This time, Damon answered. "Patricia, I'll call you back in exactly five minutes." His voice was silk over steel. "Something interesting is happening that requires my immediate attention."
Derek's confidence faltered slightly. The name "Chairman Williams" didn't register, but the tone in Damon's voice carried weight that even Derek's limited emotional intelligence could detect.
Elena, however, remained oblivious. "Who's he calling? His parole officer?"
The crowd laughed, but some faces showed the first hints of uncertainty. Something in Damon's posture had shifted—not defeat, but preparation. The storm was about to break.
Jake Morrison's heavy footsteps echoed across the marble as Grand Meridian's head of security approached. His radio crackled, drawing every eye in the lobby.
"We have a situation, Jake," Derek called out, his voice carrying newfound authority. "Suspected credit card fraud. The individual refuses to cooperate."
Jake's 6'4" frame cast a shadow over Damon. His hand rested casually on his utility belt. "Sir, I need you to come with me for questioning."
"What crime am I committing?" Damon's voice remained level.
"Theft by deception, fraud, disturbing the peace," Jake counted on his fingers. "Take your pick."
At Luxury Lifestyle, Bree's phone nearly slipped from her hands. Her viewer count exploded past 2,100. Comments streamed: Security is here. This escalated quick. Someone call a lawyer.
Elena seized the moment, her voice rising to operatic levels. "Jake, look at this pathetic excuse for a credit card!" She waved the black Amex like a battle flag. "He probably bought it online for $19.99."
The teenage TikToker hit go-live. Within seconds, 500 viewers joined her stream titled Hotel Staff Destroys Scammer Live.
Jennifer Cole, the assistant manager, materialized from the business center. Her heels clicked against the marble as she surveyed the scene with practiced efficiency. "What's the status?"
Jennifer's question was directed at Derek, but her eyes never left Damon.
"Classic fraud attempt," Derek explained, puffing up like a peacock. "An individual attempted to use a clearly counterfeit premium card and refused additional verification."
Jennifer nodded knowingly. "Elena, call Chicago PD. Request a fraud specialist."
"Already dialing!" Elena's voice pitched higher with excitement. She held her phone theatrically, ensuring every camera caught her performance.
The elderly couple from the armchairs had migrated closer. The wife clutched her pearls while whispering, "These criminals are getting so bold. Imagine trying this in broad daylight."
Her husband nodded sagely. "Probably has a crew outside. This is how they operate: send the clean-cut one first."
Their speculation spread through the crowd like wildfire. Guests began checking their purses and wallets with paranoid intensity.
Damon checked his watch: 6:55 p.m. His dinner meeting crept closer. A young Black woman near the elevator, the only person of color among the guests, held her phone uncertainly. Her finger hovered over the record button, torn between action and self-preservation.
Jake stepped closer, his presence designed to intimidate. "Sir, place your hands where I can see them. Any sudden movements, and this gets complicated."
"Complicated how?" Damon asked, genuinely curious.
"Resisting arrest carries additional charges."
The livestream comment section exploded: Arrest for what? This is insane. Get this to the news.
Derek positioned himself behind reception like a general commanding troops. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is exactly why Grand Meridian maintains the highest security standards. We protect valued guests from individuals who prey on luxury establishments."
Applause rippled through the crowd. Several guests nodded approvingly.
Elena held the black card under the lobby lights, performing forensic analysis. "Look at this craftsmanship," she announced to her growing audience. "The edges are rough. Real Amex black cards have laser-cut precision. This looks like something from a cereal box."
More laughter. Phone cameras zoomed in, capturing Elena's theatrical examination.
"And look at how lightweight it feels," Elena continued, tossing the card up and catching it. "Genuine Centurion cards have actual weight. This plastic toy probably weighs less than my business card."
The crowd murmured appreciatively at her expertise.
Jennifer approached with clipboard efficiency. "Sir, before the police arrive, you have one opportunity to resolve this civilly. Admit the card is fraudulent, sign this incident report, and leave through our service entrance. No charges filed." She slid a pre-printed form across the counter: Acknowledgement of Fraudulent Activity.
The crowd pressed closer, sensing the climax approaching. Derek's confidence reached peak arrogance. He strutted around the counter, addressing the crowd like a motivational speaker.
"This, folks, is why criminals target luxury hotels. They assume wealth equals gullibility. Well, not on my watch."
Scattered applause encouraged him further.
"I've worked in hospitality for twelve years. I can spot fraudsters from across a lobby: the clothes, the posture, the desperation—it's all textbook."
Jake's radio crackled: "Unit 47 to base. What's your ETA on that fraud call?"
"Tell them we have a suspect in custody," Jennifer interjected. "Send a detective for questioning."
Elena practically vibrated with excitement. "This is better than reality TV. Wait until corporate hears how we handled this masterfully."
The TikToker's livestream hit 1,200 viewers. Her comments became a battlefield: This is racist AF. Hotel staff doing their job. That man's about to sue them. Someone help him.