Chapter 1

I’ve been working with this hotel for three years.

Every month, I bring them at least twenty room-nights of business.

When it came to our annual company retreat, I booked the rooms half a month in advance.

The owner, Dexter Harris, patted his chest and promised, "Valerie, you're an old friend. I'll give you the insider rate. It’s way cheaper than booking online."

I thanked him and checked in my entire team.

But as I was sorting out the paperwork at the front desk, a random walk-in guest next to me was paying his bill.

"Sir, you qualify for our daily coupon today. That brings your total to fifty dollars cheaper than our loyalty member rate."

I froze.

Three years. I brought this hotel hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue every single year.

And yet, a random walk-in gets a room for fifty bucks cheaper than me?

I looked up at Dexter. "Since we have a long-term contract, can my team get that fifty-dollar discount too?"

His face instantly darkened.

"They're a new customer. How can you compare yourself to them?"

"Don't like it? Take your people and get the hell out right now. I have plenty of guests waiting for these rooms!"

The entire lobby fell dead silent. Everyone was staring at me.

I didn't say a word.

I unlocked my phone, opened our WhatsApp work group, and sent a single text:

*“Everyone, pack your bags. We are moving to the Grand Platinum Hotel across the street. Executive suites. I will sign off on the bill.”*

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