She was already plotting how she’d share this exclusive experience on social media to make her society friends envious.
“Welcome to Royal Pearl Island,” the resort manager James greeted them with the knowing smile I’d briefed him on.
“We’ve been expecting you,” Paige beamed.
“Everything looks perfect. I assume the presidential villa is ready for me.”
“About that,” James replied, checking his tablet with practiced concern. “There seems to be a slight change in arrangements. The owner is currently using the presidential villa.”
Paige’s perfectly maintained face crumpled in confusion.
“That’s impossible. I specifically booked the entire island. No other guests were supposed to be here.”
“The owner isn’t a guest, Mrs. Anderson,” James explained patiently. “They own the property and have final say over all accommodations.”
“Well, who is this owner? I demand to speak with them.”
Paige’s voice rose, causing other family members to gather around.
James smiled politely.
“Of course. If you’ll all follow me to the main pavilion, the owner has left specific instructions for your arrival.”
The family was led to an elegant open air pavilion overlooking the ocean.
On a large screen, a video began playing.
My face appeared, and I watched through the security feeds as Paige’s jaw literally dropped.
“Hello, Anderson family,” my recorded self said pleasantly. “Welcome to my island.”
“Yes, you heard that correctly. I own Royal Pearl Island Resort, along with several other luxury properties worldwide.”
The stunned silence was broken by Paige’s gasp.
Oliver tried to suppress a smile, having been let in on the secret just before boarding the plane.
I had called him aside and whispered the truth about my wealth and ownership of the resort.
“You see,” I continued on screen, “while you were busy judging me for making coffee and assuming I couldn’t afford luxury experiences, I was building an empire. That coffee girl you left behind, she’s worth more than the entire Anderson fortune combined.”
Paige collapsed into a chair, her designer purse falling to the ground.
Vanessa’s face had turned an interesting shade of green.
“Now, about your accommodations, Paige, you’ll be staying in our economy villa. It’s quite basic by your standards, but as you said, some people need to learn their place. The rest of the family can choose from our standard rooms.”
“This is outrageous,” Paige shrieked. “I paid for the presidential villa.”
“Your deposit has been refunded,” James informed her smoothly.
“The owner’s decision is final,” the video continued.
“Oh, and Paige, remember how you said luxury resorts can be overwhelming for someone of my background. Let’s test that theory. I’ve arranged for you to work as a server at the beach bar during your stay. Consider it a learning experience about judging people based on their jobs.”
Paige’s face contorted with rage.
“I will not. Do you know who I am?”
“Yes,” James replied calmly. “You’re the mother-in-law of our owner who has left strict instructions. If you don’t wish to comply, you’re welcome to leave, though the next flight out isn’t for 3 days.”
What followed was chaos.
Paige threatened lawsuits, demanded phones, which mysteriously had no signal, and even tried to arrange for a private helicopter, all unavailable by my orders.