Chapter 2 - THE SUITE OF DECEPTION
The cool, pristine marble of the resort’s private office felt like a soothing balm against my feet as the heavy mahogany doors clicked shut behind me.
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching the white dust settle on the palm trees where the Mercer family's luxury van had just disappeared.
My general manager, Mr. Han, stood a respectful three feet behind me, his tablet clutched tightly, his professional mask struggling to hide his deep indignation.
"We have prepared the Presidential Pavilion as you requested, Ms. Arden, and the Mercer family has just completed their check-in process at the front desk," he said softly.
"They have already charged three cases of our most expensive vintage champagne and a private spa package directly to the complimentary master folio."
"They believe this is a grand promotional gesture from the resort's corporate sponsorship program," I said, a cold, sharp smile touching my lips.
"They believe that because I am quiet, because I wore a stained dress, I am sitting in a dusty bus terminal on my way back to the city."
"They have no idea that the very ground they are walking on is registered to the Arden Family Trust."
I reached up to touch the dried red wine on my collar, the memory of Daniel’s silent, cowardly stare burning far hotter than the liquid itself.
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"Let them order the finest dishes from the kitchen, Mr. Han, and ensure every single transaction is detailed on a separate, non-reversible invoice," I commanded.
"And when the investors' dinner begins at seven o'clock tonight, I want their table positioned directly in the center of the terrace."
