Beatrice's eyes widened dramatically, her earlier furious confidence collapsing entirely as the devastating scope of her mistake settled over her. She stared at Sophia, searching her uniform and composed expression for some explanation that might soften the catastrophic reality now unfolding before her.
"That's impossible," she whispered, though her voice carried none of the certainty it had only moments earlier. Sophia remained standing quietly beside her father, her expression carrying calm, unwavering composure despite everything that had just transpired.
"I wanted to understand what our guests experience firsthand," Sophia said finally, her voice steady and measured. "Every complaint, every difficult interaction, every moment of disrespect. Tonight simply confirmed exactly why that understanding matters so much."
Beatrice's hands trembled visibly, her earlier aristocratic confidence completely shattered under the weight of Edmund's calm, devastating revelation. Guests throughout the lobby remained frozen, several already lowering their phones slightly, recognizing they had just witnessed something far more consequential than a simple staff confrontation.
Edmund studied Beatrice carefully, his expression carrying quiet, controlled disappointment rather than dramatic fury. "I think it's best," he said calmly, "that you find alternative accommodations for the remainder of your stay in this city."