“They have just been seated in the Pearl Room,” Mr. Han said, checking his screen. “They requested the terrace table overlooking the private beach.”

“Did they book under my name?”

“No, Director. They used Mr. Mercer’s name and demanded the member discount.”

I walked toward the side door of the boardroom, which led to the private administrative corridors.

“Give me the earpiece for the Pearl Room’s service channel,” I said.

Mr. Han opened a velvet-lined drawer near the door and handed me a small, flesh-colored wireless earbud.

I slipped it into my right ear and tapped the sync button on my phone.

Immediately, the ambient sounds of the luxury dining room filled my ear.

I heard the clink of crystal, the low murmur of wealthy guests, and the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the stone seawall below.

Then, a sharp, familiar voice cut through the static.

“This glass has water spots on it,” Claire Mercer said, her voice dripping with irritation. “Do you people even sanitize these?”

“I apologize, ma’am,” a quiet voice replied. I recognized it as Thomas, our head captain. “Let me replace that for you immediately.”