“This establishment caters to discerning clientele,” he said. “Perhaps alternative arrangements would better suit your circumstances.”
Before I could respond, his hand struck my face with shocking force.
The sound reverberated through the lobby.
“Remove her immediately,” he barked toward security personnel.
I exited without resistance, cheek burning, hands trembling violently as disbelief collided with fury.
Inside my car, breath unsteady yet resolve crystallizing rapidly, I made three decisive calls. My private investigator. My head of security. My chief accountant.
Within an hour, devastation replaced uncertainty.
Victor had orchestrated embezzlement for eighteen months through fabricated vendors, manipulated invoices, and ghost payroll entries. The stolen funds exceeded two million dollars.
The financial trail led to Anthony Mercer. Daniel’s older brother. A board member. A trusted ally. They had intended to destabilize the company and force liquidation under manufactured financial strain.
I returned to the hotel immediately. Standing in the center of the lobby, voice steady despite internal upheaval, I spoke clearly before staff, guests, and cameras.