“Let us resolve this without further speculation,” Mr. Han said.

“We will review the terrace footage in the main lobby.”

“There is no need for that,” Vivian said, her voice dropping an octave.

“We will simply take our things and go to our suite.”

“I am afraid that is not possible, Mrs. Mercer,” Mr. Han replied.

“An accusation of theft has been made against an employee of Lotus Bay.”

“We must follow protocol to protect the integrity of our resort.”

He gestured toward the glass double doors of the main building.

The pathway was lined with manicured white hydrangeas, their heavy blooms nodding in the warm coastal wind.

Daniel began walking, his shoulders hunched as if trying to shrink away from the afternoon light.

Claire followed, her designer heels clicking sharply on the stone path.

Vivian walked beside her, her chin held high, though her hands were clenched into tight fists.

I walked slightly behind them, matching Mr. Han’s steady pace.

The salt air smelled clean, but the tension among the five of us was thick and suffocating.

As we approached the glass doors, the automatic sensors slid them open.