The Billionaire's Widow

52

One Week Later

Kim’s POV

“You all should be on your best behaviour today,” the ever-irritating PA announced, standing at the front like she owned the damn place. “There will be a new face joining the team. The boss expects respect, professionalism, and the hard work you’ve all been showing.”

I rolled my eyes so hard I almost saw my brain.

“Okay, you’ll be called again later. For now, please return to your duties.”

I turned to leave like everyone else, but of course—

“Kimberly.”

I sighed and pivoted slowly, facing her with a blank stare while everyone else scattered.

“What?”

“You know,” she began, folding her arms, “I only tolerate you because Logan has a soft spot for you. And frankly, I still don’t understand why.”

I smirked. “And how exactly is that my problem?”

She scoffed. “You better not cause trouble for the new boss. If you do, I swear I’ll make Logan see the little devil you really are.”

That made me laugh. “Oh, Elaine. If you only knew how much I’d love that.”

She frowned. “Excuse me?”

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “Do you really think I want this crappy job? Scrubbing tables and dealing with spoiled guests? Logan doesn’t have a soft spot for me, you idiot. He’s punishing me by keeping me here.”

And with that, I turned and walked away, heading for the nearest bathroom to escape the drama.

Paige’s POV

Elaine greeted me with a professional smile and an extended hand the moment I stepped into Beta Hotel.

“Miss Carson, welcome aboard.”

“Thank you, Elaine,” I said, shaking her hand warmly.

She led me through the corridors. “Your office is this way. Please follow me.”

I took in everything as we walked—the modern architecture, the luxurious design, the buzz of a hotel running smoothly. Staff members were already busy, many pausing just briefly to glance my way.

“I’ll introduce you to the staff properly in a bit,” Elaine added.

“That would be great,” I replied, mentally noting the route to my office so I wouldn’t get lost later.

We finally stopped in front of a door.

“After you.”

I opened it and stepped inside.

Wow.

My office was stunning—white walls, a sleek black desk, a leather chair that screamed power, and thoughtful touches like a mini fridge and a personal coffee machine. There were shelves for books and files, plus a neat corner workstation with a printer, scanner, and computer.

“Is it what you had in mind?” Elaine asked from behind me.

I turned to her with a smile. “I love it.”

“Then allow me to give you the full tour.”

From there, she walked me through the bars, the kitchen—where I met Dae, the head chef from Korea—and the elegant conference rooms. I even got to peek inside one of the luxurious guest rooms. After the tour, she gathered the staff in one of the larger conference rooms for introductions.

“Like I mentioned earlier, we have a new boss joining us today,” Elaine said. “No, Logan didn’t sell the hotel,” she joked, earning a few laughs. “He simply hired a new director of operations.”

She turned toward me. “Please welcome, Miss Paige Carson.”

I stepped forward. From the look on their faces, most of them already knew who I was. The media had made sure of that.

“I just want to thank you for the warm welcome,” I said. “I can already tell this will be a great working environment. I hope we can all respect each other and work together in harmony.”

Elaine nodded in approval. “Thank you. You can all return to your posts now. Ryder?” she called.

A nervous blonde girl stepped forward. “Yes?”

“I didn’t see Kimberly around. Do you know if she’s working?”

Ryder shifted uncomfortably. “I—I think she’s serving a customer.”

Her tone told me she was lying. Elaine sighed, clearly frustrated. “You can go.”

As Ryder hurried away, Elaine turned to me.

“I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay with you much longer. Logan needs me upstairs.”

“That’s alright. Just tell me—who exactly is this Kimberly?”

“She’s one of the waitresses. Smart girl, actually—has a degree and everything. But she’s… rebellious.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And Logan keeps her around why?”

“No clue,” Elaine said, exasperated. “Honestly, she could probably set this whole place on fire and he’d still keep her on payroll.”

I blinked. “Seriously?”

She gave me a small smile. “Good luck, Miss Carson.”

“Please, call me Paige.”

“Okay, Paige,” she said, then left.

I stood in my office a while longer, thinking about this “Kim.” The name alone gave me a headache. Why did every Kim in my life have to be a pain?

Later, I left the office to check on the third bar Elaine showed me during the tour. As I passed the staff bathroom, I spotted Ryder again—this time with cleaning equipment and an anxious look on her face.

My heels must’ve startled her.

“Ryder, right?” I asked.

“Yes,” she nodded quickly.

“Why are you leaning against the bathroom door? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” she said. “It’s just… the bathroom’s been locked for almost an hour. I’m on cleaning duty.”

“Locked from the inside?” I frowned.

“Yes. I asked around—everyone says it’s Kimberly.”

Of course it is.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “What is wrong with this girl?”

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