Between an Inn and a Palace Lies a Single Deed

Clara's POV

The club is planning a team retreat, and sophomore Ashley suddenly raises her hand at the meeting.

"Doesn't Clara's family own a hotel? Cresthaven, right?"

"Since it's your family's place, we could each just chip in fifty bucks for the venue, like you're supporting your own business or something."

Cresthaven is the hotel my grandfather gave me on my eighteenth birthday.

Because it never advertises, outsiders assume it's just some bed and breakfast out in the countryside. In reality, the basic suites run eighty-eight hundred dollars a night, private dining rooms have a hundred-thousand-dollar minimum, and the ingredients get flown in fresh from around the world every single day.

She wants to hand me fifty dollars and get a free two-day retreat for fifty people.

I turn her down on the spot. Next week is already fully booked.

But that night at ten, Ashley posts in the group chat anyway:

[Good news! Thanks to Clara's generous support, the whole club is heading to Cresthaven next week for a two-day retreat, completely free!]

The replies underneath are wall-to-wall flattery.

She wants to use my hotel to buy herself goodwill and build her own reputation.

But that's up to me, not her.

Friday afternoon, the club's weekly meeting is in full swing in the business school's lecture hall.

As vice president and treasurer, I sit at the edge of the long table, quietly going over last month's books. The club's budget is never much, so I track every dollar carefully.

"Everyone, settle down!" Tyler, the club president, slaps the table. "Recruitment went really well this semester. To help everyone bond, we're planning a big retreat next weekend. Any thoughts on where to hold it?"

Before he even finishes, Ashley shoots her hand up. "Tyler, I heard Clara's family owns a hotel. Cresthaven, right? Since it's basically hers, why don't we just have the retreat there?"

Every head in the room turns to look at me.

I set down my pen, frowning slightly.

Cresthaven really is mine. My grandfather signed it over to me on my eighteenth birthday. It's an exclusive, high-end property that keeps a low profile. It sits on a hillside outside the city, doesn't have a star rating, and doesn't market itself anywhere. It runs on a strict invite-only membership, and every guest who stays there is wealthy or powerful, no exceptions.

Ashley clearly has no idea about any of that. To her, it's just some countryside inn.

"Cresthaven isn't going to work," I say, keeping my voice even. "First, we don't take walk-ins, let alone a group of forty or fifty. Second, next weekend's already been booked solid for months."

Ashley's face falls. "Are you saying you just don't want us to come? We're all in the same club. You could even charge us regular price, it's not like we're asking for a handout."

"It's not about the money." I look at her flatly. "The cancellation fees are steep. I'm not about to bump paying guests just because our club wants to have a party. And besides, the setup there isn't exactly built for a bunch of college students."

"Wow, way to make me feel like I'm not even one of you guys." Ashley's tone turns sugary sweet. "I get that you're strict with the club's money, but come on, your family's hotel just sits there empty most of the time. Would it really kill you to let us use it? We can even each chip in fifty dollars for the venue, think of it as supporting your business."

I laugh. She actually has the nerve to say that out loud.

Fifty dollars? A welcome glass of champagne in Cresthaven's lobby costs more than that. And she wants to get a whole retreat out of it for free?

"No." I close the ledger, done arguing. "If you want a retreat, go find a venue in the city. The club will reimburse it through the normal process. Cresthaven's off the table."

I grab my bag and walk out, leaving a trail of whispers behind me.

I figure that's the end of it. My position couldn't have been clearer. But I underestimate exactly how far Ashley is willing to go.

At ten that night, I step out of the shower and my phone won't stop buzzing. I open it to find the club's group chat has completely exploded. Ashley has posted a message tagging everyone:

[Good news, everyone! The venue for next weekend is locked in! Big thanks to Clara for making this happen, we're all heading to Cresthaven for a two-day retreat, totally free! Feel free to bring friends too! Let's give Clara a round of applause!]

The replies pour in underneath. Thank you so much. So generous of her. Ashley you're amazing, you actually got the tightwad to say yes.

My expression turns cold as I read it.

She's acting first and explaining after the fact, cornering me in front of everyone. I already know exactly what happens if I push back now: I become the petty villain who won't let the club have its fun.

But being the villain has never scared me.

I reply directly in the chat: [I already made this clear at the meeting today. Cresthaven is fully booked and does not host retreats. Ashley's message is false. Please find another venue.]

The moment it sends, the chat goes dead silent.

Less than a minute later, Ashley is calling me. I barely pick up before her voice comes through, sharp and accusing.

"Clara! What is your problem? I already told everyone it was happening, and now you humiliate me in front of the whole group?"