Chapter 8 - The Verdict
The lobby was no longer a stage for Victoria’s tantrum; it was a courtroom, and the jury had turned against her.
Several guests stepped forward, holding up their smartphones.
"We have the whole thing on video, Mr. Lawson," a businessman in a gray suit announced. "The footage clearly shows this woman raising her hand first. Your employee did absolutely nothing except stop the assault."
Other witnesses nodded vigorously, murmuring their agreement. The socialite realized the situation was entirely slipping away. Around her, the wealthy guests no longer looked intimidated or impressed by her designer gown and her famous last name. They looked disappointed. Some even began walking away, not wanting to be associated with her.
Daniel’s expression grew even colder. He looked at Victoria with clinical disgust.
"Our hotels are built on a foundation of respect," Daniel stated firmly. "We do not tolerate the abuse of our staff, and we certainly do not tolerate violence against our guests."
Victoria swallowed hard, tears of pure humiliation finally welling in her eyes. "I can explain everything. Please, let's go up to your office."
"You already have explained everything," Daniel replied. "With your actions."
The words landed like a heavy iron hammer.
Hotel security, having been summoned by the commotion, quietly arrived and formed a subtle perimeter around Victoria.
Daniel turned his attention to the trembling floor manager.
"Mr. Harrison," Daniel commanded. "Review Ms. Vance's elite membership status immediately. Revoke it across all global properties. She is permanently banned from the Lawson Hotel Group."
The manager nodded frantically, terrified for his own job. "Yes, sir. Immediately, sir."
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Victoria gasped, covering her mouth. Her exclusive privileges at the Lawson hotels were a massive status symbol in her elite circles. Losing them—and being publicly banned—would be humiliating. It was social suicide.
"Please escort Ms. Vance off the premises," Daniel told the security guards. Defeated, crying, and stripped of her power, the socialite was marched toward the revolving glass doors.
