The car rolled to a quiet stop in front of the hotel.Noon light glazed the glass exterior, turning it into a polished mirror. Ivan stepped out, adjusted his jacket once, and walked inside like he owned the place—or like places had learned not to question him.The lobby noticed.Conversations dipped. A phone slipped from someone’s hand. At the reception desk, two women froze mid-sentence, eyes tracking him openly as he approached.“Good afternoon,” Ivan said.Both straightened at once.“Yes—good afternoon,” the first receptionist replied too quickly, her smile already bright, already interested. “How can we help you?”“I’m here to see someone,” Ivan said. “Ms. Banks .”Something flickered between them.“Oh,” the second receptionist breathed, eyes lighting up. “She’s staying with us.”She leaned forward slightly, elbows on the desk, gaze roaming him with zero shame. “You’re her son?”Ivan nodded once.“Well,” the first receptionist said, voice warmer now, slower, “she must be very proud
Last Updated : 2025-12-26 Read more