Alexander Blackwood sat behind his imposing desk in the top-floor office of Aethelgard Industries.

His assistant stood before him, delivering the latest findings.

"Sir, our investigation into The Grand Crestwood, the venue for the Sterling family banquet, has yielded a result. We identified the suspicious cleaning lady Mrs. Blackwood encountered. However, there is a significant anomaly. This woman does not appear in any of the hotel's official employment records."

Alexander's face hardened instantly. His eyes turned to ice.

"If she wasn't employed by the hotel," he said, his voice dangerously low, "then what was her purpose for being there, cleaning near the first-floor restrooms that night?"

The assistant shifted his weight slightly. "Considering the Sterling family managed the entire event that evening, their personnel were present throughout the building. It is highly probable she was among them."

A curt nod from Alexander confirmed he had considered the same possibility.

"This complicates matters, Mr. Blackwood," the assistant continued, his brow furrowed. "If she is indeed connected to the Sterlings, any further investigation on our part will be seen as a direct intrusion. It will undoubtedly alert them and could compromise our newly formed partnership."

Alexander shared the concern.

Aethelgard Industries had just finalized a major contract with the Sterling Group. Probing their internal affairs now was a considerable risk.

He weighed his options carefully.

Confrontation seemed inevitable if he wanted answers.

"Very well. After my eleven o'clock meeting, contact Jonathan Sterling's office. Arrange an appointment—"

A sharp knock on the office door cut him off.

His secretary's voice filtered through the heavy wood. "Mr. Blackwood? Apologies for the interruption. The front desk has informed me that Miss Amelia Sterling is here. She is requesting to see you."

Alexander's gaze snapped to his assistant. Their eyes met in silent understanding.

Without waiting for instruction, the assistant responded firmly. "Inform Miss Sterling that Mr. Blackwood is unavailable. Find a way to turn her away."

Downstairs, in the gleaming lobby of Aethelgard Industries, Amelia Sterling stood near the reception desk.

She was flanked by several large, stern-faced bodyguards.

Their collective presence created a palpable tension in the air.

The receptionist looked visibly uncomfortable under their silent scrutiny.

A moment later, the phone on the desk rang, its sharp trill breaking the silence.

Carol's expression brightened immediately.

"Answer it, now!" she demanded, her voice sharp with impatience.

The receptionist quietly lifted the receiver.

She listened for a moment before turning back to Carol.

"Miss Sterling," she said carefully, "I'm afraid our CEO is unavailable today. Perhaps Mr. Hayes would be able to meet with you instead?"

Carol's carefully maintained composure shattered.

She fixed the receptionist with a venomous glare.

"Are you stupid?" she hissed. "I specifically asked for the founder of Aethelgard Industries, not some underling! Do not attempt to pawn me off on someone else!"

Her eyes turned cold and hard.

She gritted her teeth, her voice dropping to a threatening whisper.

"My brother informed me personally that the founder is meeting with our executives today. Are you calling my brother a liar?"

In one swift motion, she grabbed a pen from the desk.

She brandished it like a weapon, pointing it directly at the receptionist's face.

"Stop playing games with me. The Sterling Group is a key partner. My visit today concerns vital corporate business. If you continue to lie to me, I will ensure your boss hears every detail of your incompetence. You will not enjoy the consequences."

The receptionist's face lost all color.

She visibly trembled.

She wasn't being deceitful.

She had received explicit orders from the highest level: Amelia Sterling was not to be accommodated under any circumstances.

But how could she possibly explain that now?