The hotel lobby was empty. Men in black suits stood shoulder-to-shoulder, forming a silent barrier around a central group. Their stillness alone told everyone to keep their distance from the elevator.

Clark, the manager, straightened up when he saw her. "This way, Chairwoman," he said, lowering his head as Atali passed.

"Why isn't Rose the one welcoming me?" she asked flatly, already displeased.

"Miss Anderson had to attend to an emergency outside the hotel. She should be on her way soon."

Only Clark and Atali’s right hand, Solace, were permitted in the elevator. The rest of her men would take the stairs, scrambling to catch up. Atali chuckled under her breath, amused by the fuss it would cause. But it was her way of keeping her people sharp, and fit.

Atali had a private suite in the hotel, rarely used. It housed a soundproof office and lounge for confidential discussions. But when she needed to address a crowd, she used the top-floor conference room - far from guests and, more importantly, far from her precious Rose. Gunfire was best left out of earshot.

She walked into the room like she owned the world - because she did. Everyone stood when she showed up. Her silver hair gleamed under the lights, and her vintage grey suit moved like smoke across the floor.

Solace opened a small tobacco box without needing to be asked.

Atali pinched off her gloves with practiced ease. Her nails had been painted black since she turned twenty, no one remembered what colour they were before that. "Thank you, my dear," she murmured, tapping the end of the cigar as Solace lit it. "Ladies and gentlemen," she said, exhaling smoke like incense, "I’m feeling quite generous today. Be sure to impress me with your proposals."

She leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, ready to be entertained.

************

The meeting had ended by the time Rose arrived at the conference hall. A few of Atali’s associates were still there, along with two men.

Osiris and… him.

Rose’s gaze locked on the tall figure who had haunted her thoughts all morning. His posture wasn’t hostile, but her whole body tensed in his presence.

“Grandmother. Gentlemen.” Her voice didn’t betray her true feelings. She’d learned that trick young.

"You’re late," Atali said, tapping the ash off her cigar.

"Sorry. Duty called. You understand."

"Hmph... come here." Atali waved her forward. "Let me introduce you to Ivan Maestro, a business mogul who's come to do, well... business."

That squint of hers made Rose suspicious. Granny never squinted unless something crooked was afoot.

"What kind of business?" Rose asked, narrowing her eyes.

"My kind of business. It’s a one-time deal, beneficial for both parties."

Rose stepped closer, voice lowered. "I told you not to mix my hotels with your businesses, Granny."

"I can still scold you, young lady. Watch it." Atali smirked, clearly amused. She loved her granddaughter’s fire.

"They’ll be storing some hard goods in the vault. It’ll be out in a week."

Rose sighed. "Just this once, please. No more."

She turned to face the others, her gaze sharp as glass. "Master Ivan must follow my rules: no violence, no guns, no disturbances. If he agrees, we can proceed."

"That is not hard to do," Ivan said with a nod. He knew he had to act natural, even if he could already smell Rose’s resentment like perfume across the room.

******

"I’m too upset to think straight," Rose muttered, striding fast through the hallway after escaping that meeting. That unnerving moment was finally over, but the discomfort still clung to her skin.

"Yes, Miss," Olivia replied, following closely. She still felt partially responsible for what Rose had endured.

Back in the control room, they reviewed the security footage, focusing on the moments after Olivia had helped Rose to bed.

Half an hour later, the truth stared them in the face.

Rose sat in stunned silence, eyes wide, mouth slightly open. Her voice dabbled between rage and disbelief.

“That son of a...” she whispered, hands digging into her hair.