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“But—in this middle of this crisis?”
“It’s not your crisis to manage. You don’t work for Novák Hotel. You work for Arcadia Group—for me. And I need you to get back.”
“Will, I—we can still—”
“Even if Wolf Corp hadn’t beaten us to the punch, from what I understand, the fire damage is extensive. The cost of repairs is going to be astronomical. It changes the entire financial landscape of the deal.” Will's voice was tense, all business, and lacking any of the excitement we'd shared at the beginning of this venture.
“There has to be something we can do to win it back. Will, this hotel isn't just a building. It's a piece of Prague's heart. We can't abandon this project over one setback."
“Will you listen to yourself? I think some smoke went to your head. I know you’ve been through a lot. And I know how passionate you get, Sienna. It’s one of the things I admire about you. But the board is very concerned about the risks now. The financials just don't add up anymore."
"So, that's it? We just walk away and let Wolf Corp or someone else swoop in? What about our vision for preserving historic landmarks?"
"It's not about vision anymore. It's about viability. We can't pour money into a sinking ship," Will said, his words cutting through my last shred of hope. "You've done great work, and I know we both really wanted this deal to go through. But sometimes, we have to make tough calls. Now pack your bags and book yourself a ticket back. Hey, you know what? Fly first class on the company. You’ve been through a lot—you deserve the upgrade.”
I held back a growl of frustration. I closed my eyes and nodded. “Ok. I’ll book the next flight I can.”
“Good. See you stateside soon.”
I ended the call, the device slipping slightly from my shaking hand. I closed my eyes, letting faint flurries tickle my cheeks. I soaked in every sensation I could, knowing it was all about to end.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
The grand ballroom, usually a place of celebration and elegance, was now filled with a somber air as the staff members gathered, their faces etched with concern and uncertainty. Ondrej stood at the front, his usual confident demeanor replaced by a visible weight of responsibility.
“I’m sure you are all very shaken up by recent events. I know it has been a tumultuous few days.”
Hushed murmurs rippled through the crowd, a mix of anxiety and expectation hanging in the air.
“But we are happy to report that while there was extensive damage to the hotel, everyone is safe, and we only had a few minor injuries.”
A collective relieved exhale washed through the room.
Ondrej cleared his throat. “However, that is just one part of why we are here today. As you all know, we've been facing some tough decisions about the future of our hotel. There have been some rumors and I know that there were some mishandled blueprints that might have given some false information.”
Ondrej paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before continuing.
"I want to be transparent with you. We have entered into a tentative agreement to sell the hotel.”
There was an audible gasp, but he tried to ignore it. He needed to just get through this before he, too, fell apart. “Given our recent financial situation, and now the fire, this is the best course of action for everyone. We don’t do this lightly, please believe me. It’s with a heavy heart that Pavel, Dominika, and I say goodbye to our life here. But we know it’s the best thing for the future of the Novák Hotel and for its people.”
"Your dedication to this hotel hasn't gone unnoticed, and please know that the decisions we are making are being made with the best interests of both the hotel and all of you in mind. Wolf Corp has assured us of a fair and equitable situation for all of our existing staff.”
The words felt like ash as he spoke, not knowing if Greta would remotely make good on her promises.
As Ondrej finished speaking, the room remained quiet, the staff absorbing his words, each lost in their thoughts about the uncertain future.
The heavy silence lingered before giving way to a cacophony of emotions. Some had tears in their eyes. Some exchanged comforting hugs.
One elderly staff member, who had been with the hotel since its early days, sobbed quietly, her tears speaking volumes of the memories and love she had for this place. Ondrej realized how many people had been there with him his entire life, the hotel as much their home as his.
* * *
I observed the scene with a heavy heart. I’d come to understand the depth of what the hotel meant to everyone here. Maybe it was stupid sentimentality or a false sense of romance, but my role in this, once clear and professional, now felt clouded with emotional complexities I hadn't anticipated.
The scene in the ballroom was a poignant reminder of the human impact of corporate decisions, a testament to the lives entwined with the Novák Hotel's fate. As the meeting dispersed, the sense of uncertainty lingered, but so did a faint glimmer of hope, a hope that somehow, the heart of the Novák Hotel would continue to beat, no matter what the future held.
Before Ondrej saw me, I made my way back to my room to pack. I couldn’t face him right now. I felt like too much of a failure.
