Chapter 1
I wrote this so many years ago, maybe back in 2006? Again, it was one that was published through an ebook publisher back then. Hope you enjoy it!
Jenna Wright had finally come home, to the very place where her journey began. This was the first resort she had ever designed entirely from the ground up—a true labor of love. After the tragic loss of her parents, Jenna used her inheritance to turn her vision into reality, investing every dollar into building her dream. It turned out to be the easiest—and most rewarding—decision she had ever made. Over the years, her ambition and dedication had paid off: she now owned four successful resorts, and yet another was set to break ground in just two months. Now, Jenna had returned, seeking a well-deserved holiday at the place that started it all.
Jenna gazed upward, her eyes following the sleek lines of the twenty-story hotel and resort. A gentle smile spread across her face as she admired the building, her pride and joy. It had been six years since her last visit, and the anticipation of reconnecting with both the staff and the unique atmosphere of the resort filled her with excitement. This particular property held a special place in her heart—not only was it the first she ever built, but it was also the only one where she had chosen to install a club in the basement. The decision to create the resort itself was her greatest achievement; adding the club was, in her mind, the second best decision she had ever made.
As Jenna stood lost in her thoughts, she heard a familiar voice. “I’ll take your bags, Miss. Wright.” Turning, she saw Charles, the very first bellman she had hired when the resort opened its doors. Though now graying and well into his fifties, Charles remained a saint in Jenna’s eyes. His kind, trusting gaze was accented by deep wrinkles, each a testament to years spent embracing happiness and living life to its fullest. Charles possessed a rare gift: he had always been able to win the hearts of both guests and employees, making everyone feel welcome and valued.
“Charles, it’s good to see you. How have you been?” Jenna greeted him warmly, her voice full of genuine affection. Charles responded with a smile that deepened the lines around his eyes, the warmth in his brown gaze unmistakable as he reached for her bags.
“I’ve been good, Miss Wright. And how is wonder woman doing? Knocking them dead, I read.” His words carried both pride and a touch of playful teasing, a testament to the long-standing respect between them.
Jenna laughed, her laughter echoing through the glass front doors as she followed Charles inside. “Well, you’ve read correctly, Charles. I’m a woman with a plan.” Her confidence was apparent, her energy infectious as she strode into the lobby by his side.
“Always knew you would be something special, Miss Wright.” Charles’s tone was sincere, admiration clear in his words.
“You’re too kind.” Jenna replied, her cheeks tinged with a modest blush at his compliment.
Charles paused for a moment, then asked, “Do you need to stop at the front desk for any reason?”
Jenna shook her head slightly, a weary smile on her lips. “I can say hello later. I’m in dire need of a shower—I have four hours of travel to wash off me.” Her words were light, but the exhaustion in her voice was unmistakable.
Charles gave Jenna a reassuring smile as he punched the private numbers into the elevator, his words filled with genuine admiration. “Well, I can say without a doubt you wear it well.” He held the door open for her, a gesture of respect that had remained unchanged over the years.
As Jenna stepped into the elevator, she paused to express her appreciation for Charles’s kindness. “Thank you, Charles,” she said warmly, her gratitude evident. She then shifted the conversation, her tone still friendly but tinged with genuine concern for her staff’s welfare. “Tell me, how has everything been going here? Management treating you well?” The question reflected her ongoing dedication to ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of those who worked at her resort.
Charles responded candidly, his honesty a testament to the trust he shared with Jenna. He recalled some of the challenges he had faced previously, saying, “Well, anyone would be better than Ms. Wylie. Just don’t know if he’s your resort worthy, Miss Jenna.” His words were direct, acknowledging Jenna’s capacity to make difficult decisions and highlighting the importance of having the right people in management to uphold the resort’s standards.
Jenna pressed further, her curiosity piqued. “So, Mr. Jordan is working well then?”
Charles hesitated, choosing his words with care. “He’s doing well, I suppose.” As the elevator doors opened to Jenna’s private condo, he busied himself with sorting the bags in the hallway, his lips thinned and his gaze averted from Jenna’s searching look. He scratched his head, clearly weighing what to say next.
