“What’s happening?” she asked.
“She’s a fraud,” the night manager replied. “Trying to steal a penthouse.”
The assistant manager looked at Maya with open suspicion.
“ID. Now. And proof you can afford this room.”
Maya handed over her license.
They examined it like evidence in a crime lab.
“This could be fake too,” the assistant manager said. “We should call the police.”
The clock read 11:58 PM.
Two minutes left.
⸻
Maya reached into her bag and pulled out a slim leather folder.
“Since we’re done pretending,” she said softly, “let’s stop wasting time.”
She placed a document on the counter.
The logo at the top read:
Sterling Hotel Group – Corporate Report
The manager frowned.
“What is this?”
“My company’s acquisition summary,” Maya replied.
She slid her business card beside it.
Maya Richardson
