Chapter 3 – Locked Out
Marcus discovered the truth twelve minutes after midnight.
He walked confidently toward the executive elevator inside the Ashcroft Grand.
His mistress, Vanessa, laughed beside him while carrying shopping bags filled with designer gifts she had chosen using the company account.
Marcus pressed his executive access card against the reader.
Red light.
He frowned.
He tried again.
Another red light.
"What?"
The night manager approached with two security officers.
His expression was polite.
Almost apologetic.
"Good evening, Mr. Carter."
"My card isn't working."
"I know."
Marcus laughed.
"Fix it."
"I'm afraid I can't."
The manager handed him a sealed envelope.
Marcus tore it open.
The first page contained only one sentence.
Your employment with Ashcroft Hospitality Group has been terminated effective immediately.
He stared at the paper.
"This is ridiculous."
"I'm the CEO."
The manager remained perfectly still.
"Not anymore."
Vanessa stepped forward.
"There must be some mistake."
"There isn't."
Marcus reached for his phone.
The board chairman didn't answer.
Neither did the chief financial officer.
Nor the legal department.
Even his executive assistant had already sent a short email.
Per instructions from the Board of Directors, I no longer represent your office.
For the first time in years...
Marcus looked genuinely afraid.
Outside, three black sedans quietly pulled into the hotel entrance.
My father stepped out first.
Then I followed.
Marcus turned toward me.
His confidence vanished.
"You planned this."
I shook my head.
"No."
"You planned tonight."
"I simply stopped protecting you from the consequences."
He pointed angrily toward the hotel.
"I built all of this."
"No."
I answered softly.
"You managed something that belonged to someone else."
Vanessa suddenly removed the sapphire brooch from her jacket.
Her hands trembled.
"I didn't know."
She placed it carefully into mine.
"I'm sorry."
Then she walked away without another word.
May you like
Marcus stood alone beneath the hotel's golden entrance lights.
Exactly where he had left me only hours before.
