Early the next morning, before 7 a.m., Karina was already up.
She carefully picked out several outfits and accessories, brought along all kinds of makeup, dressed herself up, and excitedly set off for the X Group's hot spring resort hotel.
When she arrived, it was only 9 o'clock.
As soon as she got out of the car, hotel staff came forward enthusiastically to help with her luggage and guided her toward the front desk.
On both sides of the hotel entrance stood golden dragon pillars, each ten meters tall, with lifelike and majestic dragons carved into them. At first glance, it was quite an impressive sight.
Inside the lobby, everything was decorated in splendid gold. Standing there made one feel as if they had entered a Greek palace, adding a touch of holiness and solemnity to the atmosphere.
Karina glanced around, secretly impressed.
The Blaze family was indeed wealthy. The luxurious décor of just a single resort hotel suggested the immense financial power of the entire X Group.
At the front desk, the receptionists in uniform stood in a row and bowed simultaneously.
"Welcome to X Group's Hot Spring Resort Hotel."
Karina's vanity was greatly satisfied. She removed her sunglasses and strutted to the receptionist in the center with an air of superiority.
The young receptionist politely said, "Hello, miss. May I see your ID so I can check you in?"
Karina rolled her eyes. "I'm a guest invited by your young master!"
The receptionist smiled politely but remained firm. "Sorry, Miss, but we haven't received any notification from Mr. Xavier Blaze. And even if you're a friend of the owner, we still need to follow standard check-in procedures."
"Ridiculous!" Her face darkened as she snapped, "Are you saying I'm lying?!"
"No, of course not! I didn't mean that at all."
"Then what do you mean?! I just said I'm a guest of Xavier, and you still have the nerve to question me, wasting my time here? Clearly, you don't believe me!"
"I... I'm sorry..." The receptionist was starting to look embarrassed.
"Enough nonsense! Give me your best suite now! I've been traveling for over an hour and I'm exhausted. I need to rest immediately!"
"I'm really sorry, but I..."
The receptionist dared not act on her own and quietly signaled her colleague to report to Xavier.
Unfortunately, her subtle gesture was noticed by Karina.
Her face turned cold as she crossed her arms and said aggressively, "Sick of this job already? Want to get fired? Do you know who I am, daring to play games right in front of me?!"
"I'm sorry, Miss. I wasn't trying to be sneaky."
"I saw it, and you still deny it?!"
Getting angrier, Karina suddenly raised her hand and slapped the receptionist.
Smack! The receptionist's eyes turned red instantly.
Covering her slightly swollen cheek, she looked aggrieved but dared not say a word.
Karina's aggressive behavior stunned the other staff nearby.
They all speculated that this woman in luxury brands, acting so arrogantly, must truly be an important guest.
No one dared to stop her.
Feeling even more triumphant, Karina placed her hands on her hips and pointed at the receptionist, "Say something! Why don't you keep arguing?!"
The young receptionist hung her head and said nothing.
At that moment, a calm yet firm voice came from behind, "Excuse me, miss, is something wrong?"
Annoyed, Karina turned around.
Before her stood an extraordinarily beautiful woman. Her skin was flawless and fair as snow, her features exquisitely delicate, especially her bright, clear eyes-pure on the surface, yet with a hidden allure.
Though dressed simply in a white blouse and blue jeans, she couldn't hide her stunning figure.
Her face carried a faint smile. Despite her breathtaking beauty, her demeanor was gentle and approachable.
Karina hated beautiful women-especially those of humble background.
With a sideways glance, she snapped, "Who do you think you are, meddling in my business?!"
"Hello, I'm Serena Knowles. I'm here on vacation."
Upon hearing she was just an ordinary guest, Karina became haughty again.
Secretly, she had always believed that it was only a matter of time before she became the lady of the Blaze family. When that happened, everything under the Blaze name-including this resort-would be hers.
"Hmph!" She snorted coldly, raising her head high. "I'm disciplining an unruly employee. Mind your own business!"
Serena looked at the poor receptionist, still on the verge of tears, and calmly said, "No matter what the issue is, there's no need to resort to violence."
"I'll do as I please! It's none of your concern!"
Seeing she wouldn't listen, Serena didn't bother arguing. She turned to the receptionist and gently asked, "What happened? How did you offend this lady?"
The receptionist glanced nervously at Karina and whispered, "She wanted to check in but refused to show her ID. According to hotel policy, we can't check anyone in without proper identification. I asked a few more questions, and she got angry."
"I see."
Serena turned back. "Miss, according to hotel rules, you must show valid ID to check in."
"Rules?!" Karina sneered. "Those rules are for lowly workers like you. Your stupid rules don't apply to me!"
"So, you're refusing to show ID?"
"I already said I don't need to!"
Serena was gentle by nature, but she had a strong sense of justice and hated bullies.
Seeing that Karina was determined to cause trouble, she decided not to show mercy either.
With a faint smile, she turned to two nearby male staff members and said, "This lady is causing a scene and seriously disrupting the hotel's order. Please escort her out."
Escort her out?!
The two male staff exchanged glances, unsure what to do.
After all, anyone who dared act this arrogant must have some powerful backing. If they offended someone important, they'd be in trouble.
"What are you waiting for?" Serena frowned, then took the initiative-grabbing Karina's luggage and heading toward the door.
"Hey! What are you doing?! Put down my things!" Karina chased after her.
"Can't you tell? I'm helping you toss your luggage out!" Serena replied with a sweet smile.
"You wouldn't dare! I'm an honored guest!"
"A guest like you, with no manners, is a burden to any place. You're not welcome here!"
"You're outrageous!" Karina grabbed her suitcase. "Let me tell you, I know Xavier personally! If you dare throw out my luggage, I'll have you kicked out of here immediately!"
"Oh? Xavier?" Serena raised an eyebrow and gave Karina a slow, deliberate once-over. "What a coincidence-I know Xavier too. Now guess, between the two of us, who do you think he'll side with?"
***