Chapter 132
Standing anxiously in place, Kristin frantically dialed York’s number. “York, Mr. FitzGerald is plastered. Hertha and the secretary drove him back. I bought some hangover pills and am now hailing a cab back to the hotel. Can you meet me?”
“Kristin, I’m not at the hotel. Mr. FitzGerald had me run some errands out of town and I won’t be back until early tomorrow.” York sounded worried. “You better get back quickly.”
Kristin flagged down a taxi, but it was tough to catch one at the roadside. Restlessly, she started running towards the hotel.
After about five minutes, Kristin finally managed to hail a cab.
“To the Diamond Crest Hotel, please. Can you make it quick?”
The cab driver was on it, stepping on the gas as soon as she got in.
After paying the fare, Kristin sprinted into the hotel and headed for the elevator.
“Excuse me, madam, are you staying with us? We need to verify your identity. Could you please bring your ID to the front desk for a check?”
Kristin froze her stride. Although she hadn’t stayed in a hotel for six years, her time apart from society while in prison had taught her that hotels didn’t typically re–check a guest’s identity.
Clearly, this was a deliberate stall.
“I have my key card.” Kristin showed the card briefly.
“Sorry, we still need to verify your identity.”
“My ID is in my room,” Kristin said, trying to move past.
“Sorry, without proper identification, we can’t let you go. We’re currently cracking down on whores, and you don’t seem quite the part,” the front desk clerk said with a sneer.
Kristin was furious but had no time to argue. “Then call the police.” With that, she tried to enter the elevator.
The front desk clerk grabbed Kristin with an angry look. “Our manager said you’re not allowed in. Are you shameless? Everyone upstairs knows why you’re here. If you have any dignity,
leave now.”
“What am I here for?” Kristin demanded.
“Aren’t you a whore? Stop pretending,” the clerk rolled her eyes dismissively.
“Which manager said that?” Kristin glanced at the time, her eyes welling up in desperation.
“Our hotel manager sent your photo and ordered us to stop you. Whatever it is you’re up to, it’s no secret. Just leave,” the clerk was adamant about not letting Kristin through.
12.02
Standing there, feeling helpless, Kristin pondered how she could get upstairs quickly.
“I’m the executive assistant of the FitzGerald Group. Here’s my employee badge.” Remembering she had it on her, she pulled it out for them to see.
The clerk hesitated, then turned to their department manager. “Um, she claims she’s the executive assistant. But what about Manager Donald’s instructions… could there be a mix–up? Manager Donald told us to hold her back, we…”
Before they could finish, Kristin dashed into the elevator and quickly swiped her key card for her floor.
“Hey! Stop right there!”
As the elevator ascended, Kristin breathed a sigh of relief. She knew this must be Hertha’s doing, making things difficult for her on purpose. But she was powerless to do anything about
- it.
On the way back, even the cab driver knew about the Haywood family and the FitzGerald family’s impending union in Silvergrove City, a marriage of the century.
Judging by Holcomb’s attitude towards Rhett, Rhett’s position at the FitzGerald Group was precarious. He needed this marriage to secure his standing.
Nicola and Vincent were probably the last people who wanted Rhett to tie the knot with Hertha.
The elevator doors opened, and Kristin hurried to Rhett’s room, knocking frantically.
There was no response from inside.
Her breath tightened as she searched for her key card.
When leaving the hotel York had given her both cards and the room number. But as she opened the door, the suite was deserted.
Desperate, Kristin called Rhett, but he didn’t answer.
Hertha must have booked another room.
“York, I can’t replace Mr. FitzGerald. He’s not in his room. He might be in another one with Hertha. What do I do…” Kristin crouched on the floor, her voice quivering with the threat of tears.
“I’ve found it, Hertha is in room 80269. Go there quickly.” York urged from the other end, anticipating this scenario.
Hertha would have devoured Rhett with her eyes if she could. If Kristin didn’t act fast, Rhett would surely be at a disadvantage.
Kristin got up and dashed out.
Knocking persistently, Kristin stood outside, desperate for an answer, but Hertha wouldn’t open the door.
Kristin was close to tears, but now wasn’t the time for that.
12.05
Chapter 132
Finally, annoyed by the persistent knocking, Hertha cracked open the door. Wrapped in a towel, with hair damp, she opened just a sliver. “Kris, what’s up?”
“Where’s Mr. FitzGerald?” Kristin asked, breathless.
“We’re about to rest,” Hertha said with a smile. “Kris, you know the deal between Rhett and me. We’re bound to get married eventually.”
Kristin clenched her fists. “I need to see Mr. FitzGerald.”
“Kristin, you’re just an assistant,” Hertha said with a laugh. “Meddling in the boss‘ personal life is not so cool, right? Now, you better get some rest. I’ll take care of Rhett.”
“Now… you two aren’t married yet. I need to see Mr. FitzGerald.” Kristin summoned courage from somewhere, determined to take Rhett back.
Hertha’s complexion was ghastly. “Kristin,” she began, her voice tinged with a severity that cut through the air, “Rhett’s position at the firm is far more precarious than you seem to understand. Marrying me is his best shot at securing his status. Do I need to spell it out for you?”
Kristin inhaled sharply, her gaze dropping to the floor as a numb ache spread across her chest. “I need to see Mr. FitzGerald. It’s important, something work–related,” Kristin insisted, her resolve to speak with Rhett unshaken. She would only take Rhett’s word for it.
If Rhett asked her to leave… she would.
“Rhett, Kris is here to see you,” Hertha called over her shoulder.
Silence hung in the room.
Kristin stood trembling, waiting.
“You see, he won’t see you. Whatever it is, it can wait until tomorrow.” Hertha declared, moving to close the door.
“I brought the hangover remedy for Mr. FitzGerald…”
“Hand it to me,” Hertha demanded, reaching out for the medicine.
Kristin’s head remained bowed, and she hesitated to pass the remedy to Hertha.
“Kristin, you’re fond of Rhett, aren’t you?” Hertha chuckled with a hint of mockery. “Let’s be realistic, darling. You can’t reach for the stars when you’re stuck in the mud. Do you catch my drift? Your little crush is better off keeping to yourself.”
Women knew women best. Hertha saw right through Kristin’s feelings for Rhett.
Kristin panicked, denying it. “No, I don’t!”
She didn’t have the courage to admit her feelings for Rhett, believing she wasn’t worthy of him.
Chapter 132
“Six years ago, you were the talk of Silvergrove City, and not for any good reason. Don’t make yourself the subject of gossip again,” Hertha said with a sneer, closing the door firmly.
Kristin stood frozen outside, her legs stiff,
She was uncertain if she should walk away, or just stand there, waiting.
She also questioned if she should allow Rhett and Hertha to share a room.
Aligning with the Haywood family, after all, was a strategic move for Rhett’s benefit.
To her and Rhett, their connection was nothing more than a business arrangement…
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