Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"What do you want?" Beverley gritted her teeth as she spat out the question. The more upset Beverley became, the more Maisie savored the moment.

"I get it, you want to wrap up this deal quickly, but we've been stuck in Lumina City for nearly a fortnight now, holed up in a hospital ward, sleeping on those flimsy fold-out cots they have. My back is killing me, and my legs cramp up something fierce! And let's not forget the scare we got from your driver the other day. I'm telling you, both my body and my soul have been through the wringer. I need to be pampered a bit before we can talk..."

"Cut to the chase, what do you actually want!" Beverley could feel a vein throbbing in her forehead the moment Maisie began to speak.

With a sly smile, Maisie said, "Well... how about booking a hotel room for me and my son for starters. Oh, and it has to be five-star, preferably, what's it called... the Presidential Suite?" Farley chimed in softly, "The Presidential Suite."

"Right, the Presidential Suite!"

Beverley had lost count of how many deep breaths she had taken by now. "...Fine!"

She immediately instructed her butler to book a hotel room for them.

That evening, Maisie and Farley checked into The Elite Haven Hotel, not far from the hospital.

Since the Presidential Suite was fully booked, the butler had to call and negotiate in a rather humble tone before Maisie finally agreed to settle for the next best thing, an Executive Suite. But the luxury of it still took both mother and son by surprise-

and three bathrooms! And it's got its own gym and swimming pool..."

of business! Do they rotate them

around in amazement, "Gosh... how much

come look, there's

over and glanced at the

Two whole menus, covering cuisines from all

the prices.

as he drooled

and dialed Beverley, "Just arranging a room isn't enough. I need good food and

"Order whatever you want, just sign it to the room and don't bother me

she

her phone, "Hungry,

really don't have to

you hear? Just put

some of the priciest items on the

loaded with their gourmet meal, pouring wine with a smile and providing service neither Maisie nor Farley had ever experienced before. They were floating on