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At the Hotel
"Wow, it's so pretty, Uncle!" Cherry exclaimed as they entered the lobby.
"Just wait until you see how I decorated your and Emily's room," Mike said with a grin.
"You really decorated our room?" Emily's eyes sparkled.
"Yeah—and yours too, Charlie."
Charlie crossed his arms. "I didn't ask you to decorate my room."
Mike bent down to his level, meeting his eyes. "Sometimes you should stop being so cold. It doesn't suit you. A little 'thank you' wouldn't hurt."
"Uncle, I'm not being cold. I just think it's stupid when people do unreasonable things, like my sisters. I didn't need you to change the hotel room for me. I'm not a child anymore that you have to decorate things just for me."
Mike chuckled. "Charlie, you're five years old."
"Almost six," Charlie corrected stubbornly. "I'm basically six already."
"Alright, you're six," Mike said, shaking his head. "But you're still a kid. Be like one and learn to appreciate what people do for you. You know, when I was your age, I never had this kind of lifestyle. You do. So be happy, okay?"
Charlie frowned. "Just because I'm six doesn't mean you get to treat me like a baby."
"Charlie," Mirabel's voice cut in sharply, "are you lecturing your uncle right now?"
"…No, Mum."
"Apologize. And say thank you."
Charlie rolled his eyes but mumbled, "I'm sorry, Uncle. You're right. I'm still a child. Thank you for decorating my room." His tone was drenched in sarcasm.
Mike laughed. "Kids these days are way too sure of themselves. Anyway, let's not waste time. Let me give you all a tour!"
"Yes!" Cherry and Emily cheered in unison, bouncing with excitement.
---
The Next Day
"The hotel is now open for business!" Mike announced proudly at the grand opening.
"Uncle is so cool," Emily whispered in awe.
Charlie woke up late, rubbing his eyes. "Good morning, Cherry. Morning, Emily."
"Good morning, Charlie!" they both chirped.
He blinked when he saw them sitting in his room. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Uncle is on TV, so we came to watch him," Cherry explained.
"Don't you have a TV in your own room?"
"We do," Emily said, "but it's more fun here! Even Dennis came."
Charlie glanced at his brother sprawled on the couch. "You too?"
Dennis shrugged. "I had no choice. They dragged me out of bed."
Charlie groaned. "Ugh. Have you seen Mum?"
"Nope," Cherry and Emily answered together.
---
Lucian's POV
They had finally arrived in California. A driver picked them up and took them straight to the King Hotel.
Inside, Clara walked up to the reception desk.
"Hi, ma'am. Welcome to the King Hotel," the receptionist greeted warmly. "May I have your name so I can check your booking?"
"Clara Lorenzo," she replied.
"Ah yes, Miss Lorenzo. Here is your card. And this will be your butler."
A tall man stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Hello, ma'am. My name is Roman, and I'll be your butler from now on. Please allow me to escort you to your room."
They followed him into the elevator as he pressed the button for the fifth floor. When they reached the suite, Roman opened the door with the card and handed it back to Clara.
"Wow…" Clara gasped as she stepped inside. "This room is beautiful. And the view—just stunning."
Roman smiled. "There's a grand opening party tonight, if you're interested in attending."
Clara opened her mouth. "No, we're not comi—"
"Yes, we're coming," her companion cut her off quickly.
Clara bit her lip. He wants to search for her. I just want to spend more time with him…
Roman continued, "If you need a tour around the hotel, assistance getting to the party, or anything else, just push the button on the wall. I'll come immediately. Now, I'll take my leave."
He bowed once more and quietly exited the room.
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