Chapter 16 - The Gathering Storm
By 7:30 AM the next morning, the grand marble lobby of the Grand Regent Hotel was packed with security personnel, high-powered corporate lawyers, and members of the international press. Cameras flashed continuously as sleek black town cars pulled up to the main entrance.
Richard Sterling stepped out of a limousine, wearing a immaculate thousand-dollar charcoal suit, cufflinks gleaming in the morning light. He walked into the lobby with absolute confidence, flanked by six private security guards and his lead attorney, Marcus Vance.
He glanced toward the front desk, expecting to see Patrick proudly standing guard. Instead, he saw two new, highly professional senior receptionists quietly checking in guests. Patrick and Karl were nowhere to be seen.
Richard frowned, walking over to the desk. "Where is Patrick? I specifically instructed him to clear the VIP elevator for my private board arrival."
Lupita stepped out from the management office, holding a clipboard, her expression completely unreadable. "Mr. Patrick was relieved of his duties late last night, Mr. Sterling. On orders from corporate management."
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Richard sneered, tossing his leather briefcase onto the counter. "Corporate management? I am corporate management! Who gave that order?"
👉 Lupita offered a calm, dangerous smile as the doors to the private executive elevator clicked open behind him.
