"James, I'm at the Grand Imperial."
"Wonderful, sir. Is everything all right?"
"No. I would like you to come downstairs."
There was a brief silence.
"Is there a problem?"
Richard looked toward Victor.
"Yes. A rather interesting one."
"Understood. I'll be there immediately."
The call ended.
Victor watched him with amusement.
"Are you calling someone to complain about me?"
Richard put his phone away.
"I'm calling someone who needs to see what is happening."
Victor laughed.
"That's very dramatic."
Richard said nothing.
Ethan leaned toward Chloe.
"He's probably trying to scare us."
Chloe whispered back.
"Maybe we should just let him speak with someone."
Ethan shook his head.
"Don't be ridiculous."
Victor checked his watch.
"I have a meeting in ten minutes. You have two minutes to explain why you're still standing here."
Richard looked around the lobby.
"How long have you worked here?"
Victor frowned.
"That's none of your business."
"Six years?"
Victor's expression changed slightly.
"How would you know that?"
Richard ignored the question.
"Have there been any recent changes to the maintenance contracts?"
Victor became defensive.
"What?"
"Have you reviewed the new maintenance invoices?"
"Who are you to ask me that?"
Richard looked at him.
"Someone who has a legitimate reason to ask."
Victor laughed loudly.
"Listen, old man. I don't know what game you're playing, but this is a private business. You have no authority here."
Richard's expression became colder.
"Are you sure about that?"
Before Victor could respond, the elevator doors opened.
A tall man in a dark business suit stepped into the lobby.
His name was James Wilson.
He was the hotel's chief operating officer and had worked with Richard for more than fifteen years.
James walked quickly toward reception.
When he saw Richard, he immediately stopped.
Then he straightened his jacket.
"Mr. Harrison."
He extended his hand.
"Sir, I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
The entire reception area fell silent.
Victor stared at James.
He recognized him immediately.
James was one of the most powerful executives in the hotel organization.
He rarely visited the reception area without a specific reason.
And he had just addressed the poorly dressed visitor as Mr. Harrison.