THE ELYSIAN VERANDA

The following morning, Adrian found himself standing outside an opulent and expansive hotel, an experience that undeniably expanded his horizons. The establishment Katharine had acquired a membership for was a luxurious 5-star hotel nestled in the upscale district of the city, frequented by those with extravagant means. Visiting this exclusive locale proved to be a revealing eye-opener for Adrian.

Adrian contemplated, "I should bring Emilie here next time," as he proceeded towards the hotel's entrance and was promptly asked to display his membership card. Once inside, he was greeted by a dazzling array of guests donning attire he'd only ever witnessed on TV during high-end fashion shows. It struck him how he and these individuals inhabited the same world, yet their lifestyles were worlds apart.

Surveying the surroundings, Adrian noted the top-notch services the hotel excelled at offering.

The Elysian Veranda was a haven of luxury and tranquility. Nestled in a lush setting, this boutique hotel offers an experience of refined elegance and serenity.

The graceful veranda, adorned with trailing ivy and cascading bougainvillea, set the stage for a journey of enchantment. The lobby, resplendent with marble floors and crystal chandeliers, created an atmosphere of sophistication.

Guest rooms were spectacular, each a sanctuary of comfort and style. Dining at the hotel was a culinary journey, and the spa and wellness center provided rejuvenation.

Weddings and special events found a perfect home here, with enchanting gardens and elegant venues. The Elysian Veranda specialized in creating magical moments.

Every visit to The Elysian Veranda was an enchanting experience, where the lines between reality and paradise blurred. With world-class service, the hotel invited guests to embrace the finer things in life, making their stay a truly memorable and celestial escape.

Adrian didn't experience any sense of discomfort in this upscale environment, as he held confidence in his own appearance and refined taste. However, to onlookers, his attire—a sleek, all-black suit—did seem a bit unconventional in this opulent setting. His presence inadvertently drew the attention of numerous teenage girls, a phenomenon he found rather perplexing considering the lavish nature of the surroundings.

Adrian settled into a plush lobby chair, casually leafing through a magazine that served as a clever disguise for his real intent—to keenly observe the people around him. His heightened senses, sharpened to an extraordinary degree, absorbed every detail, from how individuals carried themselves to their mannerisms and interactions. This was a personal habit he'd developed, maximizing his innate werewolf abilities—the one aspect of his being as a born werewolf that he fully embraced.

As he engaged in his observation, Adrian's attention was abruptly seized by the arrival of new guests at the hotel. His surprise deepened upon spotting individuals in civilian attire who, upon closer inspection, revealed concealed police badges while displaying them to the security personnel. Adrian's instincts tingled with anticipation. He couldn't discern whether this heightened sensitivity was a result of the ongoing intriguing situation or the lingering aftermath of his confrontation with Henry, which had left him with a unique, everlasting gaze.

Just as Adrian contemplated rising from his seat, three young women approached him, aiming to strike up a conversation. Adrian attempted to politely deter their advances with a few courteous words, maintaining his usual stoic and emotionless countenance. He hoped his demeanor would make it evident that his focus lay elsewhere, engrossed in monitoring the undercover operatives. Observing the operatives eventually enter an elevator destined for the 23rd floor, Adrian made a final effort, firmly bidding them farewell as they appeared oblivious to his subtle signals, prompting him to depart for the elevator himself.

Adrian stepped into the elevator, his finger confidently pressing the button for the 23rd floor. His curiosity got the best of him, overshadowing the importance of his own case, especially with Katharine's generous one-week timeframe. He held unwavering faith in his investigative prowess, confident that he'd resolve it efficiently. As the elevator doors opened on the 23rd floor, he found himself facing a corridor lined with seven rooms.

Unsure of the specific room they had entered, Adrian felt no need for concern. Instead, he harnessed his heightened auditory senses, allowing him to eavesdrop on the activities transpiring within the various rooms, and he wasn't too pleased with what he heard. Ignoring the unnecessary stuff going around, he picked up the sounds of undercover operatives from room 2304.

En route to the room, Adrian encountered a man exiting it. This man was one of the two undercover operatives. Adrian inquired, "What's going on?" He discreetly glanced into the room as the man began to shut the door.

"Who are you, and which room do you belong to?" the man inquired, his demeanor on high alert. Adrian, noticing the urgency in the man's response, handed him his detective's card and explained, "I'm a detective. I spotted you and your colleague in the lobby, which piqued my interest. What's going on here?"

After confirming his identity, the man relaxed slightly. "It's nothing you need to concern yourself with. You should stay out of this," he advised. Adrian couldn't simply let the matter go, so he replied firmly, "Listen, I'm here for a private investigation. The person I'm looking into is rumored to be on this floor, so I need to know." 

The operative found Adrian's explanation plausible, pondered for a moment, and then made the decision to grant him access. Upon entering the room, Adrian spotted the undercover operative kneeling on the opposite side of the bed. As he drew closer, he discovered a lifeless body with foam seeping from the mouth.

Confronted by the sight of the lifeless body, Adrian couldn't help but feel as though the hand of fate was steering the course of his life. The deceased was none other than the person he had been commissioned to investigate: Katherine's husband.

Adrian mused in a hushed tone, "Well, now, that's one weird coincidence."