Chapter 8: Secret Meeting

Heidi's POV

I was on my way down to the lobby when I saw one of the hotel lady cleaners harassed by an old lady guest. She threw the bucket of dirty water and slapped the face of the female cleaner. I approached them and tried to stop the old lady.

"Ma'am. May I know what happened?" I asked. "She bumped at me, stepped on my foot, and scratched my bag. Don't you know that this is worth a hundred of thousand dollars?" She replied and showed her bag. From what I see, it is only an imitation, even her hills. I looked at the female cleaner, and she was shaking in fear. I asked her if that was real, and she shook her head.

"On behalf of the hotel, we apologize for what happened. We can compensate you based on the proof we will collect. First, we will check the CCTV record to know the real story. Second, we will review the authenticity of your bags and shoes." I said.

"If you are telling us the truth, we will compensate you for the worth of your things, but if not, we will sue you and file a case for public harassment, and you will compensate her," I added. She looked so shocked and threw tantrums.

"Nevermind, but remember this, I will not come back here. I will give you bad rates and feedback." She said. It only shows that everything she said is fake. I asked the female cleaner to go on and change her clothes.

I asked the incoming female cleaner to clean the floor before Ethan could see it. I looked at my watch, and it's been fifteen minutes. I ran towards the lobby and saw Ethan sitting on the couch.

"Sorry, Ethan. There is something that happened that's why I am late." I said while panting.

"It's fine. Let's go." He said and stood up from the couch. I followed him to a buffet restaurant inside the hotel. It has different varieties of foods and drinks from all over the country.

"Suit yourself, Heidi. Our table is over there." He said and pointed at the table in the corner. I nodded at him and started choosing the food I could eat.

After we had our dinner, we went back to our rooms. I took a shower and laid down in bed. Then, I called Hadley to check on her and mom.

"Hadley. Is everything fine? I asked her, and she nodded at me. "Did you eat? How about mom? I asked again.

"Yes, we ate already. I bought some congee for mom, so she could easily digest it." She answered. It's a relief that mom's slowly regaining her strength. "Do you need anything? I will be there tomorrow by evening." I said. She shook her head and bid goodbye.

Maybe I can go on a mini tour inside the hotel tomorrow if there's nothing to do. I watched tv for a while before falling asleep.

Ethan's POV

Was that Heidi? I was about to approach them when she talked.

On behalf of the hotel, we apologize for what happened. We can compensate you based on the proof we will collect. First, we will check the CCTV record to know the real story. Second, we will review the authenticity of your bags and shoes." She said, Wait, how did she see that the bag and shoes were fake?

After the guest left, I walked to the lobby and talked with one of the receptionists.

"Inform someone from the security room to send me a copy of today's recording a few minutes ago in front of the elevator from the 1st floor," I said and sat on the couch.

After 3 minutes, Heidi arrived panting. "Sorry, Ethan. There is something that happened that's why I am late." She said. She didn't need to apologize. I already saw what happened. "It's fine. Let's go." I said and led the way to the restaurant.

After we ate, we headed back to our rooms. I sat on the bed and called Max.

"Max, you need to come here. Bring Hunter, Wolf, and Brent with you. I need you at 8 am. You can ride the plane waiting on the rooftop of the hotel." I said and hung up the call. I took a shower and laid down on my bed to sleep.

It's already 7 am, and I am preparing for our secret meeting. Max, Wolf, Hunter, and Brent arrived as well at dawn. I went out of my room and knocked on Heidi's door.

"Heidi?" I called her, but she was not answering. I bet she is still sleeping.

Call me when you're awake. I sent a message and went down to the basement meeting room. Mike, Max, and the others are waiting for me.

"Max," I called his name to catch his attention. "Is everyone here?" I asked him. He looked around before he nodded.

*Ring...Ring...Ring...*

Before we started our meeting, Heidi called me. "Sorry, Ethan. I just woke up. Do you need something?" She asked. "No. Do you want to go on a tour while we are here?" I asked her. I want to repay her for taking care of me last week.

"Really? Okay. What time are we going?" She asked again. "I will meet you in two hours. This hotel and the other one have the same structure. You already know how to go to the underground parking. I left the pass card under your door. Take it and use it later." I replied.

"Okay then." She said, "I am just meeting someone. Fix yourself. Talk to you later." I said and hung up the call.

"Mike, Max, bring everyone here." I turned to them and pointed at the corner. Max led them and sat on the blocks from the room.

"Listen. I know all of you know Mr. Z, right?" They nodded at me, and I continued.

"Four weeks ago, he sent two of his underlings to harass my twin sister. We captured and released them three days after, but I let Hunter and Brent follow them to find their location." I said.

"Within two weeks, they found the hideout, but Z caught them even before we arrived. From what I know, Z left the country and went after my parents. They are currently staying at our mansion, and I need you, Brent, and Hunter to lead them. Assign them to their post and make sure to heighten the security." I said. I need to protect my family.

It is the only way to make them safe when I am not around. "Brent and Hunter, do the plan and move now," I added. All of them bowed at me and left the room.

"Mike, go back to the hotel. Max, follow me." I said to them and left the room as well.

I went to the underground parking and saw Heidi waiting for me.

"Heidi. I would like you to meet someone. Max and the one you met yesterday is his twin." I introduced Max to Heidi. They shake hands before Max turns to me. "I have to go, Ethan. I need to catch up with my clients." He said and walked away.

"Let's go, Heidi," I said to catch her attention and rode in my car. Then, after we put on our seatbelts, I started driving.

"Where are we going, Ethan?" she asked. "We will go to the beach. I want to repay you after you took care of me when I got sick." I replied. "We can buy your spare clothes if you want to swim," I added.

"No, it's okay. I don't know how to swim but love walking on the sands." She answered. I nodded at her, and we reached our destination after fifteen minutes.

We went to a restaurant nearby and ate seafood delicacies. I looked at her, and she was so happy with the view. It's a good thing that I brought her to the beach.