Chapter 5: The Owner Arrives
The lobby had become a stage, and Clara had been forced into the role of villain.
Guests were recording on their phones. Some employees looked at Clara with pity, but none of them dared to defend her.
Evelyn stepped closer and whispered, “You should have apologized when you had the chance. I can make sure you never work in this industry again.”
Clara looked at her through tear-filled eyes.
“You’re used to people being afraid of you.”
Evelyn smiled.
“They should be.”
Clara’s voice trembled, but it remained clear.
“Then today, I choose not to be afraid.”
Before Mark could force her to speak again, a deep voice came from the main entrance.
“What is happening in my lobby?”
Everyone turned.
Daniel Pierce walked in wearing a dark suit, followed by his assistant and the head of security. He rarely appeared during regular operations, but every employee knew who he was.
He was the owner of the Royal Harbor Hotel.
Mark immediately rushed toward him.
“Mr. Pierce, it’s only a small issue with a VIP guest. I’m handling it.”
Daniel looked at Clara’s red cheek. Then he looked at Evelyn clutching her arm.
“A small issue?” he asked coldly.
Mark swallowed.
“Miss Hart claims Clara pushed her in the elevator. The Hart family is requesting a public apology.”
Daniel turned to Clara.
“Did you do it?”
For the first time that morning, someone had asked her directly.
Clara took a shaky breath.
“No, sir. I did not attack her. She grabbed my name tag and shoved me first. I only moved back to protect myself.”
Evelyn shouted, “She’s lying!”
Victoria stepped forward.
“Mr. Pierce, I hope you understand the consequences of choosing a low-level employee over a family like ours.”
Daniel did not raise his voice.
“In my hotel,” he said, “a low-level employee is still a human being.”
The words spread through the lobby like a quiet shock.
Mark tried to interrupt.
“Sir, perhaps we should continue this privately.”
Daniel looked at him.
“No. If Clara was humiliated publicly, the truth will be shown publicly.”
Then he turned to security.
“Elevator Two. The last five minutes. Put the footage on the lobby screen.”
Evelyn’s face changed instantly.
“That’s not necessary,” she said quickly. “I don’t want to make this worse.”
May you like
Clara looked straight at her.
“No,” she said. “Let everyone see the truth.”
