Robert nodded stiffly. Patricia began to cry openly now, while Karla stared blankly at the floor, completely hollowed out.
Ethan gently took the crystal vase from Lupita’s hands. “Thank you, Lupita.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Vance,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “Not for them… but for the hotel. No child should arrive at a place completely exhausted and be met with this.”
Lily, half-asleep again, murmured into Ethan’s neck, “Mommy always said flowers shouldn’t be left to feel sad.”
Ethan felt a sharp, heavy ache pierce his chest. He watched Lupita carefully arrange the bent roses in the water with practiced, delicate hands. Looking at that simple act of devotion, Ethan made a decision that would completely dismantle the power structure of the Grand Regent Hotel.
But before he could say another word, Robert’s phone buzzed aggressively in his hand. The manager looked at the screen, and his face turned entirely gray.
