Chapter 3 - Unraveling the ConspiracyInside the sprawling, glass-walled penthouse suite on the top floor of the Grand Meridian, the city lights of the metropolis twinkled below like a field of scattered diamonds. A private chef had already been dispatched by Adrien's security detail to prepare a late-night feast, but Camila was sitting quietly on the velvet sofa, staring out at the skyline while Adrien gently applied a soothing lavender ointment to the faint red mark on her arm.
"It wasn't just a random mistake, Adrien," Camila said softly, watching his large, calloused hands move with surprising gentleness against her skin. "Patricia looked at me like she already knew who I was—or rather, who she thought I should be based on my clothes."
Adrien capped the small porcelain jar and set it on the marble coffee table. He sat back, lacing his fingers together, his jaw tightening. "You're right. Nothing in this hotel happens by accident. When I bought the debt holding company that owns this property three hours ago, my audit team pulled the internal logs."
Camila turned her head, raising an eyebrow. "You already ran an audit?"
A faint, dangerous smirk touched the corner of Adrien’s mouth. "Never leave your enemies unexamined, bella. It turns out Patricia Voss has been running a quiet little extortion scheme with several high-end luxury brands. They systematically weed out guests who don't 'look the part'—especially independent entrepreneurs or minorities—cancel their prepaid bookings, pocket the refunds through shell companies, and resell the rooms at inflated rates to VIPs under the table."
"And she thought I was an easy target because I wore a cardigan and sneakers instead of a designer label," Camila said, a fierce spark igniting in her dark eyes.
"She made the single biggest mistake of her miserable life," Adrien replied smoothly, reaching out to stroke a stray lock of hair away from Camila's cheek. "She assumed that because you are humble, kind, and down-to-earth, you had no power. She didn't realize that the woman holding my heart holds the keys to my entire empire."
"What are you going to do to her?" Camila asked, though she already knew the answer.
"By morning, Patricia and Jessica won't just be fired," Adrien said softly, his eyes flashing with lethal intent. "Every fraudulent transaction they've pushed through for the last three years will be handed over to federal prosecutors. Their licenses to work in hospitality will be permanently revoked, and the hotel will be completely restructured from the foundation up."
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Camila placed her hand over his, grounding him. "Good. Let justice take its course. But right now... I want room service to bring us hot chocolate and chocolate lava cake. Being harassed by snobs burns a lot of calories."
Adrien threw his head back and laughed—a rich, genuine sound that melted away the last lingering traces of tension in the room. He pulled her close against his side, kissing the top of her head. "Consider it done, my queen."
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