Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168

The girls eyes widened with sympathy. Oh my goodness, that’s terrible. But sir, I really can’t just give out room keys to non-registered guests. It’s hotel policy. Even in emergencies, I’d need to verify-

“Then what do you suggest?” I kept my voice level, but let some frustration bleed through. “Her grandmother is dying. Elena doesn’t know. Every

minute I waste down here is-”

“I understand, sir, I really do. But my hands are tied. I could lose my job if I gave out unauthorized room access. Maybe you could try calling her cell phone

again? Or I could have security escort you upstairs to knock on the door?”

Security. That would complicate things.

“She won’t answer her phone,” I said. “And if security gets involved, it’ll just upset her more. She’s… she’s fragile right now. Going through a

difficult time.” I ran a hand through my hair, playing up the concerned ex-husband angle. “Look, 1 know this is irregular, but surely there’s some

exception for family emergencies?”

The receptionist bit her lip, clearly torn. I really wish I could help, sir, but our policy is very strict. We’ve had issues in the past with… well, with domestic

situations. I’m not saying that’s what this is!” she added quickly. “But management has made it clear that we cannot give room access to anyone not

registered, regardless of the circumstances.”

Domestic situations. The irony wasn’t lost on me.

“What if I register for my own room?” I tried a different approach. “Same floor. Then I’d be a guest, and surely I could-

‘You still wouldn’t be authorized to access another guest’s room, sir. I’m truly sorry.”

I could see she was genuinely apologetic, but also absolutely immovable. The sweet, sympathetic expression never wavered, but there was steel underneath it. She’d probably dealt with this exact situation before.

Time for a different strategy.

I straightened up, letting the mask of the concerned family member slip away.

“Do you know who I am?” I asked quietly.

Her smile faltered slightly. “I… no, sir. Should I?”

“Julian Sterling. Sterling Conglomerate.” I pulled out my wallet, sliding a black American Express card across the counter. The weight of it made a soft thunk against the marble surface. “I own seventeen hotels across the East Coast. I’m currently looking to expand into this region.”

Her eyes dropped to the card, and I saw the exact moment recognition hit. The color drained from her face.

“Now,” I continued, my voice taking on the cold, corporate tone I’d learned from my father, “I can either buy this hotel outright and fire every employee who’s made my evening difficult, or you can give me a key to room 304 and we can pretend this conversation never happened.”

Sar, 1- Her voice came out as barely a whisper.

Tu pay for every room in this hotel if that’s what it takes,” I said, leaning forward. “Or you can give me what I need and save us both the trouble. Your choice.”

Chapter 168 –

There was trembling as she reached for the key card machine. “1… I could lose my job for this.

**You it lose more than that if you don’t.”

The words came out harsher than I’d intended. I watched her flinch, saw the fear in her young eyes, and felt a stab of self-loathing.

This is who you are now. This is what you’ve become.

But I didn’t take it back. I couldn’t. Not when Elena was upstairs with another man. Not when every second I stood here was another second for Ethan to-

The key card machine beeped softly. The girl’s hand shook as she programmed a new card.

“Room 304,” she whispered, sliding it across the counter without meeting my eyes.

“Thank you,” I said quietly, pocketing the card.

She didn’t respond. Didn’t look up. Just stared at her computer screen like it might offer her some escape from what had just happened.

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