Chapter 5 - The Reckoning
Ethan turned back to the staff. The quiet dignity he had maintained the entire night now felt like a crushing weight hanging over the room.
"Patricia," Ethan called out. The receptionist looked up, tears of terror welling in her eyes. "You told me I'd be better off at a cheap motel. Karla, you laughed and told me to use the service elevator. And Marcus... you told me my daughter and I didn't fit your demographic."
"Sir, please—" Marcus begged, his voice cracking. "I have a family, I've given five years to this company—"
"And in those five years, you forgot the very first rule of hospitality," Ethan interrupted, his voice cutting through the air like a razor. "We do not sell luxury, Marcus. We sell a home away from home. We sell sanctuary. If a tired father and a sleeping child are not welcome in my hotel, then no one is."
Ethan looked at Arthur. "Arthur, terminate Marcus Sterling, Patricia, and Karla immediately. They are banned from ever working for any Vance Group property worldwide. Escort them off the premises tonight."
"Consider it done," Arthur said, signaling the corporate security guards, who immediately stepped forward to remove the pale, weeping ex-employees.
May you like
Marcus looked back one last time, realizing that his arrogance had destroyed his career in a matter of minutes.
Ethan then turned his attention to Lupita, who was standing quietly in the corner, her eyes wide with shock. She had just defended a man she thought was a helpless stranger, only to find out he held her entire future in his hands.
