Chapter 1: The Empty Chair at Breakfast
The following morning, the Grand Regent Hotel felt different.
Word of what had happened in the lobby spread quietly through every department before sunrise.
Housekeepers whispered in elevators.
Bellhops exchanged uneasy glances. Restaurant servers suddenly greeted every guest with genuine warmth instead of rehearsed smiles.
No one wanted to become the next Patricia.
Ethan Vance arrived at the executive dining room wearing the same worn leather jacket. His appearance hadn't changed overnight, and neither had his habits. Lily sat beside him happily eating pancakes while her stuffed rabbit rested on the chair next to her.
Across the room, General Manager Thomas Caldwell stood nervously holding a folder filled with employee records.
"I've completed everything you requested, sir."
Ethan nodded.
"Good."
Thomas hesitated.
"Mr. Vance... Patricia and Karla both asked if they could apologize."
Ethan slowly stirred his coffee.
"They're not sorry because they judged me."
He looked toward Lily, who was laughing as maple syrup dripped onto her plate.
"They're sorry because they judged the wrong person."
Thomas lowered his eyes.
"I understand."
Just then, Lupita entered wearing a tailored navy business suit instead of her housekeeping uniform.
She looked uncomfortable.
"I've never worked in an office before."
Ethan smiled.
"Perfect."
She looked confused.
"The best people for leadership," Ethan continued, "are usually the ones who never wanted power."
Lily climbed off her chair and hugged Lupita.
"You smell nicer than yesterday."
May you like
Everyone laughed quietly.
For the first time in years, Lupita felt seen.
