Isabella Scott threw her phone back into her bag in frustration.

She closed her eyes and took a deep, steadying breath.

“Where are you, Mom?” she whispered into the empty air around her.

The plane ascended smoothly, cutting through the thick layer of clouds.

Staring out at the vast, dark expanse of the night sky, Isabella’s mind raced without pause.

Hours later, the plane landed at Salzburg International Airport.

A sharp, cold wind greeted Isabella as she stepped out of the airport.

She pulled her coat tighter around herself and quickly hailed a taxi. “The Ritz Paris, please,” she told the driver.

The taxi soon arrived at the grand entrance of The Ritz Paris. After paying the driver, Isabella dragged her suitcase into the opulent lobby.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled like a field of stars above. A subtle, expensive fragrance hung in the air.

She walked directly to the front desk. “I have a reservation under Isabella Scott,” she stated.

The receptionist offered a polished, professional smile and began typing. But her smile slowly faded.

“Miss Scott, I am so sorry. There seems to be an issue with your reservation.”

Isabella’s brow furrowed. “What kind of issue?” She had confirmed everything was set just hours ago.

The receptionist shifted uncomfortably. “The hotel has been completely reserved by a VIP for tonight. We are unable to accommodate any other guests.”

Isabella was speechless for a moment. “Completely reserved? But my booking was confirmed.”

Where could she possibly find another hotel room at this hour?

“My deepest apologies, Miss Scott.” The receptionist’s voice was strained. “The VIP’s party made a very last-minute decision. It has put us in a difficult position…”

Isabella took another deep breath, fighting back her rising anger. “I don’t care who the VIP is. I paid for my room. I expect to have it.”

The receptionist nervously clasped her hands, her eyes avoiding Isabella’s. “Perhaps we could arrange a room for you at a neighboring hotel? We would cover all expenses…”

“No,” Isabella said firmly. “I need to stay here. I have critical meetings here tomorrow morning. Moving is not an option.”

Just then, a man in an impeccably tailored suit, his hair perfectly styled, approached. He was the hotel manager.

His smile was apologetic, but his tone held an unyielding authority. “Madam, I must regretfully inform you that the hotel will not be accepting any additional guests tonight.”

Isabella met his gaze directly, her voice unwavering. “I made my reservation well in advance. Why am I being turned away?”

The manager’s polite smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I apologize for the inconvenience. This directive comes from the hotel owner. We are not at liberty to override it.”

“Who is the owner? I demand to speak with them,” Isabella insisted, her frustration boiling over.

The manager remained infuriatingly calm. “I’m sorry, but the owner is not available to meet with guests at this time.”

“Not available, or simply refusing?” Isabella shot back sharply. “This is utterly unacceptable! I will be filing a formal complaint.”

The manager’s expression didn’t flicker. “You are, of course, entitled to do so. However, I must reiterate that you will not be staying here tonight.”

As Isabella’s anger reached its peak, the manager added coolly, “Please, let’s resolve this matter without causing a scene.”