Chapter 3 - THE INVISIBLE WARThe firing of Sarah Merritt sent a shockwave through the Whitcomb Grand that rattled every crystal chandelier from the lobby to the roof. By evening, the staff breakroom was a hive of nervous whispers and frantic phone calls.
Down in the basement locker room, Nova was packing her bag when the heavy steel door banged open.
Marcus Vance stood in the doorway, blocking her exit. His expression was no longer casually cruel; it was dark, angry, and desperate.
"Where do you think you're going, little girl?" Marcus sneered, stepping inside and letting the heavy door lock behind him with a definitive click.
Nova backed up against the lockers, her heart hammering against her ribs. "Get away from me, Marcus. I'm leaving."
"Not yet," Marcus said, stepping closer. "Your sister has caused quite a bit of trouble upstairs today. She thinks she’s untouchable because she’s tied herself to a blind man who doesn't even know what’s happening around him. But Mr. Kane doesn't run this hotel anymore—the board does. And the board doesn't like loose ends."
"My sister didn't do anything except do her job," Nova snapped, her voice trembling despite her bravery.
"Your sister just disrupted a multi-million-dollar transition," Marcus hissed, grabbing her arm. "If she doesn't drop the penthouse assignment tomorrow morning, things are going to get very uncomfortable for you, your apartment, and whatever is left of your family."
Before Marcus could say another word, the locker room speaker crackled to life.
“Security Chief Marcus Vance. Report to the executive boardroom immediately. Mr. Kane has called an emergency session.”
Marcus froze. His grip on Nova slackened just enough for her to wrench her arm away. He glared at her, pointing a thick finger at her face. "This conversation isn't over."
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As Marcus stormed out, Nova collapsed against the lockers, her hands shaking. She pulled out her phone and dialed Odessa’s number immediately.
“Des, pick up. Please, pick up.”
