At the Dragon Hotel in Hong Kong, Maria stood at the reception desk with a few other hotel staff members. She was talking to a female colleague, casually passing time between guests.
The Dragon Hotel employed many staff members—both male and female—but the number of female staff was noticeably higher. Maria was focused on her conversation, unaware that Daniel, the hotel manager, was watching her from a distance. A soft smile appeared on his face without him realizing it.
Suddenly, the calm atmosphere shifted.
A strange man entered the hotel.
At first glance, he looked dangerous—almost like a killer. He was bald, tall, broad-shouldered, and unusually fit. He wore a black jacket and carried a large, heavy-looking suitcase in his hand.
The moment he stepped into the reception area, all the staff noticed him.
Including Maria.
But it wasn't fear that made them look.
It was competition.
At the Dragon Hotel, staff members earned good commissions by helping guests—especially by carrying luggage to rooms and providing excellent service. When guests checked out, they often rewarded helpful staff generously. Everyone silently hoped to be the one chosen.
The man walked straight to the counter and spoke in a harsh tone.
"I need a room for one night."
The receptionist smiled professionally.
"Yes, sir. One night room is available."
"What's the rent?" the man asked sharply.
"Ten thousand dollars," the manager replied politely.
"Do I need to pay now?" the man asked again, his tone still cold.
"No, sir," the manager said. "You can pay at checkout."
The man nodded.
"Fine. Give me the key. I want to rest."
"Certainly, sir. Room number 309," the manager said with a smile, handing him the key.
The man snatched the key rudely and turned to leave.
At that moment, Maria stepped forward with a polite smile.
"Sir, please give me your luggage. I'll help you take it to your room."
The man stopped and looked at her coldly.
"I don't need your help," he said harshly. "I'm strong enough to carry my own luggage. I don't need you."
Without another word, he walked toward the elevator and pressed the button.
A few seconds later, the elevator doors opened. The man stepped inside, pressed a button, and the doors closed.
Maria stood there, staring at the elevator doors.
Daniel walked up behind her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"What's wrong?" he asked. "What are you thinking?"
Maria turned around quickly.
"No, sir. Nothing."
Daniel smiled reassuringly.
"I know. That customer's behavior bothered you. Some people are like that. They prefer doing things on their own."
He paused and added warmly,
"Don't overthink it. If one customer doesn't take your service, another one will. Give them good service, earn your commission. Now smile."
Maria smiled faintly, comforted by his words.
The elevator reached the third floor.
The doors opened. The strange man stepped out with his large suitcase. The elevator doors closed automatically behind him.
He walked down the corridor, searching for his room. Finally, he stopped at Room 309.
He inserted the key, opened the door, stepped inside, and slammed it shut.
Elsewhere
Outside John's café, Vikram and Sofia were arguing.
"Okay, okay," Vikram said finally. "I'll come back inside with you. But only for two or three minutes. After that, I'm leaving. I have a lot of work."
Sofia nodded.
"Fine. Stay for a few minutes. But come inside first."
She held Vikram's hand and pulled him back into the café, toward the same private room where they had been sitting earlier.
Inside, John was still alone.
He had been wondering why Vikram had suddenly left and whether he would return.
Just then, the door opened.
Sofia entered, holding Vikram's hand, and closed the door behind them.
John looked at her.
"It seems like Vikram didn't want to come back, and you forced him," he said lightly.
Sofia smiled lovingly at Vikram, then looked at John.
"You're right. He didn't want to come. But he loves me, so he came. He knows how stubborn he is."
John smiled faintly.
"That's true."
Sofia was smiling.
Vikram was not.
After a moment, John said normally,
"Alright, if talking is over, let's sit."
They sat down.
"Is something wrong, Vikram?" John asked. "Any problem? If you don't like this café, we can go somewhere else."
Vikram replied calmly,
"No, nothing like that. The café is good. I just have a lot of work."
John nodded.
"Everyone has work. But if work makes you forget yourself, what's the point? You should give time to yourself too."
"You're right," Vikram said. "But I've received a big project."
John looked interested.
"The biggest producer in Hong Kong—Ching Chong—offered me a film," Vikram continued. "He called me two days ago."
Sofia listened quietly.
"I told him I need two weeks to complete the script," Vikram said. "After that, I'll come to Hong Kong and start shooting. Casting auditions will begin during those two weeks."
John leaned forward.
"Any conditions?"
"Yes," Vikram replied. "The heroine will be Sofia."
John raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Ching Chong didn't object," Vikram said. "He said my girlfriend is lucky to have me. He agreed immediately."
Sofia smiled brightly.
"That title is amazing," she said when Vikram added, "The film is a horror mystery called Who Are You?"
John forced a smile. Inside, jealousy burned.
He had never liked Vikram. Today, he needed him. But Vikram didn't need him at all.
Johnny Albert had changed everything.
Vikram stood up.
"Alright, it's late. I'm leaving."
He checked his phone. It was already 8 p.m.
"Sofia, do you want to go?" Vikram asked.
Sofia stood up happily.
"Yes, let's go."
They left the private room together.
John remained seated alone.
He whispered to himself,
"Once, I had everything. Money. Projects. Power. And now… nothing."
Outside, Vikram and Sofia got into Vikram's car.
Sofia sat in the front passenger seat. Vikram started the engine, and they drove away.
Far away, inside Room 309 of the Dragon Hotel, the Black Shadow waited.