Chapter 3 - The Breaking Point
Ethan felt a familiar fire ignite in his chest. For three years, since Sarah passed away, he had channeled all his energy into being a gentle, patient father for Lily. But before he was a father, he was a builder. He had built this empire from nothing, brick by brick, dealing with ruthless competitors. He knew exactly how to handle a man like Marcus Sterling.
"I see," Ethan said calmly. "And tell me, Marcus—does your brand image approve of staff members mocking travelers? Does it approve of a housekeeping employee being threatened for showing basic human decency?"
Marcus frowned, thrown off by the stranger using his first name so casually. "What happens among my staff is internal business. Right now, my priority is maintaining the prestige of this hotel. Please take your key card and use the service elevator around the corner. We wouldn't want to disturb the incoming board members."
"The service elevator," Ethan repeated, a dark, dangerous smile playing on his lips.
"Yes," Karla chimed in, regaining her courage. "It’s best to keep the main lobby clear."
Right at that moment, the main doors opened again. A group of men and women in high-end business attire walked in. It was the regional executive board of the Vance Group, arriving early for the gala. At the front of the group was Arthur Pendelton, the Chief Operating Officer of the entire global corporation and Ethan’s closest friend.
Marcus’s face instantly lit up. "Mr. Pendelton! Welcome, welcome!" Marcus bypassed Ethan, stepping forward with his hand extended, eager to impress the second-in-command of the empire.
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Arthur Pendelton ignored Marcus’s extended hand entirely. His eyes had locked onto the man standing by the desk holding a sleeping little girl.
Arthur’s jaw dropped. He pushed past Marcus so fast he nearly knocked the general manager over.
