Chapter 74 Suspicious Hotel Staff
Chapter 74 Suspicious Hotel Staff
That eerie feeling returned–the same one she’d had just before leaving thest hotel.
Was someone following her?<fna2b7> Get full chapters from f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l?</fna2b7>
Tess’s heart thudded hard against her ribs. Panic surged, and she picked up her pace, rushing toward the hotel.
The front desk hotel staff, Jennifer Webb, was startled by her disheveled state. “Ma’am, is everything alright?”
The warm, golden light of the lobby wrapped around her like a nket, calming her nerves.
Tess forced a shaky breath and offered an apologetic smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just here to check in.”
Hearing that, Jennifer’s face lit up, and she promptly began the check–in process with practiced cheer.
When the key card was finally handed over, Tess exhaled in relief.
Still, before heading to her room, she nced over her shoulder at the outside.
Only dry leaves swirled across the pavement, nothing visibly out of ce. Maybe she was just being paranoid,
She patted her chest and tried tough it off. “Get a grip, Tess,” she muttered.
“Is there a problem, ma’am?” Jennifer asked kindly, catching the flicker of unease in her expression.
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“Nothing.” Tess shook her head and asked, “This area is sort of on the outskirts, right? How’s the security around here?”
Jennifer gave a bright smile and said, “Ah, so that’s what you were worried about. Don’t worry–our hotel is fully equipped with security features. Every room has an emergency rm button. If anything feels off, just press it, and help wille right away.”
That did ease her mind. Tess nodded gratefully. “Thank you. That’s reassuring.”
Once inside the room with La, the tension she’d been carrying began to dissolve into exhaustion.
She changed the baby into her pajamas, fed her, and was just about to settle in for the night when-
Knock Knock.
The sudden sound joited her.
Tess groaned and rubbed her temples, then opened the door.
It was Jennifer, holding a food tray.
“I didn’t order anything. Tess said, confused.
Jennifer smiled politely and said, “It’s aplimentary gift for first–time guests. Just a littlete–night treat.”
She gently nudged the tray toward Tess.
Tess still felt something was off but epted it politely.
| “This bread is a new item we’re testing our, Jennifer exined with a bright smile. “Our manager asked us to gather some
customer feedback as we deliver it”
Tess caught on “So you’d <b>like </b>me to try it now?”
“Yes, please
Jennifer ced the tray on the nightstand beside the bed. “If you could just take a bite, that’d help me report back
Tess nced at her closely. The woman still wore <b>that </b>perfect customer service smile. wless. Impable.
Chapter 74 Suspicious Hotel Staff
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After falling from a wealthy socialite to cleaning motel floors, Tess had learned to read people in the margins. She always thought herself adept at empathizing with those at the bottom.
Jennifer waited patiently while Tess hesitated. Her gaze drifted–too long–to where Lay sleeping on the bed. “Is that your daughter?” she asked with a sugary tone. “She’s adorable.”
Tess offered a stiff smile and a polite nod. Then, from the tray, she picked the smallest slice of cake.
Just as she raised it to her lips, her hand froze.
Jennifer still hadn’t looked away from La.
A shiver crawled over Tess’s skin like ice.
She set the cake down without a word and clutched her stomach, frowning in faux difort. “I’m really sorry; I think my stomach’s acting up all of a sudden.”
Seeing the sudden change in her expression, Jennifer grew visibly anxious. “Are you alright, ma’am?”
Probably just period cramps. Would you mind running out and grabbing some painkillers for me? I’ll try the cake while you’re gone and give you my thoughts when you’re back.”
Tess looked at her with a pleading, vulnerable gaze.
Jennifer hesitated, clearly unsure—but faced with Tess’s twisted expression of pain, she finally nodded. “Alright.”
Just before leaving, she turned at the door and added with a smile, “Please don’t forget to taste it.”
Tess nodded quickly, letting out a dramatic groan. “I will, I promise. Just–please go!”
Jennifer picked up her pace, but she muttered under her breath, “Didn’t know cramps could be that bad.”
The second she turned the corner and disappeared from view, Tess straightened. The pain? Gone.
She grabbed her suitcase, scooped La into her arms, and made for the back exit without another second’s dy.
<i>Tess </i>hadn’t imagined it–the gleam of calction in Jennifer’s eyes had been real.
Something about this ce wasn’t right.
Her gut screamed it. Adrenaline surged through her. She didn’t even risk the elevator–just bolted for the emergency stairwell
The stairwell was dim, lit only by the green glow of the exit signs. Each step echoed beneath her feet, her heart hammering against her chest.
Meanwhile, Jennifer had just purchased the painkillers when she suddenly stopped.
If she had cramps, could she still eat dessert<i>? </i>
A sense of wrongness hit her. She frowned, her steps quickened.
By the time she reached the hallway, she saw it immediately–the door to Tess’s room was slightly ajar.
A wave of dread surged through her.
Bang
She shoved the door open. The room was in <b>chaos</b>–tossed sheets, scattered clothes–but not a soul in sight
Jennifer stood in the doorway, her chest heaving in panic.