Chapter 18: A New Beginning
by SlivvoJordan stared at the divorce certificate in his hands, letting out a deep sigh.
“It’s finally over.”
For three years, he had endured humiliation, insults, and betrayal, all for the sake of his family’s mission. But now, he was free.
“I’m no longer a live-in son-in-law.”
As he stepped out of the lawyer’s office, a wave of liberation washed over him. No more Camdens. No more Hailey.
His next mission was clear—he would devote himself to business.
But just as he was savoring this moment, Hailey’s sharp voice cut through the air.
“Right, you’re no longer a live-in son-in-law. But now you’re an abandoned one! That’s even more embarrassing!”
Jordan ignored her.
‘Call me whatever you want. I’m done with you.’
Without a word, he hailed a cab and left.
Hailey and Tyler’s Obsession
However, Hailey wasn’t done with him yet.
Though she had betrayed him, though she had forced the divorce, she still felt the need to keep tabs on him.
“Follow him.” Hailey ordered as she slipped into Tyler’s BMW 7-Series.
Tyler, grinning, pressed the accelerator.
“Relax, he’s heading for the train station.”
Hailey narrowed her eyes.
“You sound so sure.”
“Where else would he go? We’ve cut off all his resources in Orlando. He has no job, no savings, and nowhere to stay. He has no choice but to leave.”
Hailey nodded. That made sense… yet something about Jordan’s expression earlier didn’t sit right with her.
Then, Tyler glanced at her divorce certificate and chuckled.
“Why is it purple? I thought divorce certificates were green.”
Hailey shrugged.
“It changed recently. Not that it matters. Divorce is a joyous occasion for us, isn’t it?”
Tyler smirked, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel.
“We should remind Jordan exactly why he was kicked to the curb.”
Hailey giggled, lightly punching his arm.
“You’re so bad.”
For her, this was a new beginning. For Jordan, it was supposed to be the end.
A Shocking Turn
A few minutes later, Tyler’s smirk faded.
“Wait… this isn’t the way to the train station.”
Hailey frowned, watching the cab ahead take an unexpected turn.
“Maybe he’s heading to the airport?”
Tyler shook his head.
“No, this is the West Lake area.”
Hailey twirled a strand of her hair between her fingers.
“Is he… not leaving Orlando?”
Tyler scoffed.
“He’s probably checking into some cheap motel. But don’t worry, with our connections, I guarantee he won’t be able to stay anywhere below four stars.”
Hailey smirked.
“Good. I just want him gone.”
But as they followed, their expressions changed drastically.
The cab stopped in front of the Four Seasons Hotel—Orlando’s most luxurious five-star hotel.
Jordan stepped out and walked confidently into the grand lobby.
Tyler’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“What the hell!? That punk Jordan… is he applying for a job as a waiter!?”
Tyler’s Desperate Move
Fury boiled in Hailey’s chest.
“We declared in front of everyone that we cut off his livelihood! And yet, he’s here, acting like nothing happened! He’s humiliating us!”
Tyler clenched his jaw.
“Does he not believe in my influence? Just watch—I’ll take care of this.”
He pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts.
After a few seconds, he found the name he was looking for and made a call.
“Hey, Daniel. You still the manager at West Lake Hotel?”
A voice answered on the other end.
“Yeah, what’s up, Mr. Collins?”
Tyler’s voice was dripping with authority.
“A punk named Jordan Steele just walked into your hotel looking for a job. Don’t hire him. In fact, kick him out.”
“Got it.”
Hailey beamed.
“You have such a wide network. You know everyone.”
Tyler grinned smugly.
“They’re just my underlings. They should be thanking me for giving them orders.”
The Unthinkable
Five minutes passed.
Jordan still hadn’t come out.
Frowning, Tyler dialed Daniel again.
“Daniel, what’s taking so long? Why haven’t you thrown him out yet?”
Daniel hesitated.
“Mr. Collins… no one by that name has applied for a job here.”
Tyler’s eyes narrowed.
“What?”
“I’ve asked the staff. No one has come in for an interview.”
A terrifying realization sank in.
If Jordan wasn’t here for a job… then he was here for…
“No way…” Tyler’s face turned pale.
Hailey’s lips parted slightly.
“Impossible! The Four Seasons charges at least $1,000 a night! Jordan barely has a few hundred in cash. I confiscated his cards. There’s no way he could afford this.”
Tyler’s hands tightened into fists.
“Let’s go in and see for ourselves.”
They stormed into the grand lobby, where a polished receptionist greeted them with a smile.
“Good afternoon, Sir and Miss. Are you looking to book a room?”
Tyler ignored her politeness.
“Did a man named Jordan Steele check in just now?”
The receptionist’s smile remained professional.
“I’m sorry, but we cannot disclose guest information.”
Tyler’s temper flared.
“Daniel! Get over here!”
Moments later, Daniel, the hotel manager, appeared.
“Mr. Collins,” he greeted respectfully.
Tyler cut straight to the point.
“Find out immediately if Jordan Steele checked in!”
Daniel exchanged a glance with the receptionist before finally nodding.
“Yes.”
The Truth Hits Hard
Tyler’s stomach twisted.
Hailey’s heart pounded.
Jordan wasn’t applying for a job.
He had checked in as a guest.
And not just any guest.
He was staying at the most luxurious five-star hotel in the city.
But how?
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