THE ELEVATOR OPENED—AND HIS POWER ENDED.

Ethan’s confidence faltered for only a second.

Then he pointed at Victor and sneered.

“You wear a hotel uniform now. Don’t pretend that makes you important.”

Victor did not react.

“That uniform gave me access to every hallway your money convinced you no one watched.”

Mr. Harris identified himself as the hotel’s retired operations director. He had witnessed Ethan threaten Lena but admitted he had remained silent too long.

Ethan laughed at him.

“You carried luggage for people like us. Don’t confuse service with authority.”

Mr. Harris’s face hardened.

“I managed this building while your father hid debts behind charity galas.”

Lena told Victor Ethan had tried to force her to sign a guardianship transfer. If she signed, Ethan would control Mia’s inheritance and declare Lena emotionally unstable.

Ethan called her hysterical.

“She married into wealth and suddenly believes she understands legal ownership.”

Lena answered through tears.

“I understand theft when it is written in expensive language.”

Victor examined the cane.

A tiny microphone was hidden beneath its silver handle.

Every threat Ethan made had been recorded.

Then the elevator camera beeped above them.

Victor looked up.

“The lobby footage was never erased.”

Ethan smiled again.

“You’re wrong. My mother controls the server.”