“Mr.
Salvador… I can’t do it anymore!” Ian panted as they climbed the stairs.
The hotel had high ceilings, so each floor had more steps than usual.
By the time they reached the 8th floor, Ian was already out of breath.
His legs trembled, and he was on the verge of giving up.
“A man shouldn’t give up so easily.
There are only two floors left.
Hurry up,” Justin urged Ian, continuing up the stairs without a change in his expression.
At 30 years old, Justin was two years older than Ian, but his background as a soldier in the peacekeeping force gave him a level of physical fitness far beyond the average person.
After retiring, he had kept up with regular exercise and martial arts, and his endurance was higher than most.
He could easily climb another 20 floors if needed.
After all, during his military days, he’d often run 30 laps during a night run.
Finally, they reached the 40th floor.
Ian collapsed on the stairs, panting heavily, while Justin stood over him, shaking his head.
“Mr.
Salvador, nice to meet you.
”
Justin turned at the sound of the voice.
A man was approaching, offering a polite smile.
He was handsome, well-groomed, and had a youthful appearance, with a face many women might describe as “puppy-dog” cute.
It was hard to tell his true age.
“I’m Ms.
Thompson’s secretary, Steven Lovett.
Ms.
Thompson has been waiting for you for a long time.
Please, come with me.
”
‘Was she complaining that we were slow?!’ Justin thought, feeling his frustration rise, but he had nowhere to direct it.
His face darkened slightly.
“Well, my feet aren’t as fast as an elevator.
I hope Ms.
Thompson doesn’t mind.
”
Steven didn’t respond, merely turning and walking ahead without acknowledging them.
“What’s with that attitude?!” Ian huffed, recovering his breath and wanting to confront Steven.
But Justin held him back.
“Wait for me here.
”
Justin followed Steven to the door of the general manager’s office.
He took a deep breath.
For some reason, Justin felt nervous, despite usually being calm in the face of most situations.
This meeting with the elusive Bella Thompson had him on edge.
After Steven knocked on the door, a female voice from inside called, “Come in!”
Steven opened the door and gestured for Justin to enter.
As he walked into the office, Justin’s throat tightened.
Bella was sitting in the next room, eating chocolate, watching the situation unfold with interest.
The woman behind the desk was young, with a flawless face.
She wore a carefully chosen outfit, and her long hair cascaded down, giving her a poised and refined look.
She looked nothing like the Bella Thompson he had imagined—there was no arrogance or authority in her presence, no sign of the pampered heiress he had expected.
“Mr.
Salvador, you must be exhausted.
Please, have a seat.
”
Bella spoke into a Bluetooth headset, relaying instructions to her “puppet,” who did his best to convey them, though not as naturally or smoothly as she would have done herself.
Justin sat on the sofa, glancing around the room.
The office was tastefully decorated, with a black piano in the corner, a marble coffee table, and a luxurious vintage leather sofa.
However, what caught his attention most was the framed quote hanging behind Bella.
“Hide your strength and bide your time.
”
“Nice calligraphy,” Justin remarked.