03 A False Alarm

But back in her room, Alice finally felt too exhausted to pretend anymore.

Smiling through the pain was part of the job, and she couldn't help but feel fed up.

Only began to work, did she realize the significance of two holidays for students.

Now, as a senior executive, the salary was satisfying, but in between, it had been a rough ride.

She was almost late for the following day's morning meeting, and she wearily sat next to Lily.

After years of friendship, Alice knew Lily was giving her the once-over without even having to turn around.

She busily checked herself over, making sure her hair was sleekly pinned up and her uniform was perfectly fitted before turning to Lily.

"I met trouble last night," Alice whispered to Lily, glancing sideways at the voluble Mr. Thompson.

"Miss Smith, you and Miss Moore will greet the VIP when they arrive this afternoon.

The marketing director of Lemon might also join you to negotiate their new product launch," Alice nodded eagerly, making a mental note, then stifled a yawn.

Lily pinched her hard.

Alice wanted to laugh but didn't dare, waiting until the meeting was over and she slowly started sorting the files, then spoke lazily as the conference room emptied, "What's going on?"

Lily admonished her, "You've just ended up with your vacation.

Look at you, your eyes are swollen--you shouldn't skip makeup!"

Alice begged for mercy, "I know, I was up late last night." She paused, then smiled, "I was thinking about that handbag I wanted to buy.

It's on sale, and I'm depending on this month's bonus to afford it. Would I offend my bread and butter by leaking this story to a tabloid?"

She went on to tell Lily all about the previous night's events in detail, and Lily's eyes lit up with excitement, clearly enjoying the gossip about the beautiful model staying under the name of a young CEO: "I haven't heard about the Lemon CEO having a girlfriend or any scandals.

Think about it… if we sell this story to a gossip magazine, would it pay for your bag?"

Alice stopped, "Come on, let's keep professional standards!"

Then she thought again, "I'd rather share the info directly online." They both burst into laughter.

Despite their joking, work had to be taken seriously.

Alice had been sorting through Lemon's files, and the telecommunications giant was about to launch its new season's product promotion.

Roosevelt had already completed initial negotiations with Lemon and would be handling a series of services including the new product launch and client reception, which meant Lemon would become one of the hotel's most important clients.

Alice felt overwhelmed upon returning from her vacation.

The phone rang, and it was Mr. Thompson's direct line, so Alice didn't dare delay: "Hello, Mr. Thompson."

"Okay, I'll get right on that," she said, hanging up and immediately dialing the housekeeping department, "Mr. Davis, do we have any suites available in Area A? The assistant to Lemon's CEO just called to request a regular suite with butler service."

"Huh? What?" Alice quickly wrote down the room number, "I'll come over to check it right away, oh, it's for their CEO. I might be accompanying them to view the suite this afternoon."

The lunch was rather unsatisfying, even her favorite chicken steak didn't manage to perk her up so she pushed her food away.

She envied Lily, who was enjoying her coconut milk with a pitiful sigh, "How did I end up like this after a vacation? I'm so nervous I can't even enjoy my food."

Lily laughed, not bothering to console her, "You have a knack for making things right with your sweet smile.

Who can't be charmed by that?"

She was right; Lily always referred to Alice's smile as "harmless," and in the past, even the most difficult clients would often relent when faced with her sincere and smiling apologies.

Alice took a little food with a gloomy look, muttering, "This time it's different."

Lily, who rarely saw Alice so worried, put down her drink and analyzed, "Do you know how cunning Mr.Thompson is?

Why did he ask you and Miss Moore to go together? With Miss Moore's stunning beauty, you don't even need to say a word. You can just stand there. Then everything will go well."

Lily put down her juice and continued, "Besides, you are more brilliant than her… Don't be afraid of it. Just stand behind her, and everything will be ok."Lily snorted, "Anyway, she loves the spotlight."

Alice couldn't help but smile slightly.

In the hotel business, appearance is everything, and Jenny from the public relations department is a standout, with her looks, eloquence, and figure, she's the cream of the crop.

Alice nodded, still with a hint of grievance in her eyes, "This is really too much. I just came back from vacation and wasn't prepared at all, and now I have to go…"

She wasn't just afraid; after all, she had dealt with heavyweight clients before.

It's just that this time she was caught off guard.

Alice always believed in "fighting only when prepared," and she felt uneasy without a proper plan.

After putting on light makeup, the General Affairs Department called to rush Alice to the meeting room to greet the guest.

Alice rushed to Building One, where Jenny was already waiting at the door, her grace and impeccable makeup making Alice feel more at ease.

She nodded at Jenny Moore and stood quietly.

Mr. Thompson accompanied a young man out of the meeting room, and Alice was slightly surprised by the youthful appearance of the Lemon CEO, even a bit too handsome.

His neat short hair and casual attire made quite an impression.

As he walked, he extended his hand to both of them, his attitude sincere and friendly.

Mr. Thompson introduced, "This is Jack Wright, the marketing director of Lemon. And this is Miss Moore from the public relations department and the lobby's Miss Smith."

Alice watched Jenny's graceful handshake, thinking, "I was just suspicious for nothing, how could the Lemon CEO have the time to come and check the venue and facilities himself…" Thinking this, she felt less nervous and shook hands confidently, saying, "Nice to meet you."