Karina furrowed her brows, heart in complete turmoil.
If she refused to apologize to Serena, Xavier would definitely pull up the front desk footage. By then, wouldn't he find out she'd actually hit the receptionist?
Her image in his mind had already taken a massive hit because of her verbal abuse toward Serena-she couldn't afford to make things worse.
"Xavier..." Holding onto one last hope, she softened her voice, almost begging, "Can't we let this go for the sake of my father? I just... I can't bring myself to apologize to a woman who humiliated me."
Pulling out her father now, huh?
Xavier sneered inwardly!
If he were intimidated by her father or the Carters, he wouldn't have tried every possible way to reject the arranged marriage with them.
But appearances had to be maintained-for now, he didn't want to completely tear things apart.
So he responded with a smile, "Miss Carter, it's not that I don't respect Uncle Carter, but if we don't get to the bottom of this, I won't be able to answer to everyone else!"
"I've already explained! The hotel is about to open-if this isn't handled properly and word gets out, who would dare book a room at a X Group hotel in the future?"
"If we can't even guarantee the safety and dignity of guests staying in the presidential suite, how can any ordinary guest feel safe?! So please understand my position and responsibility-and cooperate!"
By this point, Karina knew-if she didn't apologize to Serena today, things would only get more humiliating for her.
If the front desk surveillance footage was reviewed, she might even end up having to apologize to that lowly receptionist!
"Xavier, I don't want to make things difficult for you. Today, for your sake, I'm willing to swallow my pride and apologize to Miss Knowles!"
Still pretending it was all for him...
The corners of Xavier's lips twitched. He had no intention of letting her weasel out of this.
"Miss Carter, everything between you and the presidential suite guest is crystal clear. You've seen the full surveillance footage. You were in the wrong-so what exactly are you sacrificing or enduring here?"
"If you still feel wronged, then I have no problem going through the trouble of pulling up the front desk footage to clear your name, how about that?"
Karina's face turned red and white with embarrassment, wishing she could disappear into the ground.
Clenching her teeth, she forced a smile. "Regardless of whether Miss Knowles bullied me first or not, I shouldn't have been so rude. I admit it was my fault. I'm not feeling wronged-I'll apologize to Miss Knowles of my own will."
Xavier nodded in satisfaction. "Good, then let's go together."
With that, he stood up and gestured for her to lead the way.
Cornered, Karina had no choice but to comply.
She nodded awkwardly and walked toward the door.
Xavier, meanwhile, motioned for Brody to come over and whispered something to him.
After listening, Brody nodded understandingly. "Got it, Sir."
He then quickly took out his phone and made a call.
...
36th Floor, Presidential Suite.
After making the call to security, Serena changed into her sleepwear, put in her earplugs, and went back to sleep.
Last night, Xavier had practically tormented her the entire night. Her whole body felt like it was falling apart.
On top of that, she'd had some red wine, so she was especially drowsy.
In her daze, she thought she heard light knocking at the door.
Annoyed, she turned over, not wanting to deal with it.
Moments later, the bedside phone started ringing loudly, dragging her completely out of her dreams.
Unhappily, she picked up the receiver. "Hello?"
A polite male voice came from the other end. "Hello, miss, this is the security department."
"Oh? What is it?"
"Well, over an hour ago, you called to file a complaint. We've investigated it and confirmed someone was indeed causing a disturbance outside your room."
"Mhm, and? If you've confirmed it was her fault, why haven't you taken that lunatic away yet? I just heard knocking again just now!"
"Miss, there's been a misunderstanding. The person knocking now isn't the one who harassed you earlier. It's our young master, along with relevant personnel, here to inform you of the investigation's outcome. Could you kindly open the door?"
Young master?
Serena frowned. Didn't Xavier have a key card?
Why didn't he just come in directly? Why have security call instead?
"Alright, I understand."
"Thank you for your cooperation!"
The call ended. Serena scratched her head and sat up.
She glanced toward the door, confused about what kind of game Xavier was playing.
She got out of bed and, passing the vanity mirror, tidied her hair and clothes before heading for the door.
Outside, Xavier stood at the front, posture straight as a board.
Karina stood behind him, head lowered, her expression looking like she'd just swallowed a fly.
Brody stood beside her, holding... a video camera?
This was what Xavier had specifically asked him to prepare!
After holding it in for a while, Karina finally couldn't help but speak. "Xavier, it's just an apology. Why bring a video camera?"
"Miss Carter, you may not know-this is standard procedure at X Group. Every case must be documented on video, to avoid future disputes with any of the involved parties."
"Oh come on! With our relationship, how could I possibly come after you later? Let's skip the camera, alright?"
"I'm sure you won't, Miss Carter-but we can't guarantee Miss Knowles won't."
"She's the one being apologized to-what trouble could she possibly cause?" The moment Serena was mentioned, Karina's tone immediately grew more irritated.
"Well, we can't say for sure. Just to be safe, let's follow protocol."
With that, Xavier turned his back to her, taking on the stance of a merciless enforcer of justice.
Karina secretly gritted her teeth, her resentment and hatred for Serena growing even deeper.
Just then, the door suddenly opened from inside with a bang.
Serena looked out at the three of them, each with different expressions, momentarily unsure of what was happening.
Her gaze landed on the video camera in Brody's arms.
She pointed at it and asked Xavier in a calm, casual tone, "What's this supposed to mean?"
***