THE CEO MOCKED A SINGLE MOTHER AND HER SON—UNTIL THE HOTEL’S TRUE OWNER WALKED THROUGH THE DOOR
Chapter 4
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At that moment, Noah noticed a photograph on the wall.It showed a group of hotel employees standing outside a renovated building. Several people wore work uniforms. An elderly woman stood in the center, holding a plaque.Noah recognized the woman."Mom?"Evelyn turned."What is it, sweetheart?""That's Mrs. Lewis."Richard followed his gaze."Who?""The lady who helped Dad when he got sick."Evelyn's expression softened.The woman in the photograph was Margaret Lewis, a former housekeeper who had worked at the Grand Sterling for twenty-three years.When Evelyn's late husband, Michael, had undergone emergency surgery years earlier, Margaret had helped Evelyn find affordable accommodation near the hospital. She had also organized meals for the family during a difficult month.Margaret had eventually retired, but Evelyn had ensured she received a modest pension."Have you seen her recently?" Evelyn asked Richard.He looked uncomfortable."I believe she retired last year."Noah shook his head."No. I saw her last week."Everyone looked at him."Where?" Evelyn asked."Outside the building where Grandma Grace used to live. She was carrying boxes."Evelyn sat very still.Margaret had been living in an apartment owned by the hotel group as part of an employee retirement arrangement."Did she say why she was moving?" Evelyn asked."She said someone told her she had to leave. She looked sad."Richard rubbed his forehead."I wasn't aware of that."Victoria spoke quickly."Some of the employee housing agreements were reviewed last year. Certain units were reassigned according to operational requirements.""Was Margaret's pension affected?" Evelyn asked."I would have to check.""Check now."Victoria looked offended."Ms. Carter, we have a great deal of business to discuss. I don't think an individual housing matter should—""Check now."Evelyn's voice was quiet.That made it more intimidating than shouting.Victoria picked up her tablet.She typed for several seconds, then stopped.Richard noticed her expression."What is it?""The system shows that Mrs. Lewis's housing agreement was terminated.""By whom?"Victoria hesitated."Me.""Why?""Her apartment was needed for a visiting executive.""Which executive?"Victoria didn't answer.Evelyn leaned forward."Which executive, Ms. Hale?"Victoria's eyes flickered toward Richard.Then she said, "Your brother."Richard stared at her."Daniel stayed in an employee apartment?""Temporarily.""Why was that necessary?""He was assisting with a consulting project."Evelyn looked at the records."So an elderly employee who had served this hotel for twenty-three years was removed from her home to accommodate a consultant whose company was receiving unexplained payments."Victoria's face had become pale."When you put it that way—""That is exactly how it happened."Victoria pushed back her chair."I have explained my decisions. If you intend to turn every management choice into a personal accusation, perhaps we should involve legal counsel.""By all means," Evelyn replied.Victoria stood."I have nothing more to say.""Then you're free to leave."Victoria walked toward the door.But before she reached it, Evelyn spoke again."One more question."Victoria stopped."Why did you label the apartment transfer as an emergency relocation?"Victoria's shoulders stiffened.