"There is no updated arrival date."
"But I spoke to someone."
"Then perhaps there was a misunderstanding."
Claire closed her eyes briefly.
She was exhausted. Her leg hurt, her head throbbed, and the bruise on her cheek had become increasingly painful during the journey.
"I have the money," she said quietly. "If the reservation cannot be changed, I can pay for another room."
Marcus looked at her.
"Our standard rooms are already occupied."
"Do you have anything available at all?"
"We have suites, but they are considerably more expensive."
"That's fine."
Marcus raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure?"
Claire nodded.
"Yes."
He looked at her suitcase.
"Those suites require a substantial deposit."
Claire slowly pushed the gold-colored card toward him.
"Please check this."
Marcus picked it up.
The card was made of polished metal, with a small emblem engraved near the corner. It looked different from an ordinary bank card.
He examined it for a second before returning it to the counter.
"We'll need to verify it."
"Of course."
Claire waited.
Olivia looked uncomfortable.
She had noticed the woman's trembling hand and the way she leaned heavily on her cane. Something about Claire's expression made her feel that there was a story behind the injuries.
Marcus, however, had already made up his mind.
"Madam, this is a luxury property. We have standards that must be maintained. If you need assistance finding more affordable accommodation, I can ask our concierge to recommend another hotel."
Claire stared at him.
"Are you suggesting that I cannot stay here?"
"I'm suggesting that this may not be the most suitable property for your situation."
"My situation?"
Marcus gestured vaguely toward her appearance.
Claire's jaw tightened.
"I have a reservation. I have identification. I have a payment card. What exactly is unsuitable?"
Before Marcus could answer, a voice came from behind the reception desk.
"Marcus, is there a problem?"
It was the hotel's general manager, Jonathan Pierce.
He was a tall man in his late forties, known for his strict management style and obsession with maintaining the Bellmont's reputation.
Marcus turned.
"Just a booking issue, sir."
Jonathan approached.
"What seems to be the issue?"
Marcus explained that the reservation had not been updated and that the guest was requesting an expensive suite.
Jonathan looked at Claire.
His eyes briefly settled on the bruise across her face.
Then he looked at her cane.
"Madam, do you have another reservation confirmation?"
Claire showed him the email.
Jonathan read it.
He noticed the original booking date and the confirmation number.
"Who changed your arrival date?" he asked.
"I don't know his name. I called the hotel, explained my circumstances, and was told everything would be taken care of."
Jonathan handed the phone back.
"Let me look into it."
"Thank you."
Marcus leaned toward him.
"Sir, I don't think we should make an exception. We don't know whether the payment card is valid."
Claire heard him.
She turned toward Marcus.
"I haven't asked for an exception. I have asked you to honor an agreement."
Jonathan glanced at his employee.
"Please give me a moment."
He took the gold card and walked toward a small terminal behind the desk.
While he checked the details, Claire remained standing.