"Wait—ha! Did I hear that right?" Talia cracked up, laughing till her eyes watered. "Jerome, you sleepwalking or what? You just said you're the chairman of this hotel? Why not claim every hotel in this city while you're at it?"

She slipped her phone away and waved at the crowd, annoyed.

"So he's insane. Get him out. Security's a joke if someone like this can walk in. If I find out who let him in, they're fired. Oh—and grab him a couple dinner rolls on the way out. Call it Danny's final debt paid."

Guards closed in. I didn't move.

"This hotel isn't hers to run. You don't want the fallout from touching me." My tone made them pause.

Talia snapped at them, voice sharp. "What's wrong? You scared of a crazy person? I'm the general manager here—what are you afraid of?"

That did it. The guards moved in.

Right as they reached for me—

"Stop!"

A man stepped out of the conference room.

Martin Webster.

My company's rep. He was here to lock in next quarter's biggest deal with Talia. I'd even told him to hype her up using the files I gave him.

"Martin, cancel the deal. Pass it along—end it now. Fire Talia. Audit Cresthaven's books, see how much she's skimmed. And her husband and those kids—kick them out. They're not staying on my property."

Martin didn't even blink. He turned to Talia, smiling, and shook her hand.

"Ms. Sweeney, your private matters aren't my concern. We're looking forward to working together."

I froze.

Wasn't he my guy? Why was he backing her—like he didn't even know me?

Talia kept it cool as she walked over, flicking her hand. The guards shoved me to my knees.

"Jerome, still putting on a show?" She sneered. "Fine. Let's see what happens when you ignore me."

She lifted her phone.

"Let's give that old man a look at you now."

As she opened Grandpa's chat, panic hit hard.

"Talia, don't you dare!"

I fought like hell—another hit landed. Blood filled my mouth.

She grabbed my chin, yanking my head up to the camera.

"Hold still. Better angle. Let's see—how fast does that old man drop from the shock?"

"Talia!" I bit it out. "Turn it away. Now. He can't see me like this!"

She flicked the phone, bored. "That how you beg?"

She brushed the baby's cheek, soft voice, fake sweet. "All your fault. You scared my daughter. Apologize, maybe I'll think about it."

She started the video call. The ringtone cut through me.

"No... no..."

It was about to connect. No time. I couldn't let him go through that again.

"Hello, Talia—"

Grandpa's voice hit, and everything locked up.

The camera started to turn. I dropped my head, ready to do whatever it took to keep him from seeing.

Then—

A hand snatched the phone, ended the call, and steadied me.

"Let's see who thinks they can humiliate him."