“Because I believe luxury should include warmth. Most high-end hotels are cold, impersonal. I wanted to create spaces that were both elegant and welcoming, where guests feel valued, not just processed.”
“The software you developed,” Marcus said. “The serum platform. That’s what made this possible.”
“It gave me the capital and the industry connections. But the vision was always there. Even when I was working tech support, I was studying hospitality, touring hotels, learning what worked and what didn’t.”
Victoria approached again, this time with a small wrapped box.
“Mchin, this arrived for you from the Singapore architectural firm. They said it’s a model of the proposed lobby.”
I took the box, feeling its weight.
“Thank you, Victoria.”
“There’s more,” she said quietly. “The Tokyo investors called. They’re ready to sign. They want to meet next week.”
“Tokyo.”
My mother’s voice was steadier now.
“You’re building hotels in Tokyo.”
“If the negotiations go well, it’s a competitive market, but I think we have something unique to offer.”
Charles checked his watch.
“Miss Chin, the evening staff briefing is in 20 minutes. Did you still want to attend?”
“I do.”
“You brief your own staff?” Dererick asked. “During holidays?”
“Yes. I want to thank them personally for working Christmas Eve. Most of them have families they could be with.”
“That’s…” He searched for words. “That’s really decent of you.”
“They make this place work. The least I can do is acknowledge that.”
My mother stood, smoothing her dress.
“Sophie, the ballroom reservation tonight. Is the family still welcome?”
“Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Even after everything we’ve said?”
“You’re my family, mom. I don’t agree with how you’ve treated me, but I don’t stop loving you because of it.”
She crossed to me, pulling me into a real hug. Not the air kiss performance from earlier, but an actual embrace.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. So, so sorry.”
“I know.”
“I have so many questions about the software, the hotel, your plans, everything.”
“We have 5 days together. Plenty of time for questions.”
Dererick approached, his expression uncertain.
“Sophie, I’ve been a complete ass for years.”
“Yes, you have.”
“Can I? Is there a way to fix this?”
“You can start by being genuinely interested in my life instead of just shocked by my bank account.”
“Fair.”
He managed a small smile.
“I’d like that, to actually know my sister.”
Marcus joined us.
“Me, too. And Sophie, I’m sorry for all the dismissive comments, the jokes, the assumptions. You deserved better from us.”
“I did,” I agreed. “But thank you for saying it.”
Amanda stood awkwardly to the side.
“I barely know you,” she admitted. “I’ve only known you as Derek’s poor sister. I’d like to change that if you’re willing.”
“I’m willing.”