Arthur guided Matteo past the stunned security team into the cool air-conditioned marble foyer of the venue.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, reflecting light across rows of high-society guests sipping champagne.
Matteo remembered when he used to work in this exact building as an unpaid kitchen assistant years ago.
Back then, managers would yell at him if he took a five-minute break during the busy dinner service.
He had saved every penny from those long shifts to finance his first clean energy patent in college.
Now he stood in the same lobby as the primary owner of the entire hotel property chain.
Executive: I am so sorry for that horrible scene outside, Matteo.
Executive: The security firm will be replaced by morning.
Matteo: Do not worry about it, Arthur.
Matteo: People often see only what they expect to see.
Executive: Still, you saved our trust fund from total bankruptcy this morning.
Executive: The board members are waiting to meet you in the private lounge.
Matteo nodded politely and walked alongside Arthur toward the grand staircase overlooking the main dining hall.
As they reached the top landing, a familiar voice cut through the background music of the harp player.
Richard: Well, well, look who snuck in through the kitchen door.
Matteo paused and turned to see his former uncle, Richard Hayes, standing with a wine glass.
Richard was a greedy property developer who had cheated Matteo's late father out of his life insurance settlement.
For ten long years, Richard had bragged to the whole family about his superior business skill and wealth.
Richard: Arthur, why are you wasting your time talking to this broke orphan?
Richard: He probably snuck past security to ask for a loan.
Executive: Watch your tongue, Richard!
Executive: You are speaking to our new managing partner!
Richard laughed out loud and wiped a tear of fake laughter from his eye.
Richard: Partner? This boy couldn't even afford a decent apartment three years ago.
Richard: He is a nobody with a empty bank account.
Matteo stepped forward and looked directly into his uncle's arrogant eyes without any anger.
Matteo: You should check your email, Uncle Richard.
Matteo: Your bank just approved my buyout of your commercial mortgage.
Richard's smile vanished instantly as he pulled his mobile phone out of his jacket pocket with trembling fingers.