"Mr. Bennett," Thomas said, his expression brightening with genuine respect. "I apologize for keeping you waiting. We weren't expecting you to arrive at the front entrance tonight."
The stranger nodded.
"That's perfectly fine, Thomas."
Thomas looked toward Victoria and Richard.
His expression changed.
"Is everything all right here?"
Before the stranger could answer, Victoria stepped forward.
"Actually, there seems to be some confusion. We were simply trying to help your staff maintain the standards of the hotel."
Thomas stared at her.
"Our standards?"
"Yes. I assume you want guests to feel comfortable entering your establishment."
"Certainly."
"Then perhaps you should make sure that people standing outside aren't creating the wrong impression."
Thomas looked toward the man in the brown jacket again.
For a moment, he appeared genuinely confused.
Then understanding dawned on his face.
"Mrs. Hayes," he said carefully, "may I ask what exactly you mean?"
Victoria blinked.
"How do you know my name?"
Richard answered quickly.
"We have a reservation for tonight. I'm Richard Coleman, from Coleman Property Partners."
Thomas nodded politely.
"Of course. Mr. Coleman. Welcome."
Richard seemed relieved.
He straightened his jacket.
"We're meeting some investors upstairs. I assume everything is ready."
"Your table is prepared," Thomas replied. "However, I believe we should clarify one small matter first."
He turned toward the stranger.
"Mr. Bennett, would you like me to introduce you?"
The stranger considered the question.
Then he looked directly at Victoria.
"I think introductions would be helpful."
Thomas took a breath.
"Victoria, Richard, this is Alexander Bennett, the founder and chief executive officer of Sterling Hospitality Group."
Silence fell over the entrance.
Victoria stared at him.
Richard went completely still.
For a moment, neither of them seemed to understand what Thomas had said.
Then Richard's eyes moved toward the black luxury car.
He remembered the emblem.
He remembered the executive photographs.
He remembered the articles he had read while preparing for a potential investment opportunity.
Alexander Bennett was not merely associated with Sterling Hospitality Group.
He was the person who had built it.
He owned a controlling interest in the company that operated the Grand Sterling Hotel.
He was also one of the most influential figures in the regional hospitality industry.
And Richard's company had spent the previous six months trying to secure a partnership with one of Bennett's investment divisions.
Richard's mouth went dry.
"Mr. Bennett," he said quickly, extending his hand. "I had no idea. It's an honor to meet you."
Alexander glanced at the offered hand.
He did not take it immediately.
"Is it?"
Richard froze.
"I mean, of course. I've followed your work for years."
"Have you?"
"Absolutely."
Alexander tilted his head.
"Then you might understand why I find your fiancée's comments particularly interesting."
Richard's hand slowly dropped.
Victoria felt the blood drain from her face.
She had spent the last several minutes insulting the man who owned the hotel in front of which she had been standing.
Not a random visitor.
Not a delivery driver.
Not someone who had accidentally wandered into the wrong place.
The owner.
The person responsible for the very establishment whose reputation she claimed to be protecting.
She tried to laugh.
"Oh, my goodness. This is terribly embarrassing. I had no idea who you were."
Alexander looked at her calmly.
"Would that have changed anything?"
Victoria opened her mouth.
No words came.
He continued.
"Would you have spoken differently if you had known my name? Would you have shown me respect if I had arrived wearing a tailored suit? Would you have considered me worthy of a conversation if I hadn't been standing beside an expensive car?"
Victoria looked toward Richard, silently begging him to intervene.
Richard appeared more concerned with protecting his own future than defending her.
"Mr. Bennett, I'm sure this has all been a misunderstanding," he said.
Alexander turned toward him.
"Please explain the misunderstanding."
Richard swallowed.
"Victoria can sometimes be a little direct. She didn't mean to offend you."
Alexander's expression remained unchanged.
"She told me that people who cannot afford expensive things should understand their place."
Richard looked at Victoria.
"Did you say that?"
She shook her head quickly.
"Not exactly."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"Not exactly?"
"I was joking," Victoria insisted. "I didn't mean it seriously."
"Then I suppose I misunderstood the joke."
Her eyes filled with nervous tears.
"Please. I would never intentionally disrespect someone like you."