Skip to content 
Stepping between them, I gently took the wine bottle from Maya’s trembling hands.
Vanessa pointed furiously at me. “Get this trash fired. Both of you smell like a barn.”
I looked directly at Daniel.
He stared at the floor.
Something old and tender inside me broke cleanly apart.
Richard stormed toward us. “Do you know who I am?”
“Yes,” I answered calmly.
He sneered. “Then you know I can destroy this hotel.”
Mr. Harlan appeared behind him, calm and perfectly composed.
“Actually,” he said, “that may prove difficult.”
Vanessa spun around. “Who are you?”
“The general manager.”
“Perfect. Remove her.” She pointed at me. “And the server too.”
Mr. Harlan looked toward me.
“Ms. Avery,” he said evenly, “would you like me to proceed?”
The room froze.
Vanessa’s smile flickered uncertainly. “Ms. Avery?”
I gave a small nod.
“Proceed.”
For the first time all night, Vanessa looked unsure of herself.
It was not a flattering look.