager?”
Vanessa examined his expensive suit and watch.
Her tone changed immediately.
“Yes, sir. Vanessa Whitmore. How may I assist you?”
Adrian's eyes narrowed.
“Interesting.”
“I'm sorry?”
“You're suddenly very polite.”
Vanessa forced a smile.
“I don't believe we've met.”
“No. But you've met my father.”
She glanced at Samuel.
Recognition flashed across her face.
“Oh. I see.”
Adrian waited.
Vanessa straightened.
“Sir, I apologize if there has been some misunderstanding. Your father became rather disruptive earlier.”
Samuel stared at her.
“I never raised my voice.”
Vanessa ignored him.
“Unfortunately, we have strict standards regarding guest conduct.”
Adrian asked, “What conduct did he violate?”
“He was unable to provide a valid reservation.”
“Did you check?”
Vanessa hesitated.
“Our front desk team—”
“Did you personally check?”
Her smile faded.
“No, but—”
“Then how did you know the reservation wasn't valid?”
Vanessa looked toward the receptionists.
One young employee, Olivia Chen, lowered her gaze.
Adrian noticed.
“Miss, what's your name?”
“Olivia, sir.”
“Were you working when my father arrived?”
“Yes.”
“Did he ask you to check his reservation?”
Olivia looked nervously at Vanessa.
Vanessa interrupted.
“Olivia, this is a management matter.”
Adrian turned toward her.
“I asked Olivia.”
The lobby grew quiet.
Olivia swallowed.
“Yes, sir. He gave me his name. I was about to search the system when Ms. Whitmore stopped me.”
Vanessa's face tightened.
“That is not an accurate description.”
Olivia's hands trembled.
“I remember because he said his son had booked a special room.”
Adrian nodded.
“Thank you.”
Vanessa crossed her arms.
“Sir, with respect, I don't know what you're trying to accomplish.”
Adrian removed his phone.
He called someone.
“Margaret, please come down to the main lobby.”
He ended the call.
Vanessa laughed nervously.
“Margaret who?”
“Margaret Ellis.”
Vanessa's smile vanished.
Margaret Ellis was the regional vice president overseeing the hotel.
And the woman who had interviewed Vanessa for her position.
“Why would Margaret Ellis come here?” Vanessa whispered.
Adrian looked at her.
“Because I asked her to.”
A few minutes later, the elevator doors opened.
Margaret hurried across the lobby.
She stopped directly in front of Adrian.
“Mr. Bennett. I wasn't aware you were visiting today.”
Vanessa went completely still.
Margaret continued.
“Is there a problem, sir?”
Adrian turned toward Samuel.
“Yes.”
He placed a hand on his father's shoulder.
“Your general manager just threw the guest of honor out of my hotel.”
CHAPTER 4: THE RESERVATION THEY REFUSED TO CHECK
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Vanessa looked from Margaret to Adrian.
“Your hotel?”
Margaret's expression hardened.
“Vanessa, this is Adrian Bennett, chairman of Bennett Global Holdings.”
Vanessa stared.
Adrian continued calmly.
“Bennett Global acquired a controlling interest in the Grand Aurelia three months ago.”
Vanessa's mouth opened.
No words came.
“And this,” Adrian said, “is my father, Samuel Bennett.”
Margaret turned to Samuel.