Ashes Between Us

Power

“Somebody help! Call security!”

Savannah’s voice carried across the lobby. Heads turned, whispers broke out, and phones were raised. Guests leaned forward from chairs; the receptionist froze mid-step.

Levi stood rigid. He had meant to walk through unnoticed, but now every eye in the hotel was fixed on him. Savannah knew how to pull a crowd, and Parker was right at her side, feeding on the chaos.

His jaw locked. Heat rose in his chest, but he forced his hands down. He started to turn away, to end it before it grew worse. Then he froze.

A chain glimmered against Savannah’s skin. Around her neck hung a pendant. The design was unmistakable—his pendant, or something that looked exactly like it.

Levi’s stomach twisted. His eyes sharpened.

“Where did you get that?” His voice was low but hard, each word biting as he pointed at the chain.

Savannah flinched. Her hand flew up, covering the pendant.

“Help—he’s trying to steal from me!” she screamed.

The words set the crowd alight. Two guards surged forward. Before Levi could react, rough hands clamped on his arms and dragged him down. His chest hit the floor; one knee pressed into his back. Steel snapped shut around his wrist.

“Stay down, sir! Do not resist!” one of the guards barked.

Levi clenched his teeth until his jaw ached. He stayed still, the weight pinning him like an anchor. Savannah and Parker stepped into view above him, both wearing smiles that burned with satisfaction.

“That serves you right,” Parker sneered, enjoying every second.

Savannah bent slightly, her tone cold.

“Without money, without our family’s name, you are nothing. Remember that.”

A guard yanked Levi upright. Pain shot through his shoulder as the cuffs dug into his skin. Around them, the circle of onlookers tightened. Phones lifted higher. The receptionist slipped back behind his desk, pretending not to see.

Levi lowered his head. His plan for quiet had collapsed into a public spectacle.

Then a voice cut through the noise.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

The sound came from the staircase. Rose’s tone was sharp and controlled, heavy enough to silence the lobby. Heads turned. Levi’s eyes rose. She stood above them, gaze fixed on him, her face unreadable.

The guard holding him started to explain.

“This man attempted to—”

“Release him now,” Rose ordered.

The command left no room for hesitation. The guard obeyed instantly, fumbling with the cuffs. They clattered to the floor as he bowed.

“Apologies for the trouble, sir.”

Levi rubbed his wrist; the skin was red and sore. His mind raced, still caught between disbelief and anger. Around him, phones lowered; the crowd fell back. Even the receptionist relaxed.

Savannah’s eyes narrowed at Rose. The scene she had planned was slipping away. What should have ended with Levi humiliated was now turning on her. Who is this young woman? she wondered.

“Who do you think you are?” Parker snapped, his hand curling into a fist.

“Parker!” Savannah shouted, panic lacing her voice. She grabbed him back before he could do anything stupid.

“Enough! Stop this.”

She turned quickly, her tone shifting to pleading.

“I am sorry, young lady. This is a misunderstanding.”

Rose began to descend the stairs, her guards falling in behind her like shadows. She walked slowly, but her presence carried a weight that pulled every eye. She reached Levi and stopped, scanning his face.

“Are you hurt?” she asked, softer now, almost gentle. Her hand lifted, close to his cheek.

Levi pulled away. His tone was flat.

“I’m fine.”

For a second, something flickered across Rose’s lips. Then her gaze slid to Savannah and Parker. Her eyes dropped to the pendant at Savannah’s throat. She reached out, palm steady.

“Give me that.”

Savannah froze. Sweat shone on her forehead. She unhooked the chain with trembling hands and held it out. Before Rose could take it, Parker snatched it away.

“What are you doing, Mother?” he snapped, clutching the pendant.

Savannah tried to calm him; her words came rushed, almost desperate.

“Listen to me, Parker. Do not make this worse.”

But Parker ignored her. He raised the pendant high, grinning, then hurled it down with all his strength. Metal cracked against marble. The chain snapped in two. The sound echoed through the lobby.

Silence followed. Every guest watched.

Levi’s eyes locked on the broken pieces. His jaw tightened; his breath came slow and heavy.

Rose’s expression darkened. She spoke with no rise in tone, but the weight of her words filled the room.

“Restrain them both.”

The guards obeyed at once. They lunged forward, gripping Savannah and Parker. Savannah went limp, head lowered in shame. Parker fought, thrashing against their hold.

“Do you know who we are?” he spat. “You’ll pay for this! My sister will make your life a living hell! Just wait till my brother-in-law hears about this!”

“Parker!” Savannah cried, cutting across him. She looked up with eyes filled with fear.

“Enough! Please, let us go. We will leave. I swear it. My son does not speak for me.”

Rose glanced at Levi. His face gave nothing away. He bent down slowly and picked up the broken pendant. His fingers shook as he closed around it.

She gave the smallest nod. The guards lifted Savannah and Parker upright but kept them restrained.

Rose stepped close, voice low and cold.

“You have no idea who you are crossing. Whoever stands behind you is not worth my attention. They would never dare test me.”

Parker glared, teeth grinding.

“Go to hell!” he snapped.

Levi moved before Rose could. His hand lashed out, striking Parker across the face. The slap cracked through the lobby, silencing even the guards. Parker’s head jerked to the side. He stumbled, his cheek flushed red, eyes wide in shock.

Levi’s voice was steady, carrying no tremor.

“I’ve listened to your mouth long enough. Remember this: if you ever stand in front of me again, you will regret it more than you regret this moment.”

Parker’s breath came fast, rage filling his eyes, but he didn’t move. His body shook with the need to fight, yet fear rooted him in place.

Rose stepped in, voice sharp.

“Take them out.”

The guards dragged Savannah and Parker toward the exit. Savannah stayed silent, shoulders bent. Parker fought every step, shouting as they forced him through the doors.

“Ex-con! You bloody criminal! Fight me if you’re a man! You’re nothing but a failure!” His words echoed back into the lobby until the doors closed behind him.

Silence returned. The guests lowered their phones. Some whispered; others turned away. The crowd dissolved, returning to their business.

Levi stood still. The divorce papers were pressed tight under his arm. In his other hand, the broken pendant cut against his skin.

Rose remained beside him, watching. The moment had passed, but Levi knew the damage was done.