Then a deep, authoritative voice answered.

“Arthur Sterling, General Manager.”

Patrick and Karl exchanged a nervous, confused glance.

Arthur Sterling was not merely the general manager; he was the formidable, notoriously exacting regional vice president who oversaw all seven flagship properties in the Midwest, and he was, at that very moment, upstairs in the grand ballroom, personally overseeing the high-stakes corporate gala.

“Arthur,” Clara said into the phone, her voice carrying clearly across the marble lobby.

“It’s Clara Vance.”