Chapter 4

The next morning, the Harper Grand was already bustling with excitement ahead of its ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Major media outlets aimed their cameras at the hotel’s red-silk-covered entrance, while investors, real-estate tycoons, and celebrities gathered in the ballroom, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of its widely anticipated glass dome.

In the backstage lounge, Ben stared at the progress bar on the screen.

The hotel had to pass its final technical review half an hour before the ceremony. Without that approval, the Whitmore family would not release the next round of investment.

But no matter which company code Ben entered, the system displayed…