“No.”
Claire heard him.
For one second, something uncertain crossed her face.
Then pride covered it.
Naomi turned back.
“I want the general manager.”
“He’s unavailable.”
“Then the manager on duty.”
“I am the manager on duty.”
“Excellent.”
Naomi reached into her bag.
Claire stiffened.
Naomi removed her phone.
She opened the reservation email.
Then another message.
She handed the screen toward Claire.
“Read the sender.”
Claire looked.
Michael Sutton – General Manager, Ashford Grand Hotel.
The email had been sent the previous evening.
Ms. Grant, we look forward to welcoming you tomorrow. Your executive suite is confirmed. Please let me know personally if there is anything our team can do before Monday’s meetings.
Claire read it.
Her face lost some color.
She looked at Naomi.
“Where did you get this?”
Naomi almost smiled.
“He sent it to me.”
Claire looked again.
“This could be—”
Naomi’s eyebrows rose.
Claire stopped.
Mr. Robinson looked toward the computer.
“Claire.”
She ignored him.
Naomi asked, “Could be what?”
Claire hesitated.
“Nothing.”
“No. Finish.”
Claire swallowed.
“I simply need to verify with Mr. Sutton.”
“Please do.”
“He’s not on property.”
“Call him.”
Claire looked around.
Guests were beginning to notice.
She lowered her voice.
“I think it would be better if we continued this somewhere private.”
Naomi shook her head.
“You were comfortable questioning me here.”
Claire’s lips tightened.
“Ms. Grant.”
“Yes?”
“Please lower your voice.”
Naomi stared at her.
“My voice has not changed once.”
Mr. Robinson looked down.
He knew she was right.
Jordan squeezed Naomi’s hand again.
Then he asked something nobody expected.
“Why doesn’t she believe you?”
The adults became quiet.
Naomi looked at him.
Claire looked away.
Jordan continued.
“You showed her the email.”
“I know.”
“You showed her your card.”
“Yes.”
“And your license.”
“Yes.”
“So why doesn’t she believe you?”
Naomi felt dozens of eyes nearby.
She wanted to protect him from the answer.
She also refused to lie.
“I don’t know.”
Jordan looked at Claire.
“Do you?”
Claire’s expression changed.
She seemed almost angry at being questioned by a child.
“That’s enough.”
Naomi’s entire posture shifted.
Mr. Robinson noticed immediately.
Naomi stepped slightly in front of Jordan.
“You will not speak to my son that way.”
Claire realized the mistake.
“I didn’t mean—”
“Whatever problem you believe you have with me stays with me.”