As Robert arrived at Pearl Hotel, he hesitated at the entrance, a knot of worry tightening in his stomach. He pictured Michael's fury if Jessica had somehow wormed her way into his room.
'Sir Michael, I recall that you didn't have a satisfying meal at the restaurant. I was thinking of buying you some midnight snacks,' Robert suggested, hoping to divert Michael's attention.
Michael cast him a questioning glance. 'Didn't you already order something?'
'I did, sir, but I forgot to include my favourites,' Robert stammered, fumbling for a convincing excuse.
Without uttering another word, Michael made his way to the hotel elevator. As the elevator reached the top floor, he stepped out and strolled elegantly down the long hallway leading to his luxurious room. The hotel boasted only three presidential suites, and Michael had selected the one with the breathtaking view—a symbols of its opulence. Robert, on the other hand, was assigned the middle presidential suite, which also offered a high level of luxury.
Using his room card, Michael entered his suite, the door clicking shut with a soft sigh. He flicked on the lights, revealing the opulent space. A sigh escaped his lips as he loosened his collar, momentarily unwinding before heading towards the lavish bedroom. Oblivious to any hidden presence, he pushed open the magnificent door with a casual swing, his tie landing carelessly on the king-sized bed. Placing his phone on the coffee table, he began unbuttoning his pristine white dress shirt. But his actions came to an abrupt halt as a sudden shift in the air sent a jolt through him. It was then he sensed someone else in the room.
How could someone have entered his room? Perhaps it was just his imagination. Dismissing the thought, he resumed unbuttoning his shirt. The hotel's security was known to be tight, making it seemingly impossible for an intruder to gain access undetected.
Just then, Jessica, who had been lying on the plush sofa, let out a small yawn and stretched leisurely. Slowly, she walked over to the French window. Michael froze as his expression turned icy cold. Before he could retrieve his phone from the coffee table, Jessica rushed over and embraced him.
'Who allowed you in?' Michael seethed, furious. He swiftly pulled her away from his body, gripping her wrist tightly, and forcefully guided her towards the door.
'Let me go!' Jessica protested, struggling against his grasp.
'That's exactly what I'm doing,' Michael replied mockingly.
Jessica exerted all her strength to break free, but he was stronger. The disparity in physical strength between a man and a woman was evident, leaving her exhausted from fighting a losing battle. It was best to surrender or go with the inevitable defeat.
Michael opened the door and pushed her outside, slamming it shut behind her. Filled with anger, he immediately dialled the front desk, demanding an explanation as to why Jessica was given access to his room.
'You're all fired!' Michael coldly declared, abruptly ending the call.
'Michael, please don't do this to me,' Jessica cried, pounding on the door, her voice filled with desperation.
As Jessica continued sobbing and pounding on the door, she contemplated how to regain entry and be with Michael. In the midst of her distress, Robert approached, carrying elegant bags and frowned at Jessica's disgraceful state.
'Madam Jessica,' Robert said, his voice dripping with a little bit of teasing, 'if you had only listened to me, you wouldn't have ended up in this ridiculous situation. I warned you not to come here today, but you chose not to heed my advice.' He sighed, looking at her with a mix of pity and annoyance.
Jessica glared at Robert, her anger boiling over. 'How dare you lecture me like a child! Do you want to disappear forever?' She seethed with fury. 'I asked the front desk for Michael's room card, and they directed me to the hotel manager, who willingly gave it to me. Everyone knows that Michael and I are soon to be married, so don't you dare lecture me.'
'But you two aren't married yet. What you did could cause trouble for this hotel,' Robert insisted, trying to make Jessica understand the gravity of her actions.
'This hotel is under the Moon Corporation, so it can't be in trouble,' Jessica retorted defiantly.
The hotel manager arrived with three security officers, ready to escort Jessica out of the premises.
Angered by their presence, Jessica issued a threat. 'Don't you dare touch me, or your loved ones will pay the price!'
'Everyone at the front desk has already been fired by Sir Michael... Madam Jessica, please, let's not resort to force. I genuinely respect your position in Sir Michael's life,' the hotel manager calmly reasoned.
'I'll walk out on my own, so don't you dare touch me!' Jessica spun around, throwing a defiant huff over her shoulder before leaving the hotel. Her back straightened in an attempt to project strength, but a defeated slump appeared in her shoulders as she walked away.
Robert, a heavy sigh escaping his lips, watched as the hotel manager and the three security officers escorted Jessica out of the premises. They planned to apologise to Michael later for the misunderstanding, ensuring that the situation was handled discreetly.
Fumbling with his phone, Robert dialled Michael's number. As the dial tone sounded, the door swung open, revealing Michael's icy glare.
'How did that girl know I was in this hotel?' Michael demanded angrily.
Robert shifted uncomfortably under Michael's gaze. 'I, uh, I didn't know she was following us. I even tried to dissuade her from disturbing you,' Robert explained, scratching his head in embarrassment.
Michael's brow furrowed. 'You helped her get my room card…'
Robert's face flushed crimson. 'She managed to convince the front desk that you're engaged to her... Regardless, your relationship...' he blurted out, his voice barely audible.
Michael cut him off with a sharp gesture. 'I have no relationship with that girl. If you want to keep your job, I suggest you behave accordingly.' He turned towards the bedroom, then paused, his voice dripping with disdain. 'She was the midnight snack you were ordering. Next time,' he added, without looking back, 'make sure your little arrangements are more believable before putting me in the middle of them.' He disappeared into the room, leaving Robert standing alone, the weight of his deception settling heavily on him.
Robert stood rooted to the spot, a wave of ice washing over him. Michael saw right through his lies. Sweat dripped down his face. He realised he wasn't skilled at deceit and could get himself into trouble if he continued to assist Jessica in getting closer to Michael. Perhaps it was time to side with Chioma, who was now Michael's woman. After all, it was Michael who paid his salary, and he should follow Michael's lead instead of being manipulated by Jessica, who was slowly revealing her true nature as a schemer.