Chapter 58

A sharp pain shot through Stella's chest. Her legs gave way, sending her crashing to her knees.

Oliver burst into tears. "Auntie! What's wrong? Uncle, why did you push her?"

The front desk manager scoffed. "I barely touched her. What's this act? Scamming people with a kid now?"

Stella clenched her jaw as cold sweat trickled down her forehead.

"You've got three seconds to leave before I call security." The manager grabbed his walkie-talkie. "Security to lobby. Disturbance in progress."

Oliver clung to Stella's hand. "Auntie, let's go. I don't want to go in anymore..."

Stella forced a weak smile. "Don't be afraid."

Four burly security guards approached, reaching to grab them.

"Stop!"

A man's urgent voice rang out from the entrance.

The hotel director rushed in, panting and pale-faced. "Everyone freeze!"

The manager immediately switched to a fawning expression. "Director, these two—"

"Shut it!" The director glared. "Do you know who she is?"

The manager froze.

The director lowered his voice. "Guest in Room 1231. Personally arranged by the boss."

"What?" The manager's legs wobbled. "But she just said—"

Stella spoke weakly. "I'm staying in 1231."

The manager turned ashen.

The director smacked the back of his head. "That's the boss's private suite! You're finished!"

"Miss, I'm so sorry!" The manager dropped to his knees. "I was blind—"

Stella slowly stood, shielding Oliver behind her.

"Auntie..." Oliver sniffled, clutching her sleeve.

"Go find your mom." Stella patted his head.

Once the child was gone, the manager trembled. "That boy...he's not the boss's?"

"Does it matter?" Stella's voice was icy.

The manager shook his head frantically. "No, no! He can come anytime now!"

Stella glanced at the cleaning lady and her daughter in the corner.

"I'll triple her salary immediately!" The director rushed to promise.

The roar of an engine sounded in the distance.

The director exhaled in relief. "The boss is back!"