Chapter 2

Hearing this, Robert's face instantly darkened.

"Ethan, what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Don't think just because you've made a little money lately, you can talk back to us."

"Let me tell you, if you don't behave, our Chloe has plenty of wealthy men lining up for her."

I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel, keeping my eyes on the road.

"I know, Robert."

"Besides, cheating and breaking vows are things only trash would do. A decent man like me could never."

Once we arrived at the hotel, I used my phone app to unlock Chloe's car and park it properly.

The moment I sat in her driver's seat, my suspicion was confirmed.

Chloe was short. She always adjusted the seat so close to the steering wheel that my knees would hit the dash.

But right now, the seat was pushed all the way back. It was adjusted for a tall man.

I called Chloe again. Still, no answer.

So, I dialed her colleague, Lindsey.

"Hey, Lindsey. Sorry to bother you on the weekend. Are you busy today?"

Lindsey sounded surprised on the other end.

"Ethan? We have the weekend off. I'm just relaxing at home."

My chest tightened, but I kept my voice cheerful. "Oh, really? Actually, today is our fifth anniversary. I want to give Chloe a huge surprise. I was wondering if you could help me round up a few of your colleagues and meet us at the Sterling Hotel?"

Lindsey didn't suspect a thing. She eagerly agreed.

Before getting out of the car, I took a deep breath.

If nothing was going on, I would gladly turn this into a real anniversary surprise.

But if Chloe had truly betrayed me, then this surprise was about to turn into her worst nightmare.

When I walked into the lobby, Eleanor was already complaining.

"What took you so long to park? Where is Chloe?"

"Don't worry, Eleanor. We're getting there."

The receptionist greeted us with a professional smile.

"Good afternoon, sir. Do you have a reservation?"

I stepped forward, acting casual.

"Yes, my wife booked a room. Her name is Chloe Vance."

"She didn't tell me the exact room number, though. Could you just guide us up?"

The receptionist's smile faltered slightly.

"I'm very sorry, sir. We cannot disclose our guests' room numbers for privacy reasons."

"Perhaps you could call your wife? Once she confirms or comes down to get you, I'd be happy to escort you up."

I understood. The hotel was just protecting their guests' privacy.

How ironic. My wife was likely upstairs right now, destroying our marriage, and the law and hotel policies were protecting her privacy.

"Alright."

I called Chloe right in front of the receptionist. Still, the line kept ringing until it went to voicemail.

"See? She's probably busy and didn't hear it," I said, turning to the receptionist. "We're here for a family weekend. Surely you can just let us up."

Behind me, Robert and Eleanor were growing extremely impatient.

But the receptionist remained firm.

"I'm truly sorry, sir. I cannot do that."

"Why don't you wait in the lounge? The hotel will provide complimentary drinks and pastries."

Eleanor couldn't take it anymore. She stormed forward, pushing me aside.

"What is wrong with this hotel?" she yelled, slamming her designer bag onto the counter.

"My own daughter booked a room here, and you won't let me go up?"

"We paid a fortune for this, and you're keeping us waiting in the lobby like beggars?"

The receptionist looked apologetic but kept her ground.

"I'm deeply sorry, ma'am. This is strictly to protect our guests' privacy. Please understand."

Eleanor had been pampered her entire life.

Especially in recent years, since I had become wealthy, she had lived a luxurious life without ever facing any resistance.

"Unbelievable! Call your manager right now!" Eleanor shrieked.

"I want to ask him directly: when a mother wants to see her own daughter, whose damn privacy is being violated?!"