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“We understand, Mr. Novák, the unfortunate incident last night has put the hotel in a rather... precarious position,” the unmistakable voice of Greta Wolf came through the speaker phone. “Wolf Corp can provide the necessary resources and management to not only restore the damage to the Novák Hotel but to elevate it to new heights."
Of course, she saw the fire and the ensuing chaos not as a tragedy but as an opportunity – an opening to swoop in and claim their prize.
“Thank you, Greta. We appreciate your understanding and willingness to work with us,” Pavel said, all stern business. If he was shaken by the fire, he wasn’t showing it. Which, Ondrej supposed, was what everyone needed right now. Stoic leadership.
Pavel hung up and looked at Ondrej.
“How are you?” he asked.
Ondrej sighed. “Is it too early for a pint?”
Pavel chuckled lightly. “Probably. But how about a coffee?”
“Fine,” Ondrej said with mock disappointment. He walked over to the espresso machine in the corner and popped in a pod.
“This is a disaster,” Ondrej said.
Pavel sighed. “It is. But it could be worse. Wolf Corp still wants it, damage and all.”
“Greta sees a wounded animal now. Only thing left to do is put it out of its misery.”
“That’s a little dramatic, but I suppose not far off. We have no choice now, Ondrej. You see that, don’t you?”
Ondrej sipped his espresso and exhaled, feeling a huge weight exit his body with his breath. “I know. I do. Let’s sign the paperwork as soon as we can and move on. I’m ready.”
ChapterTwenty-Eight
The lobby of the Novák, usually a hub of serene luxury, had transformed overnight into a battlefield of distress calls and anxious inquiries. Standing near the front desk, I watched as the staff, usually so composed, struggled to manage the deluge of phone calls. The ring of each phone seemed to echo the growing uncertainty and fear.
"I'm sorry, sir, we understand your concerns, and we're doing everything to ensure such an incident won't happen again," I overheard one of the receptionists say in accented English, her voice a tightrope walk between professionalism and evident strain.
My phone buzzed with notifications – each alert a sharp jab reminding me of the escalating crisis. Glancing at the screen, I saw a barrage of online reports and headlines, each headline more sensational than the last.
"Fire at Historic Novák Hotel Raises Safety Concerns," one read, while another blared, "Guests Flee in Panic as Fire Engulfs Luxury Prague Hotel." The words stung, painting a picture far grimmer than the reality but equally damaging.
Feeling a surge of helplessness, I stepped away from the chaos at the desk. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on my shoulders. I couldn't help but wonder how Ondrej was handling this. He had already been under immense pressure to save his family's legacy, and now this fire threatened to be the final blow. How were they going to come back from this?
The unease that had enveloped the hotel seeped into every corner, every conversation. As I walked through the hallways, the usual hum of activity was replaced by hushed, anxious discussions among the staff. I could see the emotional toll the situation was taking on everyone. Some were trying to put on a brave face, but the strain was evident in their forced smiles and weary eyes. Others were less successful at masking their fears, their eyes darting nervously or fixated on the ground, lost in troubled thoughts. It felt like a ship in the midst of a storm, its crew unsure if they were heading for safe harbor or about to be dashed on the rocks. It pained me to see such a vibrant place shadowed by gloom and uncertainty.
My phone buzzed. It was Will. Sigh.
I stepped out onto a secluded patio off the main lobby, my phone pressed tightly against my ear, anxiety knotting in my stomach. I shivered, but the morning chill was nothing compared to the cold wave of dread washing over me as Will's voice crackled through the speaker.
“Are you alright?” Will asked before I’d barely said hello.
“I’m fine. Physically anyway. A little shaken up.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it. I was worried sick when I heard.”
I doubted that, but I allowed him the sentiment.
“It’s ok. I’m ok. The hotel, not so much.”
“Right. I can only imagine. Well, I think you better get back then.”
I nearly dropped the phone. I closed my eyes. “What? Now?”
“Sienna—the deal is dead. We know that. It’s time you come home. Get to work on a new project.”
