"Well, then, you probably don't have an appointment."
Richard nodded.
"Perhaps you could check with him."
Ethan looked increasingly irritated.
"Sir, we're quite busy. If you need a room, I can help you with that. Otherwise, you'll need to contact the administration department."
Richard glanced around the beautiful lobby.
"I don't need a room."
"Then I'm afraid I can't help you."
The older man remained polite.
"Would you mind checking one more time?"
Ethan laughed.
"Do I look like someone who has time to make phone calls for people who walk in without appointments?"
Chloe looked down, pretending to organize some documents.
Richard studied Ethan's expression.
He had seen this kind of behavior before.
But he had not expected to encounter it inside a hotel that carried his family name in its original ownership documents.
"Young man," Richard said quietly, "I think you should be careful about how you speak to people."
Ethan straightened.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
Ethan laughed again.
"Sir, if you're unhappy with the service, you're welcome to leave."
Richard did not move.
Instead, he placed a small black card on the counter.
"Please give this to the general manager."
Ethan glanced at the card.
There was no colorful company logo.
No gold lettering.
No impressive title printed across the front.
It simply contained a name and a telephone number.
Ethan pushed it slightly toward Richard.
"We don't accept business cards from random visitors."
Richard slowly picked it up.
For the first time, his expression became serious.
"Then perhaps you should find out who you're speaking to before making another mistake."
CHAPTER 2: THE MANAGER ARRIVES
A few minutes later, a middle-aged man wearing an expensive navy suit walked out of the management corridor.
His name was Victor Collins.
Victor had been the general manager of the Grand Imperial Hotel for nearly six years.
He was proud of the hotel's reputation and even prouder of his position.
He believed that employees should never question his authority.
When he noticed the argument at reception, he immediately approached.
"What is going on here?"
Ethan quickly explained.
"Sir, this gentleman wants to speak with management, but he doesn't have an appointment."
Victor looked at Richard.