Everyone went dead silent. A second later, Tina sneered. “Are you insane? Do you even know where you are? This is the biggest five–star hotel in the city–a single night costs a fortune. Renting the entire place would be, what, at least a hundred grand? You really think you can afford that?”
“If you don’t believe me, ask the staff,” I said, keeping my voice steady as I motioned for the security guard to get a receptionist.
The guard hesitated but eventually went to fetch someone. A receptionist named Lily walked over, and after getting a rundown, she gave me this patronizing look.
“Ma’am, these guests booked their wedding properly. Even if you’re staying here, you don’t have the authority to kick out other guests. If you keep causing trouble, I’ll have to ask security to escort you out.” Her words were polite, but her tone dripped with condescension, like she was dealing with some delusional woman.
I didn’t flinch. “My name is Zoe Thorne. I booked this hotel last night and paid in full. Maybe you should double–check?”
I’d rented the entire place out for a week, mainly to have room for the private investigators I’d hired to track down Henry.
Lily didn’t even bother checking; she just rolled her eyes. “There’s no need. I know exactly who’s booked here and who isn’t. This isn’t the kind of place anyone can just rent out for a week. If you’re going to pretend to be rich, at least pick somewhere believable.”
Stifled laughter rippled through the crowd.
“Zoe, after all these years, you’re still just as pathetic, Mona said with a smirk, covering her mouth as she laughed. “If you had any sense, you’d leave quietly. Instead, here you are, making a scene for nothing.”
Tina chimed in, “If I were you, I’d find the nearest hole to crawl into and save myself the humiliation.”
Ignoring them, I pulled out my phone, ready to contact the hotel manager who’d handled my reservation. Henry slapped the phone out of my hand, sending it clattering to the floor.
“Enough,” he snapped, his face twisted in irritation. “Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough?”
