Chapter 182

How did Alexander and Victoria manage to bring her to this hotel?

Alexander must have been involved with Victoria. But if he was present that night, how could he have allowed Victoria to make such a critical mistake?

Beatrice noticed Isabella's skeptical expression and quickly added, "Let me call the floor manager for you. Lawrence Chamberlain has supervised this level for years. He knows every person who has entered or exited these rooms.

"I only handle food deliveries, but Manager Chamberlain provides additional guest services. He would have more detailed information about that incident. You can verify everything with him to see if I'm telling the truth."

"Fine. If your story checks out, you'll get your money." Isabella swiftly put away her bank card.

"Excellent. But please don't mention our conversation to Manager Chamberlain. He's very strict, and I could lose my job if he finds out." Beatrice stood up to leave the room.

Isabella gave a slight nod.

As Beatrice exited, she reminded her, "Remember to open the door for him when he arrives."

The door clicked shut, leaving the room in complete silence.

Isabella stared at the dishes on the table but felt no appetite.

She wondered if Manager Chamberlain would have any real information. Would his account match Beatrice's? While the waitress seemed truthful, something about the story felt off.

What crucial detail was she missing?

Meanwhile, at The Grand Monarch Hotel...

The luxury establishment stood a kilometer away from Phoenix Hotel, its presidential suite occupying the entire top floor.

Nathaniel stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, his gaze fixed on the lavish bed behind him. Five years ago—on Valentine's Day—he had taken a girl's innocence on that very bed. Who was she? Why had she vanished without leaving a single trace?

Sebastian was usually highly competent. Why couldn't he solve this mystery?

At that moment, Sebastian entered with Oliver.

"Brother, I've gathered all staff members who were working here five years ago."

As he spoke, about ten employees filed into the room. They stood with their heads bowed, visibly trembling with fear.

Nathaniel turned and scrutinized the group. His voice remained ice-cold. "Who was the girl in this room five years ago on Valentine's Day?"

"Mr. Blackwood, we truly don't know."

They all gave identical answers, their eyes fixed on the floor in terror.

Nathaniel's tone turned dangerous. "Think very carefully before you answer. I have a hungry alligator waiting in my pond at home."

The staff turned pale at his words. Their bodies shook with uncontrolled fear.

Rumors about Nathaniel Blackwood's cruelty were well-known. That he kept an alligator as a pet was apparently true.

What if he decided to feed them to his pet?

One female staff member suddenly spoke up. "Mr. Blackwood, I don't know who that girl was... but he might know."

She pointed at the man standing beside her. Nathaniel's sharp gaze immediately focused on the indicated man.