Derek walked around the counter, positioning himself between Damon and the elevators. His body language screamed authority—chest puffed, arms crossed.
"Here's what's going to happen," Derek announced, loud enough for the growing crowd. "You're going to admit this card is fraudulent, apologize to our guests for this disturbance, and leave quietly through the service exit. We won't call the police if you cooperate."
Elena nodded enthusiastically. "Otherwise, we're looking at criminal charges. Credit card fraud is a federal offense, sir. They take that very seriously when it involves repeat offenders."
The teenage TikToker's eyes widened. This was pure gold content; her finger hovered over the go-live button.
Damon remained perfectly still, his slight smile never wavering. Twenty-six people now surrounded the reception area, a perfect circle of phones and curious faces.
"I understand you're doing your job," Damon said quietly, his voice carrying despite its softness. "But you're about to make a very expensive mistake."
Elena scoffed. "The only mistake here is yours, thinking you could waltz into a five-star hotel looking like a janitor and fool anyone with this plastic toy."
She tossed the card onto the counter dismissively. It spun twice before settling face-down, the American Express logo hidden. The wall clock above reception showed 6:52 p.m. Time was running short.
Derek pulled out his phone, thumb hovering over his contacts. "Last chance. Admit fraud and walk away, or spend the night in county jail."
At Luxury Lifestyle, Bree's livestream peaked at 1,847 viewers. Her comment feed became a waterfall of reactions: This hotel is about to get sued. Someone screen record this. Plot twist: he's actually rich. This man's patience is incredible.
But Damon just stood there, hands clasped behind his back, watching Derek's finger hover over the phone screen. His expression remained unreadable—a man holding cards that nobody else could see.
In his pocket, his phone buzzed one final time. He glanced at the screen: Emergency Board Call: Chairman Williams.
This time, Damon answered. "Patricia, I'll call you back in exactly five minutes." His voice was silk over steel. "Something interesting is happening that requires my immediate attention."
Derek's confidence faltered slightly. The name "Chairman Williams" didn't register, but the tone in Damon's voice carried weight that even Derek's limited emotional intelligence could detect.