18
Paul spun around with a grin and asked Dolores. “So, is everything Mr. Lyons claims actually true?
Clearly, Paud was relictant to check the surveillance footage. At Hortensia, they catered to the elite, and privacy was a big deal. He didn’t want to
the real story is he harassed me and hom my friend. If you think I’m making this up, go ahead and ask any of the staff here.” Dolores shot back,
Paid glanced at two male attendants nearby. When they nodded, he got the gist of what had happened.
Paul tended to judge books by their covers. He hadn’t net Dolours before, her simple clothes and lack of bling didn’t scream “important. But he knew Kennard, who, despite his current rough patch, still had sway. Paul figured it was better to smooth things over.
“Miss, your friend doesn’t look too messed up. How about we let this slide? Of course, he’ll cover any medical bills,” Paul suggested
Having seen her fair share of fair–weather friends, Dolores knew exactly the type of man Paul was with just one look.
“And if I insist on an explanation? Is Ilovrensia going to just shrug off this kind of behavior? Dolores pressed.
Paul remained composed. “Of course not. But, handling disputes between guests? That’s on you. Hovriensia won’t interfere. We have a no–fight rule here, so if you need to sort it out, please take it outside”
After all, they ran an entertainment paradise, not a courtroom. As long as Hovriensias peace wasn’t disturbed, he couldn’t care less about outside
“I want a copy
a copy of the surveillance footage from earlier, Dalores demanded.
Without batting an ey
an eye, Paul responded, “Sorry, but due to our clientele’s unique needs, we only have cameras in public areas.
Dolores thought. That’s a load of cra
crap. In a place like this, especially prone to trouble? No way the halls aren’t monitored.
Not far off, Olaf had been watching the drama unfold. He raised an eyebrow and muttered, “Looks like your lady isn’t eager to pull you
you into her
Olaf noted she had seen Adam but hadn’t turned to him for help. Even facing the manager’s evasion, she didn’t use his clout. She knew that if Adam spoke up, both the footage and Kennard would be handed over on a silver platter.
Damn, she’s one tough cookie, Olaf mused to himself,
Adam, already pissed, frowned even deeper, his face darkening. “Keep your fucking mouth shut.
were you slacking up with last night?”
gare landed on a mark on Adam’s neck. “What’s with the love biter Who w
He was taken alsack–few women ever got close to Adam, and none left a mark. Olaf even wondered if something from three years ago had left Adam with a lot of a dysfunction
Adam dismissed lum offhandedly. “Mosquito lite.”
He kept his eyes on Dolores, wondering when she would pull rank as Mrs. Walcott and flex her muscles.
Meanwhile, Kennard threw a pro alive glance at Dolores, thinking to himself, “Without Hortensia’s protection, these two are just toys in my
you, rut the crap and…” He trailed off, his cocky attitude snuffed o
“Ma Sherry, if you know what’s good for you sinageer was replaced by jernije.
out by the sight of Adam approaching. His
Nobody dareil marks with Adam’s people in his presence. The word was that Adam didn’t take kindly to anyone messing with his inner circle. Kennard had brand about a guy who made a pass at Adam’s date during a deal and ended up with a shattered arm for his troubles.
Kennard’s borly shook, and lis voice spivered. “Mi. Walcott, whs what are you doing here?”
Adami glanced brielly at
y at Kennard before his cyrs
yes shifted to Dobres,
She was reaching for her phone to call the police, bus Paul rushed over, ostensibly to protect the reputation of Hoyrtensla.
1/2
COSEAM & d
Chapter 18
“Miss, take your police call outside. Don’t stir up a scene here,” he urged
“The hell I will.” I
presence.
Dolores fired back sharply. “If there’s trouble here, the cops need to sort it out right here. She defiantly ignored Adam’s looming
Adam’s lips tightened, a flare of annoyance at being ignored passing over his face.
Kennard, noticing Adam’s annoyance, chanced a comment. “Mr. Walcott, doesn’t she remind you of someone at your company? I thought she looked familiar, and even asked her if she worked at Walcott Group
Trying to read Adam’s expression. Kennard wasn’t sure how much he had caught of the exchange.
Adam just gave a low, mocking laugh, his voice tinged with enigma, “Oh really? Let’s put that resemblance to the test”
He stepped closer to Dolores, his penetrating gaze exerting an unmistakable pressure. Despite her best efforts to avoid his stare, she was compelled to meet his eyes.
His silent look was a clear intimidation. Beg mc for help.
Dolores clenched her teeth, her inner voice defiant. ‘Hell no!
Adam scoffed, his voice thick with contempt. “I don’t recognize her. Mr. Lyons, seems like your eyesight is failing–wrong person
Kennard’s tension dissolved, and he quickly slipped into a slimy smile, bombarding Adam with ingratiating praise.
Dolores attempted to grab her phone from Paul, desperately swiping to find a contact starting with “T”. But before she could locate the person, Adam grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms.
This sudden action caught Dolores off guard, causing her phone to slip from her fingers and crash onto the floor.
Adarn didn’t pause; he gripped her tightly and marched her toward the elevator, his face a dark, ominous storm cloud. “Adam, what the fuck? My phone… and my friend Dolores exclaimed, spotting Gail slumped and unconscious on the floor. “She’s wasted. I need to get her home. Let go of me!” Dolores shouted, her voice laced with urgency.
Adam coldly commanded over lus shoulder, “Olaf, take care of the rest”
Kennard stood frozen, stunned by the scene, as they walked away. He murmured to himself in confusion, “What’s docant work for Walcon Group?
s going on? Didn’t he just s
say she
Olaf’s authoritative voice p
rose from behind Paul. “Mr. Brown, you p
you got that? Mr. Walcott’s orders clear?”
Paul, shaken by the sudden events, quickly responded, “Understood, Mr. Galio, Kennard won’t be seen here at Hortensia ever again.”
In the underground parking lot, Adam forced Dolores into las car. The mix of alcohol and her frantic struggling made her stomach churn
–
As she attempted to orient herself, Adam roughly seized her chin, his face hard and forbidding as he leaned in close. Tell me who were you Trying to call for helper he demanded, allowing no room for evasion.
9:56 AM
