Page 16 of Hard to Resist

The Hartwell staff work with our guests every day. They see things I can’t, and I trust their judgment. If they tell me a change will cause problems, I don’t make it. If they support something, I know it’s worth considering.

I read it twice.

Farther down, Rachel says her grandfather taught her that no CEO should be too important to work at the front desk, carry a suitcase, or help fix a problem.

I think about the dust on her blouse and the way she covered lunch herself. Rachel didn’t repeat her grandfather’s advice because it sounded good in an interview. She lives by it.

I respect that.

It also makes me reconsider her refusal. Maybe it isn’t a negotiating tactic at all. Rachel doesn’t want a Voss hotel beside the Hartwell, and she won’t help me build one, no matter how much I offer. This could be about principle.

Fine. Money isn’t the only way to change someone’s mind.

Rachel claims she trusts her staff and listens when they support a change. That works both ways. If I can show them that sharing the lane is beneficial to them, they may support the deal.

Then Rachel will have to put her money where her mouth is.

It isn’t an agreement, but it gives me leverage.

I return to the ballroom and find my brothers near the window. Daniel has escaped the woman in the silver dress. Tom has left his two admirers at the bar. I join them.

“I’m leaving,” I say.

Tom checks his watch. “Before ten?”

“Early morning.”

Daniel looks at me. “At the Hartwell?”

“Why would you assume that?”

“You’ve mentioned that service lane six times tonight.”

“I have not.”

“Nine,” Tom says. “He brought it up with me too.”

“It’s holding up my hotel.”