The towering glass windows of The Grand Luxe Hotel gleamed under the soft morning sun, reflecting the city skyline in crisp, golden clarity.

Kate stepped out of her sleek black Mercedes, adjusting the lapels of her tailored coat as she took in the grandeur of the hotel’s entrance.

The place exuded wealth and exclusivity, from the line of luxury cars parked outside to the uniformed doorman standing at attention, meticulously dressed in a navy suit with white gloves.

As she approached, the ...