Chapter 2: The Midnight Lockout
Marcus laughed when his key card failed.
He tried again.
Red light.
A third time.
Another sharp beep.
"System error," he muttered, forcing a smile as several employees looked away.
His mistress, Vanessa, folded her arms impatiently.
"Marcus, tell someone to fix it."
The Security Chief approached with two managers.
For years, they had obeyed Marcus without hesitation.
Tonight, none of them met his eyes.
"Mr. Whitmore..." the Security Chief said carefully, "...your executive credentials have been suspended."
Marcus stared at him.
"What did you just say?"
"The Board has issued emergency instructions."
Marcus grabbed the manager by the jacket.
"I'm the CEO!"
The manager calmly removed Marcus's hand.
"You were."
At that exact moment, every executive phone inside the hotel received the same notification.
May you like
Effective immediately: Marcus Whitmore has been removed from all operational authority pending investigation.
Vanessa's confident smile slowly disappeared.
