*~ Empirical Hotel ~*
Ivy stood outside the sleek entrance of Empirical Hotel, dressed in all black from head to toe. A hoodie draped low over her head, shadowing her face, and a steaming latte rested in her right hand. With her short, tousled hair and androgynous look, she could easily pass for a teenage boy—which worked in her favor.
She stepped through the glass doors with practiced ease, exuding calm confidence. Approaching the front desk, she gave the receptionist a polite nod.
"I need the key to room 303," she said smoothly, her voice low but steady
The receptionist glanced at her oddly before typing on the computer. After a moment, she furrowed her brows and said, "Sorry, but room 303 is already taken by Mr. Levi Anderson." Ivy remained unfazed, a small smile playing on her lips as she replied, "I know. I'm his intern."
The receptionist's brows furrowed deeper, suspicion clear in her voice. "Mr. Levi didn't mention any intern coming to see him." Ivy stayed calm, a confident smile on her face. "Well, I'm his intern—here to be the spokesperson for his new product." The receptionist seemed to relax slightly but still didn't hand over the key. Noticing the wall starting to crack, Ivy decided it was time to play her trump card.
She smiled at the receptionist, saying with a smile, "I know Mr. Levi is a prominent figure and he's particularly vulnerable during this time of year, which is why you might not believe me." Ivy said the last part, looking down and acting pitiful, which made the receptionist's face soften even further. "But since you won't give me the room key because you don't trust me, I bet you will trust Mr. Levi himself if he tells you directly?" said Ivy. The shock on the receptionist's face couldn't be hidden as she wondered: could this young woman really know Levi Anderson, the CEO of Atlas Mining Corporation, the next greatest diamond conglomerate?
Still lost in thought, the receptionist was snapped back when Ivy asked, "So, do we have a deal?"
Though hesitant, she finally agreed. Not long after, Ivy pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
*Ring... ring... ring...*
"Hello?" came a voice through the phone.
The receptionist gasped, shocked to recognize the voice. Nervously, she reached for the phone and stammered, "Le... Le... Mr... Mr. Anderson?"
"Yes," the male voice replied, clearing his throat. "Is there any problem with my intern?"
Terrified but surprised, the receptionist quickly answered, "No... no, not at all, sir."
"Good. Have a nice day," he said.
"Goodbye, sir," she replied as the call ended