Chapter 158

She flashed a gentle smile. “I’ve had the manager reserve the most luxurious private suite in the hotel. Come with me, everyone.”
“Wow, the most luxurious suite? That must be huge! I’ve heard regular people can’t even get in there-it’s only thanks to Penelope that we get to use it!”
Penelope’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. She relished their envy and admiration, though outwardly she kept her expression calm and poised.
“But Penelope, didn’t you say you had something to do and would be late today? How come you’re here so early?” someone asked.
Just the mention made Penelope’s heart skip a beat. “A very important guest is coming to the hotel later, and I decided to greet them myself.”
She’d originally planned to arrive much later-until the manager mentioned that Harrison was hosting a private event here today.
She couldn’t get into Rosewood Manor, but Serenity Heights? She certainly belonged here.
If she played her cards right and welcomed them as the owner’s daughter, maybe she’d finally get her chance to get close to him.
Just thinking about that alluring man made her mind wander.
If she had the opportunity, she’d show Mr. Harrison Lancaster that Anastasia was nothing compared to her. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ⓝovelFind.net
“If Penelope herself is coming to greet this guest, it must be someone really important! Do you think we’ll get to meet them, too?” someone said excitedly.
Penelope snapped back to herself and smiled sweetly. “I actually know this guest quite well. If there’s a chance, I’ll introduce you all.”
“You’re amazing, Penelope!”
The group swept through the hotel’s entrance, laughter and anticipation buzzing among them. A bellhop appeared, and one of them called out, “Take us to the most luxurious suite, please!”
The bellhop hesitated. “The most luxurious suite? Do you mean the Golden Oasis?”
“That’s right!”
Penelope, the Sterling family heiress and part-owner of the hotel, was with them— everyone acted as if it were only natural.
But to their surprise, the bellhop didn’t move. He offered a polite but uneasy smile. “I’m sorry, but the Golden Oasis isn’t open to the public. Only the owner and their immediate family have access.”
“Well, that’s exactly right-our friend here is the owner’s daughter! Don’t you recognize your own boss’s family?” someone said, gesturing at Penelope, a hint of irritation in their voice.
Encircled by her classmates, Penelope stepped forward, her smile soft and gracious. “I’ve already spoken to Mr. Louis about this. He must have forgotten to let you know. Just take us up. I’ll speak to Mr. Louis myself, so you don’t need to worry about your pay. After all, you were just being careful.”
The bellhop stared at her in bewilderment. Who was she to threaten his paycheck?
Penelope started to lead her entourage forward as if the matter were settled, but the bellhop’s expression turned serious. With a wave of his hand, several security guards appeared, blocking their path.
“What’s going on?” the group sputtered in confusion.
“My apologies, but the Golden Oasis is only available to the owner and direct family,” the bellhop repeated firmly.
“This is the owner’s family!” Surrounded by security and aware of the curious stares from nearby guests, the group grew annoyed. “You don’t even recognize the boss’s own daughter? How did you get hired?”
They hurriedly pushed Penelope to the front.
Penelope’s smile vanished. She frowned, looking distinctly displeased, her tone taking on a note of superiority. “Where’s your manager, Louis? Get him out here— now.”
But the bellhop ignored her, studying her face with suspicion. “Are you saying you’re the owner’s daughter?”
A classmate jumped in, “Of course she is! Even if you don’t recognize her, you must know the name-Penelope Sterling, the Sterling family heiress. Surely that rings a bell?”
Everyone expected the bellhop to back down in fear.
Instead, he snorted, his eyes cold with disdain. “Penelope? Our boss has only one daughter, and her name is Anastasia. And now you’re here, pretending at Serenity Heights? You’ve got some nerve.”
The words crashed over them like a bucket of ice water.
Anastasia
They must have heard wrong-surely?