I smiled.
“And do you know who owns the Sterling Hotel?”
Emily scoffed again, waving a dismissive hand.
“Some rich businessman, obviously. Why would I care?”
I didn’t have to say anything.
One of my employees standing nearby cleared their throat and, with an almost gleeful look, said, “Uh, actually, he does.”
Emily froze.
“What?”
I pulled out my phone, tapped the screen a few times, and turned it toward her.
Displayed clearly was the official hotel website with my name listed as the owner.
Her face drained of color. The smirk vanished. The room was silent, all eyes on her as realization sank in.
I leaned in just slightly, lowering my voice so only she could hear.
“Now, do you still want security to throw me out?”
Her mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air, but no words came out.
And that’s when I knew I had her exactly where I wanted her.
I let the silence stretch, savoring the moment. Emily’s mouth hung open, her confidence evaporating in real time.
Just minutes ago, she had been basking in the glow of her own importance, barking orders at my staff and demanding I be thrown out.
Now she looked like a deer caught in headlights.
“Wait,” she stammered, shaking her head as if trying to reset reality. “You’re joking, right? There’s no way you own this place.”
I chuckled, shaking my head.
“I get it. Must be hard to believe that the cousin you used to mock for being a failure now owns the venue you just spent thousands to rent out.”
I folded my arms, tilting my head.
“But here we are.”
Emily glanced around as if hoping someone, anyone, would tell her this was some elaborate prank.
The guests were whispering now, exchanging amused glances, and my staff stood by, waiting for my next move.
I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice just enough for her to hear.
“Now, what was it you told security a minute ago? Oh, right. Throw that nobody out.”
I let out an exaggerated sigh.
“You know, Emily, I think you’re right. We should remove people who don’t belong here.”
Her eyes widened in horror.
“Wait, no.”