A blast of cool, air-conditioned air hit my face, carrying the subtle scent of lemongrass and sandalwood.

The lobby was grand, a masterpiece of modern luxury that I had personally helped design.

Massive marble pillars supported a vaulted ceiling that let in the soft coastal light.

In the center of the room, a large circular seating area was arranged around a modern water feature.

Several wealthy guests were lounging on the plush grey sofas, sipping imported sparkling water.

At the far end of the lobby, behind the long reception desk, was the main media wall.

It was a massive grid of seamless screens that usually displayed high-definition videos of tropical reefs.

Mr. Han led us straight toward the desk.

The young receptionist looked up, her expression professional and alert.

“Mr. Han,” she said, bowing her head slightly.

“Please pull up the archive feed for Terrace Area C, Camera Four,” Mr. Han instructed.

“And patch it through to the main display.”

The receptionist’s fingers clicked rapidly across her keyboard.

On the wall behind her, the tropical fish faded away.