“Mr. Blackwood, I swear it wasn’t intentional—”

“You’re dismissed,” Ethan stated coldly.

The manager’s face went pale. He stared at Ethan, stunned.

When he didn’t move, Ethan’s voice sharpened. “Leave. Now.”

The man snapped back to reality. Being fired was better than facing Ethan’s full wrath. He scrambled away in panic. The two staff members fled right after him.

The lobby fell silent. Only Ethan and Isabella remained.

Ethan moved closer, his gaze fixed on her.

“What are you doing here?”

His tone was softer now, edged with concern.

Isabella drew a shaky breath and met his eyes. Her emotions were a tangled mess.

“I…” She trailed off, unsure how to explain.

Ethan didn’t push. He waited, patient.

“I’m looking for my mother,” she finally whispered, voice thick.

Surprise flickered in his eyes. He placed a hand on her shoulder. A light, steadying touch.

“Tell me everything.”

She took another breath, gathering herself.

Then she shared everything. The investigation. The lead that brought her to Salzburg. This hotel.

Ethan listened, his expression growing more serious with each word.

“This bracelet belonged to her,” Isabella said, showing him the beads. “A wealthy woman sold it to Mr. Wright. He gave me a number registered here…”

“Come upstairs. You need to rest,” Ethan said, his voice low but firm.

She hesitated only a moment before letting him guide her. They stepped into the elevator. The doors closed, sealing them in silence.

The small space felt charged. Heavy.

Isabella kept her eyes down, fingers twisting the fabric of her coat. Her chest felt tight. From exhaustion. Or his presence. She wasn’t sure.

Ethan watched her from his periphery before focusing on the ascending floor numbers.

Ding.

The elevator reached the top floor. The doors slid open smoothly.

Benjamin stepped forward, ready to report—but he froze when he saw Isabella behind Ethan.

His professional demeanor faltered. His eyes darted between them, uncertain.

He opened his mouth, then closed it. Struggling for words.

Finally, he managed a quiet, “Mr. Blackwood…”

Ethan gave a slight nod, calm as ever. “Is the room prepared?”

Benjamin blinked, refocusing. “Yes. The presidential suite is ready.”