The message read: "The Grand Crestwood, tonight at 7 o'clock."

"Why this hotel again?" Evelyn was visibly perplexed.

She recalled the previous scam call that had directed her to the very same location.

Could this truly be a coincidence?

Evelyn shook her head, momentarily dismissing her suspicions. The client had already transferred a significant deposit. A scammer wouldn't go to such lengths, would they?

Furthermore, The Grand Crestwood was one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. With numerous staff present, she felt her safety was reasonably assured.

Nevertheless, Evelyn wasn't taking any chances. She packed a few discreet self-defense items. It was a prudent precaution, given her recent streak of unfortunate events.

She couldn't afford another injury, especially with Alexander's birthday approaching.

After finishing her work, Evelyn informed her office of her evening plans and headed to The Grand Crestwood.

But upon arrival, the hotel manager stopped her.

His gaze swept over her, clear disapproval in his eyes, pinpointing her attire as unsuitable for the establishment's luxury standards.

"Who are you? Are you unaware of our formal dress code? Do you believe you belong here dressed like that?" the hotel manager addressed her, his tone dripping with disdain.

Caught off guard, Evelyn quickly apologized. "My apologies, I was unaware."

This was her first visit to The Grand Crestwood; the dress code was news to her.

It seemed she would have to return home to change.

At that moment, Theodore's assistant called again, his voice carrying a note of urgency. "Ms. Rossi, have you arrived?"

The question ignited a flicker of doubt in her mind.

Why did he sound so eager for her presence?

Shaking off her reservations, Evelyn responded, "I'm sorry, I've been stopped at the entrance. It may take me some additional time."

After a brief pause, the voice on the phone assured her, "Please wait right there."

Perhaps a wardrobe change wouldn't be necessary after all.

Evelyn paused, considering hailing a cab for a quick retreat, but decided to wait.

Soon, a man in a sharp suit emerged from the hotel.

He recognized Evelyn immediately and approached with formal courtesy. "Ms. Rossi, I am the one who contacted you. Mr. Vance is awaiting your arrival. Please, follow me."

Evelyn nodded. "Alright."

Without further deliberation, she followed him inside.

Suddenly, someone rushed over and blocked her path once more.

She looked up—it was the same hotel manager.

His haughty demeanor had completely vanished. Instead, he clutched Evelyn's hand, desperation in his voice.

"Please, forgive me! I had no idea you were an esteemed guest of Mr. Vance! I was completely ignorant of your importance. Please, overlook my mistake this once—I swear it will never happen again!"

Evelyn stood there, utterly dumbfounded, trying to process the sudden, dramatic shift.

Theodore's assistant frowned deeply and called out to the security personnel behind him. "What are you waiting for? Remove him. Immediately."

Almost instantly, two bodyguards approached and seized the hotel manager.

As they dragged him away, his face contorted and he began shouting, drawing stares from everyone nearby.

Evelyn's frown deepened, her confusion mounting. "What in the world is going on here?"