Chapter 55 Encounter at Pinecrest
Erica wasn't one to back down, especially when she was in the right. And in this situation? She definitely wasn't about to let it slide.
The front desk's excuse about a "system error" causing the presidential suite to be double-booked was amateur hour at best, and Erica wasn't buying it for a second.
"Who booked the suite first—me or this mystery guest?" She demanded, her voice carrying just enough edge to make the receptionists squirm.
"The guest who's currently checked in booked it first," the receptionist replied, maintaining her practiced smile.
"Fine," Erica thought. If they could prove the other guest legitimately booked first, she'd accept defeat. "I want to see the booking timestamps. I'm not taking your word for it."
The two receptionists exchanged a telling glance—that split-second eye contact told Erica everything she needed to know. This wasn't just a simple booking error.
"Ms. Morris, as you can see, we're at peak season. We'd be happy to upgrade you to a deluxe business suite instead. While it's not as spacious as the presidential suite, the amenities and service level are identical. We'll also refund the price difference for any inconvenience caused."
Erica's laugh came out sharp and humorless. Did they seriously think this was about money or compensation?
"Do I look like I'm hurting for cash?" She arched an eyebrow. "This is about principle. I just want to see who booked the room first and get some actual proof there's no funny business happening here."
The receptionist maintained her customer service smile. "Ms. Morris, I understand your concern, but the suite is already occupied. Let's focus on finding a solution for you right now."
She leaned forward slightly. "You must be exhausted after your flight. Why don't we get you settled in a room, and I'll have guest services send up a complimentary fruit platter? We can also offer you a full-body aromatherapy spa massage tonight, on the house. How does that sound?"
Caroline, who had been resting in the lounge area, was fighting a nasty cold that had hit her the day before their trip. The airplane pressure had only intensified her headache. Seeing Erica making zero progress after all this back-and-forth, she forced herself up from the comfortable lounge chair and made her way over.
"What's the holdup?" Caroline asked, her voice slightly raspy.
Erica quickly summarized the situation while the receptionist repeated her proposed solution. The front desk staff clearly pinned their hopes on Caroline, praying she'd be the voice of reason and convince her friend to accept their offer.
But Caroline knew Erica well. If she sided with the hotel staff now, Erica would see it as nothing short of betrayal. Besides, looking at the situation objectively and ethically, Caroline understood where Erica was coming from. Her decision was clear—she was standing firmly with her friend.
"If you can't provide evidence that the current guest booked before us," Caroline addressed the receptionist, her tone gentle but resolute, "then I suggest you explain the situation to them and ask them to vacate. We've been patient enough to wait while you prepare the room."
The seemingly soft-spoken woman was proving even more unyielding than her fiery friend.
The receptionist maintained her professional demeanor, though her discomfort was evident. "Ma'am, hotel policy prohibits us from disclosing any guest information. I hope you understand."
Erica was about to explode, but Caroline caught her arm. Instead of joining the argument, Caroline pulled out her phone and stepped aside. Following the contact information displayed on the hotel's public notice board, she dialed the hotel's complaint line.
Leopold had just returned to his office when the phone rang.
He quickened his pace to answer it. "Hello?"
"Hi, is this the hotel complaint line?" Caroline asked, massaging her temple.
"Yes, it is." Leopold froze, recognizing Caroline's voice instantly.
"Are you listening?" She pressed when he didn't immediately respond.
Before he could call her by name, Caroline launched into a precise complaint about the room situation—methodical, clear, and straight to the point. She concluded with a firm warning, "If you can't resolve our room situation, I'll be calling the Consumer Protection Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Mayor's hotline immediately."
Leopold was desperate to see her. "Where are you right now?"
Caroline said, "In the lobby."
Leopold replied, "Wait for me."
He hung up and headed for the door, simultaneously dialing the front desk. The moment they answered, he asked, "Is the guest who just filed a complaint named Caroline?"
After checking the registration, the receptionist confirmed: "Yes, Mr. Wipere. One of the ladies is registered under that name."
"Besides getting their room back, do they have any other demands?" Leopold inquired.
The receptionist sounded genuinely frustrated. "No, they're only insisting on the suite. Mr. Wipere, these two ladies are being incredibly difficult. Your friend checked in using your card for the presidential suite—and we only have one. We've genuinely made a mistake, and I've tried my best with these ladies. I offered them our finest deluxe business suite on the tenth floor with the best view in the entire hotel, plus a complimentary fruit platter and free aromatherapy massage tonight, but they won't budge."
Leopold said firmly, "I understand. I'm coming down now."
After hanging up, he immediately called Maddox.
Maddox was in the suite, changing clothes before heading to the paragliding base. He answered Leopold's call while buttoning his shirt. "What's up?"
As he adjusted his collar in the mirror, Leopold's voice came through, "You have ten minutes to pack your things."
"What for?" Maddox asked, confused.
"You're staying in someone else's suite, and they're filing a complaint," Leopold explained.
"Are you serious right now?" Maddox frowned, glancing at his phone on the table. "Did you get amnesia or something? You're the one who told me to use the presidential suite. Now you want me to pack up and leave?"
Leopold said, "If you value our friendship, pack your things now."
"Something's off," Maddox said. Leopold would never normally rush to evict him like this. "Be honest—is the person who booked this suite some gorgeous woman you know?"
Leopold sighed silently. Maddox was always too perceptive. "Are beautiful women all you think about? I've already sent someone to escort you. You'll be staying in the deluxe business suite on the tenth floor with the best view in the hotel."
"And what if I refuse?" Maddox surveyed the mess of his open suitcase, dreading the thought of repacking everything.
Leopold added, "You'll get a complimentary fruit platter."
"Who do you think you're kidding? As I care about fruit," Maddox scoffed.
Leopold said, "Full-body aromatherapy massage included."
Maddox rolled his eyes, unimpressed.
"With Amara as your massage therapist," Leopold added.
"Amara?" This caught Maddox's attention. The masseuse Amara wasn't just skilled—she was gorgeous, had a captivating voice, and provided exceptional service.
Her appointments were nearly impossible to get, usually booked solid a week in advance.
Suspicious of Leopold's offer, Maddox pressed, "You're not messing with me?"
Leopold replied, "Take it or leave it."
"Give me ten minutes," Maddox replied quickly.
Leopold took the elevator down to the lobby. The moment the doors opened, he spotted a familiar figure in the waiting area.
As he approached, Erica exclaimed in surprise, "Leopold?"
Caroline was leaning back against the sofa with her eyes closed, one hand supporting her forehead. "Enough, Erica. I feel terrible right now."
"What's wrong?" Leopold asked, his voice filled with concern.