Sensing his reluctance, Jenna encouraged him gently. “Spill it, Charles, you’re in confidence here, I assure you.” She wanted to hear the truth, trusting Charles’s discretion and honesty.
Jenna’s expression grew serious.
“It’s just a few things that I’ve heard about him that doesn’t set me to ease about his position.” Wanting to discuss the matter further, she gestured for Charles to sit, and then took a seat beside him, signaling her intent to treat the conversation with the gravity it deserved. Jenna encouraged Charles to speak freely. “Go on.”
Charles hesitated at first, clearly uncomfortable, but ultimately decided to share what he had heard. “Miss. Wright, you know I come, I do my job and that’s all I want. I don’t like to start things that I have no business talking about or without knowing the full story. But I’ve heard that the young Mr. Jordan is taking some of the female employees and blackmailing them, if you know what I mean, for the male guests here, those that arrive alone.” His words were cautious but pointed, hinting at a troubling rumor without stating it outright.
The gravity of Charles’s statement hit Jenna suddenly. She stood abruptly, her anger surfacing as she processed the implications. The idea of her resort being used for anything illegal or immoral infuriated her, and she struggled to maintain her composure, not wanting to react without having all the facts. “Charles, who did you hear this from?” she demanded, determined to get to the bottom of the matter.
Charles looked uneasy, his voice subdued as he replied, “Around, ma’am. You hear things—even things you don’t want to hear.” The weight of the rumor lingered between them, underscoring the challenges of working in an environment where secrets and concerns sometimes surface unexpectedly.
Jenna stepped closer, standing before her loyal and long-serving employee. With a gentle, reassuring touch, she placed her hands on Charles’s shoulders and offered him a warm smile. “If this turns out to be true, expect a hefty bonus,” she promised, signaling her appreciation for his willingness to speak candidly and her commitment to rewarding integrity.
Charles shook his head, his sincerity evident. “Please, Miss Wright, I don’t want your money. I just don’t want to see all your hard work go up in smoke.” His words reflected genuine concern for Jenna and the resort, prioritizing her accomplishments and reputation above personal gain.
Moved by his dedication, Jenna thanked Charles for his loyalty. She handed him a tip as a gesture of gratitude, and he quietly took his leave, leaving her alone to contemplate the unsettling information and the actions she would need to take.
Despite her attempts to relax—taking a long hot bath, enjoying a meal, and receiving a massage—Jenna’s anger and anxiety remained. The rumors weighed heavily on her mind, and she realized she needed to investigate further and resolve the issue quickly to protect her staff and the resort’s reputation.
Dressed in light blue Capris and a white, short-sleeved silk tunic shirt, Jenna slipped into a pair of flats and left her room, preparing herself both physically and mentally for what lay ahead.
With her head held high, Jenna marched confidently through the resort, putting up a friendly front for both her guests and her employees. As she arrived at Thomas Jordan’s office door, she worked to rein in her rage and collect her thoughts, determined to confront the situation directly. Just as she was about to knock, she overheard a few voices from inside, and curiosity compelled her to press her ear against the door to listen.
After several minutes of eavesdropping, Jenna heard enough to make her stomach churn with disgust. She tried to turn the knob, but found it locked. Undeterred, Jenna knocked twice, prompting a sudden cessation of panicked voices and the hurried shuffling of feet. Mr. Jordan’s voice quickly quieted those inside, signaling a shift in the room’s atmosphere.
“Go away, I’m busy,” came the irritated voice of her soon-to-be ex-hotel manager from inside the office. The abrupt dismissal only fueled Jenna’s determination as she stood outside the door, refusing to be brushed off so easily.
Rolling her head on her shoulders in an effort to ease the tension that had built up, Jenna maintained her composure. She respectfully announced herself, making it clear that she was Jenna Wright and requested a few moments of Mr. Jordan’s time. As she listened intently at the door, she could hear the hurried shuffling of multiple pairs of feet and the growing panic in the voices of the women inside, confirming her suspicions that something was amiss.
“Just a moment, Miss Wright.” The tone of Mr. Jordan’s voice had shifted from annoyance to forced politeness. Jenna couldn’t help but snort quietly at the sudden change, pressing her back against the wall and folding her arms as she waited, her patience wearing thin.
