"And I recorded part of it," someone else added, lifting a phone.
The socialite's face drained of color.
Arthur looked toward the hotel's security manager, who had just arrived with two guards.
"Please review every camera in this lobby."
"Yes, Mr. Bennett."
The manager's respectful tone immediately caught everyone's attention.
The woman frowned.
"Mr. Bennett?"
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"Is that Arthur Bennett?"
"The owner?"
"The Bennett Hotels?"
"No wonder everyone moved so fast."
The realization swept across the lobby like a wave.
Arthur Bennett wasn't merely another wealthy guest.
He owned the Bennett Grand Hotel.
In fact, he owned the entire Bennett Hospitality Group, one of the largest luxury hotel companies in the country.
The woman swallowed hard.
"Arthur... I didn't realize—"
"You didn't realize she was my mother," Arthur interrupted evenly.
"No."
"And if she hadn't been?"
The question lingered in the air.
She had no answer.
Arthur looked at Emily once more.
"What's your full name?"
"Emily Parker, sir."
"How long have you worked here?"
"Almost three years."