Chapter 2 - The Redirection of Assets
Owen looked at Audrey, his professional demeanor remaining entirely intact, though a flicker of genuine sympathy crossed his eyes. He had worked at luxury resorts long enough to recognize the precise moment a wealthy patron decided to change the narrative of their vacation.
"Owen," Audrey said, her voice dropping into the calm, authoritative register she used when a subcontractor failed to deliver structural steel on a multi-million-dollar job site. "I would like to make some adjustments to the reservations."
"Of course, Mrs. Bennett. What can I do for you?"
"First, the primary oceanfront suite—the grand suite reserved for Mr. and Mrs. Parker's anniversary. I want that canceled immediately."
Owen’s fingers flew across the keyboard. "Understood. And where would you like to move them?"
"I don’t want them moved anywhere," Audrey replied smoothly. "Cancel it entirely. If the resort charges a last-minute cancellation fee, apply it to my card. Furthermore, cancel the other three suites currently occupied by my husband, his sister Brooke, her husband Scott, and the cousins."
Owen paused, his hands hovering over the keys. He looked up, making sure he hadn't misunderstood. "To clarify, you wish to check all seven of your guests out of their rooms effective immediately?"
"Yes," Audrey said. "But leave them checked in for tonight only, as a courtesy, since it's already late afternoon. However, instruct housekeeping that their keys will deactivate precisely at 8:00 AM tomorrow morning. Also, please remove my credit card from all four of those rooms. Any room service, mini-bar charges, or incidentals they incur tonight must be paid by them individually upon check-out tomorrow."
"And what about your accommodations, Mrs. Bennett?"
Audrey looked down at her sleek, designer suitcase. "I will be keeping my oceanfront suite. But I want the reservation moved under my maiden name: Audrey Vance. If any member of the Parker family comes to the desk asking for my room number, you are to tell them that due to privacy policies, you cannot disclose that information. In fact, you can tell them I am no longer registered under 'Audrey Parker.'"
Owen smiled—a tiny, knowing smirk that lasted only a fraction of a second. "Consider it done, Ms. Vance. What about the scheduled events? The private anniversary dinner at the resort’s five-star seafood restaurant tonight?"
"Cancel the family reservation," Audrey said, feeling an intoxicating wave of freedom wash over her. "But keep a table for one for me at 7:30 PM. The spa packages for Diane and Brooke tomorrow morning? Cancel them. The private sailing excursion on Sunday? Cancel it. The professional photography session?" Audrey paused, remembering Diane's arrogant caption: The whole family together at last! "Cancel that too."
"Very well. I am processing the updates now. I will also ensure our security team is aware that you require complete privacy during your stay." Owen handed her a crisp, gold-embossed key card. "Your room is on the penthouse floor, Ms. Vance. It features a private balcony, a personal hot tub, and a completely unbothered view of the Atlantic. Your luggage will be sent up immediately."
"Thank you, Owen."
Audrey took the key card. As she walked toward the private penthouse elevators, her phone buzzed in her hand. It was another text from Trevor.
May you like
“We’re ordering another round of drinks. Come up to the terrace. Stop being dramatic, Aud. We’re waiting.”
Audrey didn’t reply. She swiped the notification away, turned her phone onto "Do Not Disturb," and stepped into the elevator. For the first time in eight years, the heavy, suffocating weight in her chest was completely gone.
