Chapter two

Chapter 2

As Miss Pat entered the Black suite, a flash of resentment crossed her face. She had been working at the hotel for years, and the constant parade of wealthy guests had grown wearisome. She never showed it on her face, but deep inside, every inch of gold, every glimmering light, and every guest dripping with privilege was a reminder of how far she was from that world.

The opulent suite, with its gold accents and crystal chandelier, seemed to mock her—a silent symbol of a life she’d never have. She shook off the feeling, fixing her expression into its usual stern lines.

A quick scan around the room and she spotted Tia and Nora moving through their cleaning routine. They were focused, like always. Miss Pat nodded once, then her eyes drifted to the coffee table. There, sitting carelessly like it meant nothing, was Adam Black’s wallet.

Her breath caught. For a moment, she just stood there.

She edged closer, quiet as a cat, her heels making the softest taps against the plush carpet. That wallet—it didn’t belong to her, but the temptation pressed hard. Her fingers twitched. A lifetime of restraint warred with a moment of reckless desire.

Before she could talk herself out of it, her hand moved. She grabbed the wallet and slipped it deep into her apron pocket. Her movements were smooth, professional. She didn’t flinch, didn’t pause. Just like that, it was gone from the table.

She turned back to the girls with a forced smile. "Everything in order here?"

Tia looked up and nodded quickly. "Yes, Miss Pat. We’re just finishing up."

"Good," Miss Pat replied curtly. She gave one last glance around the room, her jaw tight, and walked out without another word. Her heels clicked steadily as she moved down the hallway, the weight of the wallet in her apron now feeling like a ticking time bomb.

She didn’t get far before she almost collided with Adam Black.

Adam was walking back toward the suite, maybe to grab something he forgot. His tall figure, confident stride, and cold expression made people move out of his way without him saying a word.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Black," Miss Pat said quickly, her lips tightening into a polite smile. Her hand clutched the side of her apron.

Adam gave her a nod, barely looking at her. "Afternoon."

He walked past her without a second glance. Miss Pat exhaled slowly, only once she was far enough from the suite. That had been too close.

Adam entered the suite, immediately sensing something was off. His eyes swept the room, landing on the coffee table.

Empty.

His wallet was gone.

He stood still for a moment, his mind rewinding. He was sure—he left it right there.

"Hey, you!" Adam’s deep voice echoed across the room.

Tia flinched, nearly dropping her duster. She turned, her heart jumping. "Yes, Mr. Black?"

"My wallet," he said, his voice cold and sharp. "It was right here. Now it’s not."

Tia shook her head quickly. "I-I didn’t see anything. I’ve been cleaning the shelves. I haven’t touched the table."

Adam studied her face. She looked scared—but not guilty. Still, this was his Black Card. The situation wasn’t just frustrating. It was serious.

"Get your supervisor," he said firmly. "Now."

Tia nodded and rushed out of the room.

Moments later, Miss Pat returned, leading the way with her usual no-nonsense stride. A security guard followed close behind. Tia trailed them, her eyes wide with nerves.

Adam stood by the table, arms crossed.

"Mr. Black," Miss Pat said, trying to sound calm. "I assure you we’ll find your wallet. Let’s search the room again."

Adam raised an eyebrow. "Misplaced? That’s what you think happened here?"

Miss Pat didn’t flinch. "It’s standard procedure. Let’s just check."

The security guard began searching—under cushions, inside drawers, even checking the trash.

Nothing.

"It’s not here," the guard said, straightening.

Adam’s eyes locked on Miss Pat. "Then someone took it. And we’re going to find out who."

Miss Pat hesitated, then offered, "We should scan everyone's belongings. It’s the only way to be sure."

Adam gave a tight nod. "Do it. I don’t have all day."

The tension in the suite grew thick. The staff lined up, handing over their bags one by one. Nora went first—clean. Then Tia.

As the scanner passed over her bag, it beeped.

Everyone froze.

"What the hell?" Adam muttered, stepping forward.

The guard unzipped Tia’s bag.

Adam’s wallet was inside.

Tia gasped. "No—no! That’s not mine! I didn’t—"

Miss Pat's expression turned from calm to betrayal in seconds. "Tia! I trusted you! I gave you chances! How could you do this?"

"I didn’t! I swear I didn’t! I didn’t even see it!" Tia cried.

Adam stepped forward, his expression unreadable but sharp. "Save it," he said coldly. "It was in your bag. That’s all I need to know."

Tia’s throat tightened. Her legs felt weak. Her breath came in quick, uneven gasps. "Please... please believe me. I didn’t do this."

But no one was listening.

The room had already turned against her.