*Noah's POV*
I watch Scarlett's face as the implications sink in. Paul Dubrule isn't just any hotel magnate—he's the man who revolutionized the industry, whose empire spans continents.
"Noah," she says carefully, "what exactly are you planning?"
I pull out my phone. "Something that should have happened years ago."
The call connects on the second ring. "Paul? It's Noah Lancaster."
"Noah, my boy!" His voice booms through the speaker. "I was wondering when you'd call. Your grandfather mentioned you might need some assistance."
"I do. There's a small hotel chain called Pierce Hospitality. Family business, boutique properties."
"I'm familiar with them. Adrian Pierce runs it, correct? Decent operation, though they've been making some questionable expansion choices lately."
Perfect. "That's what I wanted to discuss. I have it on good authority that they're about to make some catastrophic decisions. Thought you might want to... encourage those choices."
