Author's POV
The following afternoon, the Grand Capitol Hotel buzzed with energy.
The lobby's registration area was a sea of designer suits and expensive perfume. Polished marble floors reflected the confident stride of every guest who passed through, while the air hummed with barely contained ambition.
Sophie and Derek had arrived early, positioning themselves near the entrance like predators waiting for prey. They hovered by the registration desk, eyes scanning the steady flow of attendees.
Margaret and Rose hadn't arrived yet, so the couple used the waiting time to work the crowd—or try to.
Sophie clutched a stack of Silver Creek Pack business cards like they were lottery tickets.
But most guests traveled with entourages of bodyguards and Betas.
Sophie couldn't ge
