“Verify the reservation. Process the card through the appropriate system. And speak to me as you would speak to any other guest.”
Vanessa's eyes narrowed.
“Are you threatening me?”
“No.”
He took a slow breath.
“I'm asking you to do your job.”
Her face turned bright red.
“Security!”
This time, the guards approached.
The taller guard stopped a few feet from Elias.
“Sir,” he said quietly, “would you mind stepping aside while we sort this out?”
Elias turned toward him.
“Is the lobby being cleared?”
“No, sir.”
“Am I blocking an emergency exit?”
“No.”
“Have I threatened anyone?”
The guard hesitated.
Then answered.
“Not that I've seen.”
Elias nodded.
“Then I would prefer to remain here while the hotel explains why its manager has accused me of fraud without checking my payment method.”
The guard glanced toward Vanessa.
Her expression became more furious.
“Mr. Fulton, I gave you an instruction.”
The guard's name was Isaac Fulton.
He had worked at the Halcyon Grand for eleven years.
He knew how to handle difficult guests.
He also knew the difference between a genuine security concern and a manager who wanted someone removed because she was embarrassed.
Isaac kept his voice steady.
“Ma'am, I haven't observed a threat requiring physical removal.”
Vanessa stared.
“Are you refusing to follow my order?”
“I'm asking what conduct we're responding to.”
Elias looked toward him.
The answer told him something important about the hotel.
At least one person in the building still understood his responsibilities.
Vanessa opened her mouth to argue.
Then a phone began ringing.
The sound came from the marble counter.
Elias's smartphone.
He looked down.
The caller ID displayed the name of his corporate attorney.
RENEE PRICE — ACQUISITION COUNSEL.
For a moment, he simply watched the screen.
Then he answered.
“Renee.”
Vanessa rolled her eyes.
“Oh, wonderful. Now he's calling his lawyer.”
Elias tapped the speakerphone icon.
“Go ahead,” he said.
A woman's professional voice filled the space between him and the reception desk.
“Elias, congratulations. Closing counsel has confirmed that the final funds have been released, the transaction documents are effective, and the ownership transfer has been recorded through the agreed closing procedures.”
Vanessa frowned.
Elias remained silent.
The attorney continued.
“Your acquisition vehicle has completed the purchase of Crown Meridian Hospitality at a total transaction enterprise value of approximately three-point-eight billion dollars.”
The nearby guests became quiet.
Vanessa looked toward the phone.
Renee continued.