The Untouchable Queen

Ep • 1 The Glamour

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The music world crowned me a star, but no one asked if I wanted the throne.

———

—"Do not mistake gentleness for weakness; some girls can break your neck too."

A raspy voice echoed through the lobby of Hotel Paradise, captivating everyone's present. It was distinctly feminine, emanating from a young woman named Juniper.

Clad in casual night-blue pajamas and a black, baggy T-shirt, her slightly messy hair gathered in a loose bun, she exuded an aura of authority.

Surrounding her was a curious crowd, drawn to the source of the commotion. In the center of the lobby, Juniper stood resolute, akin to a leader. A formally dressed hotel staff woman stood by her side, with several male and female staff members positioned behind her.

On the floor, a young man lay sprawled, a  sharp difference to the composed scene. A hard punch had left blood trickling from the left corner of his lip.

It was clear to all that this young man was the spoiled offspring of a wealthy family, unaccustomed to respectful behavior. Despite the late hour, around 10 PM, a few guests remained in the lobby, their eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them, with Juniper at its center.

Amidst the glow of hundreds of lights and chandeliers, Juniper stood with her arms folded across her chest, her gaze as intense as a predator eyeing its prey.

The boy lay on the floor for a few seconds before attempting to stand, only to be met with a swift kick to his stomach from Juniper, sending him crashing back down even harder.

He groaned loudly, his voice filled with pain and frustration, as if he could hurt Juniper with his cries alone.

— "You bloody cheap, who the hell are you to kicking me?"

— "At least not your mother."

Juniper replied, her hands now tucked into the pockets of her pajamas. She delivered another kick, this time to his knees. Turning her attention to the staff girl, who stood clutching her hands together and visibly frightened, Juniper spoke in a monotone.

— "Learn self-defense techniques; it will help you in the future to deal with boys like this."

The staff girl looked at Juniper with gratitude in her eyes, her slight nod and softly spoken words of thanks conveying her appreciation.

— "Thank you so much, ma'am, for helping me! I cannot be more thankful than this to you."

Without any emotion, Juniper spoke up, her voice carrying through the air so that every female employee could hear her.

— "Don’t treat a guest exceptionally if they don’t deserve it, not even for the sake of the hotel."

Everyone looked at Juniper with a mix of pride and apprehension. Some were not in favor of her actions, but they remained silent, having witnessed the boy's misbehavior with the staff girl and Juniper's swift and merciless response.

Juniper didn't stay in the lobby; she swiftly made her way towards the elevator at Hotel Paradise, her freshly washed hair billowing around her like a dark veil. Her white face, framed by penetrating eyes, bore an air of subdued intensity.

Unbeknownst to Juniper, she had captured the attention of someone on the eighteenth floor, though she remained oblivious to the gaze. Stepping into the elevator, she pressed the button for the eighteenth floor where she intended to stay.