Richard woke up the next morning feeling refreshed, the luxurious bed cradling him in comfort.
Sunlight streamed through the massive windows, casting a golden glow across the master bedroom. He stretched lazily, his muscles relaxed for the first time in what felt like years.
Lying on the silk sheets, he stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. "Now that I have all this money… what do I do with it?" The question lingered, heavy with possibilities.
He sighed, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "My mother-in-law," he muttered, his voice cold, "she must pay for every bit of the evil she's orchestrated."
His mind raced, the fire of vengeance burning bright, but another problem loomed larger. "First things first…"
He clenched his jaw. "I need to clear my name. That false accusation… it has to be dealt with."
He sat up, running a hand through his tousled hair. "But how?" he whispered. "I need allies, evidence… and maybe even something bigger."
A soft knock on the door interrupted Richard's thoughts. He frowned, brushing the remnants of sleep from his mind.
"Yes?" he called out.
The smooth, mechanical tone of the AI responded, "Your humble servant, sir."
Richard smirked at the overly formal greeting. "Come in."
The door slid open soundlessly, and the AI entered, its humanoid form sleek and polished. It bowed slightly, its metallic face devoid of expression but somehow exuding respect.
"Good morning, sir," it said. "I have prepared your morning briefing. Would you like to review the current news and any relevant updates?"
Richard swung his legs off the bed, planting his feet on the marbled floor. "Sure. And bring me some coffee, something strong."
"Of course, sir," the AI replied, already moving to fulfill the request. "Also, Ms. Mia left a message for you. She requests a meeting this morning to discuss your proposal."
Richard leaned back, a small smile playing on his lips. "Interesting. Tell her I'll meet her in the lounge in an hour."
"Understood, sir." The AI bowed again before gliding toward the door. "Your coffee will be here shortly."
As the door closed behind it, Richard allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.
"Wait, what morning briefing?" Richard asked aloud, confusion lacing his voice. He had no idea what the AI was referring to.
Moments later, the AI returned, gracefully carrying a cup of coffee on a golden tray. It handed the cup to Richard with robotic precision.
Richard took the coffee, eyeing it warily. "Please don't tell me how much this coffee costs—or the cup for that matter. I already know you're dying to say it."
The AI paused, its synthetic eyes flickering in acknowledgment. "Noted, sir."
Richard sipped the coffee, savoring the rich flavor, but before he could fully enjoy it, the AI spoke again. "It appears your meeting with Mia will have to wait."
Richard frowned. "Why? What's going on?"
The AI's voice remained calm. "Someone has tipped off the police regarding your presence here. They've arrived at the hotel's entrance, but the management has refused them entry. They are demanding a warrant before allowing the police to apprehend our most distinguished client."
Richard froze mid-sip, the rich aroma of the coffee suddenly less appealing. He set the cup down slowly, his mind racing.
"What did you say?" he asked.
The AI's mechanical tone remained calm, as if discussing the weather. "A tip was sent to the police regarding your presence here."
Richard rubbed his temples, irritation bubbling within him. "So, I'm trapped here until they either leave or get a warrant?"
"That is correct, sir," the AI confirmed. "However, the hotel has offered to secure alternative exits should you wish to leave undetected."
Richard leaned back in the luxurious chair, the weight of the situation pressing on him. "I'm not running, I'm not guilty of those crimes."
The AI's eyes flickered as it continued, its voice calm and measured. "Sir, a shareholder's meeting will be held shortly. The owner of King's Palace Hotel will be in attendance, and the hotel's director will be here shortly to escort you to the hall as the esteemed guest of honor."
Richard raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Guest of honor?" he echoed, setting the coffee cup down. "I'm curious—why would I hold such a title?"
The AI responded without hesitation. "Your recent booking of the Tier 5 Presidential Suite for a year has elevated your status to that of the most prominent client in the hotel's history. It is customary for such distinguished patrons to be recognized in significant events."
Richard chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "I only arrived yesterday, and I'm already being paraded around like royalty."
"Indeed, sir," the AI replied. "Would you like assistance preparing for the meeting?"
Richard stood, running a hand through his hair. "No need."
The AI hesitated. "If I may suggest, sir, it would be more impactful to appear in the attire provided. First impressions among shareholders are pivotal."
Richard smirked. "Fair enough. Lay out something suitable—but make sure it still feels like me."
"As you wish, sir," the AI said, moving swiftly to retrieve the clothing.
Richard turned toward the window, gazing out at the city below. "A meeting with the owner, huh? Looks like today's going to be interesting."
Thirty minutes later, Richard stood in front of a full-length mirror, dressed in a sleek black suit tailored to perfection.
A gold wristwatch gleamed on his wrist, and his polished leather shoes exuded understated elegance. He adjusted his cuffs, admiring the subtle, powerful transformation.
"Are all these things given to every exclusive member?" Richard asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
The AI, standing by like a silent sentinel, responded smoothly, "No, sir. Only to those with the highest patronage."
Richard raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly does that mean?"
The AI's digital eyes flickered. "Before your arrival, the record for the highest patronage was held by Dr. Jones, Mia's father. He spent $500 million at this establishment. You, however, shattered that record with a booking totaling $2.8 billion."
Richard chuckled, a smug grin curling at the corners of his mouth. "Good to know I'm setting new standards."
The AI inclined its head. "Indeed, sir. The director will arrive momentarily to escort you to the shareholder's meeting."