When the door finally swung open, a disheveled Mr. Jordan emerged, hastily closing the door behind him. “Miss Wright, I’m so pleased you made it. Have you taken a tour of the resort yet?” he asked, attempting to mask his earlier irritation with overly enthusiastic politeness. Jenna regarded him coolly, making it clear that she was not fooled by his sudden change in demeanor.
Jenna entered the office with determination, her words laced with sarcasm as she addressed Mr. Jordan. “Oh yes, and what a magnificent job you have done, Mr. Jordan.” Without waiting for his response, she reached for the door knob and quickly opened it, catching him off guard. Jenna crossed the room with purposeful strides, ignoring the two women huddled fearfully in the corner. One was hurriedly buttoning her uniform shirt, while the other was tucking her shirt back into her skirt. Turning to Mr. Jordan, Jenna remarked, “So I see that you have taken advantage of the perks of the job, Mr. Jordan.” She settled herself behind the oak desk, her arms folded across her chest, and called for security to the management office. Jenna’s smile was cold as she regarded the three individuals—her former employees—making it clear that she was in control of the situation.
The two women, whose identities Jenna did not know, were now crying and shaking their heads in distress. One of them pleaded, “I’m sorry, Miss Wright, I really am.” Her voice trembled. “I’m married and I cannot afford to have a scandal. I have two kids and Mr. Jordan promised me a promotion if I did these things with him.” The gravity of the situation was evident in their expressions and words, revealing the emotional toll and the manipulative actions that had led to this confrontation.
Jenna Wright despised the exploitation of women, and her resolve was evident as she stared unflinchingly at her manager, who attempted to hide his face behind his hands. Jenna’s voice was steady and direct as she addressed the women in the room. “How about you, miss…?”
Tayler responded quietly, her voice trembling. “Tayler, ma’am. He promised me the same thing; I’m a single mother that needs this job.”
Jenna continued, gently but firmly. “What’s your name, miss?”
The other woman spoke, her tone subdued. “Annabelle Harris, ma’am.”
Jenna addressed both women and the manager, asking, “Would you two like to press charges on Mr. Jordan for sexual harassment?” Her question hung in the air, causing all three to exchange anxious and mortified glances.
One of the women spoke first, her voice fraught with worry. “No, ma’am. Like I said, I can’t afford to have a scandal like this. It would ruin my marriage.”
Tayler shook her head, echoing the sentiment. “No, ma’am, I don’t. I just want to forget about it.”
Jenna regarded the two women with sympathy and authority. “Very well, consider yourselves dismissed for the next week with pay. Call it a vacation package. I invite your families here for the entire week on me. Anything you need will be provided at that time. I will take care of everything.” Her words were intended to offer comfort and support after the ordeal they had endured.
Tayler responded, her tone measured but firm. “With all due respect Miss Wright, but I don’t consider this a place for my two-year-old child. But I’ll take the paid vacation.” Her response acknowledged the gesture while making clear her own needs.
Jenna nodded in understanding. “Very well, Tayler. So be it.” With an indication toward the door, she dismissed her employees, allowing them to leave and begin their week of paid respite. Moments later, two security officers entered the office and positioned themselves at Jenna’s side, ready to assist with the next steps.
Addressing the officers, Jenna gave clear instructions. “After Mr. Jordan has cleaned out his office, make sure that he gets out of the hotel without delay, please.” She then stood from behind the desk and approached Mr. Jordan directly.
Looking him in the eyes, Jenna delivered her final decision. “Thank you for your employment, Mr. Jordan, but I regret to inform you that you are hereby dismissed of all duties. If you shall ever step foot into this resort again, I will have you arrested. Is that understood?”
Mr. Jordan squared his shoulders, his jaw tightening as he faced Jenna. He replied with a curt, “Yes,” accepting her ultimatum with a mix of defiance and resignation. The tension in the room was palpable as he processed the reality of his dismissal, understanding that his time at the resort had come to an irrevocable end.
Without lingering, Jenna exited the office and made her way to the elevators. As she descended to the front desk, she reflected on the situation, realizing that a significant change was necessary. Time for a change, she thought to herself, acknowledging the urgency of finding a new manager to restore stability and order in the wake of Mr. Jordan’s departure.
