Chapter 2: The Name on the Screen
Patrick's eyes moved slowly across the screen.
Then he read the name attached to the reservation out loud — not because he meant to, but because his brain hadn't caught up with his mouth yet.
"Clara Vance…
CEO…
Vance Hospitality Group."
Karl stopped smiling.
Patrick looked up.
Clara was still standing exactly where she had been — Lily asleep on her shoulder, roses in her hand, backpack on her back.
She hadn't moved an inch.
She hadn't raised her voice once.
"I — we didn't —" Patrick started.
"Suite 904," Clara said quietly.
"Please have someone bring up a crib.
My daughter has been awake since four this morning."
Karl's arms dropped from his chest.
He opened his mouth, then closed it again.
Lupita picked her towels back up from the luggage cart.
She didn't say a word.
But as she turned toward the elevator, Clara caught her eye and gave the smallest nod.
Patrick reached for the phone to call the general manager.
His hand was shaking.
That was when the ballroom doors across the lobby swung open — and the man who stepped out froze the moment he saw Clara standing at the front desk.
It was the general manager.
And from the look on his face, he recognized her immediately.
But there was something else in his expression.
Something that wasn't just surprise.
It looked like fear.
---
What does the general manager know — and why is he afraid?
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