chapter267

I calmly sipped my tea, my eyes fixed on Liora. I even allowed a small, pointed smile to touch my lips, showing her exactly how little her outburst affected me. Her expression darkened, her eyes glaring daggers that could have drawn blood. It was almost amusing to watch; I truly couldn't fathom what a man like Atticus saw in such a volatile woman.

No wonder he had hinted that someone needed to take her down a peg.

As I watched her, a realization dawned on me: Atticus was likely trying to insulate his assets. He must have realized that Liora wasn't the kind of partner who would stand by him through genuine hardship. If he had started concealing his true interests, he was clearly preparing for a major shift.

The tension in the room snapped as a woman in a sharp black pantsuit emerged from the back offices. She carried herself with an air of cold authority, her features sharp and her gaze sweeping across the lobby with professional detachment.

“Please, everyone, let’s maintain our composure,” she said, her voice cutting through the chatter.

All eyes turned to her. I noticed her gaze linger on Liora for a fraction of a second too long, and Liora immediately smirked, leaning back into her chair with renewed confidence. She knew she had the upper hand.

“Ms. Kate, you arrived just in time,” Liora said, her voice dripping with artificial grievance. “If you can’t resolve this incompetence immediately, my friends and I will be forced to cancel our memberships.”

“Then by all means, cancel them!” someone from the crowd shouted. “We’d all breathe a lot easier without you here!”

“What did you say to me?” one of Liora’s friends shrieked.

Kate offered a tight, professional smile. “Ladies, please. There’s no need for this. We will have rooms available for everyone shortly. Let’s not let a minor scheduling overlap ruin your afternoon.”

A wave of complaints followed. Some targeted the flustered receptionist, while others pointedly criticized Liora’s group for their blatant rudeness. I remained silent, observing Kate. It was becoming increasingly obvious that she was leaning toward Liora’s side.

“This shouldn't have been a conflict to begin with,” Liora continued, her voice rising. “You know we’ve been loyal patrons here for a long time, Ms. Kate. You’re well aware of our status and the class of clientele we represent.”

A few people in the lobby actually scoffed at the word "class," but Liora’s arrogance remained unshaken. “I might have overlooked this if I were alone, but I’ve brought my guests here today. This isn’t the only elite spa in Foswood. We are more than happy to take our business elsewhere if we aren't satisfied.”

It was a blatant ultimatum.

When Lauren had given me the membership card, she told me this was the most prestigious establishment in the city—a place where membership was a badge of social standing. I didn't for a second believe Liora would actually walk away from that status, but she was playing her cards perfectly.

“Mrs. Liora, every guest here is valued,” Kate said soothingly. “Can we find a compromise? I’ll arrange for everyone to begin their treatments within twenty minutes. I’ll even personally invite you back for a complimentary visit another day.”

“That isn't good enough!” Liora snapped, pointing a manicured finger directly at me. “My mood is already ruined. It’s very simple: either they leave, or we cancel our memberships!”

“That’s right!” Liora’s friends chimed in like a rehearsed choir. “We’ll cancel! You aren't the only game in town!”

Kate looked visibly troubled as she turned toward me. I kept my face a mask of calm, already deciding that if it came down to a choice, I would walk away. I wondered briefly if accepting the card from Lauren had been a mistake, realizing only now the staggering cost and the drama associated with it.

Eleanor caught my eye, ready to speak up, but I gave her a subtle, firm signal to stay quiet.

Kate approached me, her smile widening into something more forced. “Hello. I’m Kate Farrell, the manager. I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting before.”

“It’s my first time here,” I replied simply. I wanted to see exactly how she would navigate this. Even if I lost my membership, I wouldn't lose my dignity.

“Well, you see...” Kate hesitated, looking between me and the smirking Liora.

“Please, continue,” I said, my voice kind but laced with a quiet authority that made her blink.

Kate’s smile faltered for a second. “Our system is based on loyalty tiers—spending levels and the duration of the membership. Mrs. Liora is one of our most established 'Black Diamond' members, and from a business perspective—”

“So, you’ve made your choice,” I interrupted calmly. “It’s a matter of seniority. Either she leaves, or I do.”

“Exactly!” Liora cried out triumphantly. “It’s either me or her!”

I didn't give Kate a chance to stutter out an apology. “Fine. I’ll cancel. I have no interest in being where I’m not wanted, and I’m happy to leave the floor to Mrs. Liora. I hope you enjoy your afternoon.”

Without a hint of hesitation, I reached into my bag, pulled out the sleek membership card, and pressed it into Kate’s hand.