"My parents always taught me that helping people matters."
Arthur nodded.
"That's a good reason."
Lucas continued.
"I also want to save enough money to study hotel management."
Arthur looked interested.
"Do you have a plan?"
"Yes, sir. I'm taking online courses whenever I can."
Arthur smiled.
"Keep going."
Lucas did not know that those two words would eventually change his life.
CHAPTER 7: THE ROOM THAT HAD NEVER BEEN CHANGED
Robert escorted Arthur to the hotel's private historical suite.
It was located on the twenty-third floor.
The room had originally been designed for the founding partners.
Unlike the hotel's newer presidential suites, this room was relatively simple.
It contained a large bed, a sitting area, a wooden desk, and a balcony overlooking the city.
Arthur had spent countless nights there during the hotel's construction.
He had worked at the desk.
He had reviewed architectural drawings.
He had argued with contractors.
He had celebrated the completion of the building.
And he had shared many quiet evenings with Margaret.
When Arthur entered, he stopped.
The furniture was still there.
The desk was in the same position.
The old photograph of the original construction team remained on the wall.
He walked toward it.
His eyes settled on Margaret.
She was smiling.
Arthur gently touched the frame.
"She would have liked this."
Robert stood quietly.
"Mrs. Bennett is remembered here."
Arthur nodded.
"Thank you."
He placed his backpack beside the desk.
Then he opened the plastic bag.
Inside was a small wooden box.
He removed it carefully.
Robert watched.
"What is that, sir?"
Arthur opened the box.
Inside was a gold key.
It was old-fashioned, heavy, and beautifully engraved.
The inscription read:
GRAND AURELIA β ORIGINAL MASTER KEY β 1992.
Robert stared.
"I thought that key had been lost."
Arthur smiled.
"It was never lost."
He held it in his hand.
"Margaret kept it."
Robert looked at the key.
"Why did she have it?"
Arthur answered softly.
"Because she said it reminded her of the day we finally opened the doors."
He closed the box.
"She wanted me to remember why we built this place."
CHAPTER 8: THE SECRET BEHIND HIS ARRIVAL
Robert invited Arthur to sit.
"Sir, may I ask why you've come back after all these years?"
Arthur looked toward the window.
The city was changing.
Buildings were taller.
Traffic was heavier.
The streets were brighter.
But something about the view remained familiar.
"Margaret passed away six months ago."
Robert's expression softened.
"I'm deeply sorry."
Arthur nodded.
"She had been ill for some time."
He paused.
"Before she died, she asked me to return here."
Robert listened.
"She wanted me to see the hotel again?"
Arthur smiled faintly.
"She wanted me to see the people."
Robert looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
Arthur explained.
"When we built this hotel, Margaret believed that its success would depend on the people who worked here."
He looked toward the general manager.
"She used to say that a beautiful building could impress a guest for a few minutes, but kindness could stay in someone's memory forever."
Robert nodded.
"She was right."
Arthur continued.
"After I left the company, I received several reports about the hotel. Some were good. Others were concerning."
Robert's expression changed.
"Concerning?"
Arthur nodded.
"I heard that employees were being treated poorly. I heard that some guests were judged by their appearance."
Robert looked uncomfortable.
"I wasn't aware of every incident."
"I understand."
Arthur looked at him.
"That's why I came."
He took a breath.
"I wanted to see whether this place still represented what Margaret and I believed in."