When we reached the massive, cold, but undeniably luxurious hotel suite, I immediately began my frantic research. I pulled out my phone and laptop, desperately searching for any available room, no matter the price, within a ten-mile radius. But, as Theon had so smugly predicted, every decent hotel was fully booked, a fortress of closed doors. Having no other choice, I had to grit my teeth, swallow my immense pride, and suck it up.
Dad immediately called us to action, his voice snapping with authority. “Gather yourselves. We have a long, dreadful meeting in thirty minutes. We are on damage control time.” I quickly pulled on a decent dress, a sleek, dark sheath that was appropriate for the formal, high-stakes setting, and forced myself into professional mode.
The meeting was, indeed, drea
