Mark knelt down carefully on the cold marble floor.
He examined the loose wire without touching the metal tip.
The plastic insulation had been cut with a sharp tool.
It was not an accident caused by normal wear.
Someone had deliberately exposed the live copper strands earlier.
Sarah called the hotel security team on her radio immediately.
Sarah: We need maintenance and security in the lobby now.
Sarah: Shut off power to the staircase lights instantly.
The main lobby lights flickered as the circuit was cut.
Two security guards came running across the wide room.
Mark stood up and adjusted his expensive dark jacket.
His face was pale, but his voice was cold.
Mark: Who had access to this staircase today?
Sarah: Only the staff and VIP suite guests have keys.
Clara: Mark, who would do something like this to us?
Mark: Someone who knew we were staying here tonight.
Mark pulled out his phone and called his personal lawyer.
He needed to protect his family and his estate.
A massive family legal dispute was currently taking place.
Mark’s stepbrother Richard wanted full control of the trust fund.
Richard had lost a huge court battle last week.
He was facing complete foreclosure on his personal properties.
Mark: Was Richard seen anywhere near the building today?
Sarah: I saw a man in a gray suit earlier.
Sarah: He spent ten minutes near the stairs carrying tools.
Clara leaned against the wall to catch her breath.
Clara: Richard said he would destroy us last night.
Mark: I thought he was just making empty threats.
Sarah: Let us check the security camera footage right away.
The chief security officer stepped up to the group.
He held a tablet showing live security camera feeds.
Officer: The camera in this corner was covered up.
Mark: Covered up by whom and at what time?
Officer: Someone placed black tape over the lens at noon.
Sarah remembered seeing the maintenance worker earlier that day.
The man had worn a dark blue uniform hood.
He did not look like the regular hotel staff members.
Sarah: He wore a fake badge on his jacket.
Mark: This was a planned attack on my family.
Clara: We need to get out of this hotel now.
Mark: You are safe now, Clara, I promise you.
Mark wrapped his heavy coat around Clara’s cold shoulders.
He looked at Sarah with absolute focus and determination.
Mark: Come to the security office with us now.
Sarah: I will help you find who did this.