Chapter 16

Alexis slips away from her friends and finds Daniel in the garage, where he is curt after she pretended not to know him at check-in. She explains the surprise booking, her need for secrecy, and fears of her abusive ex learning about her life. She admits she was happy to see him.

Daniel softens, pulls Alexis onto his lap, and they reconcile with quiet affection. Alexis savors the comfort and relief after a difficult week of legal and housing stress with Neil still in her home.

When Daniel leaves to set out appetizers, Alexis returns to the porch. Hunter follows her to the door, reinforcing her growing curiosity about the dog’s fixation on her.

With Jessica and Gabby, Alexis tries to act casual as they gossip about the “hot check-in guy.” Their jokes turn derisive—painting outdoorsy, blue-collar men as dirty, low-status, and unsuitable for Alexis’s elite family expectations. They explicitly say her parents and friends would reject a man like Daniel.

The comments sting; Alexis withdraws, claiming a possible migraine. Daniel briefly appears to announce appetizers, and Alexis follows her friends, feeling exhausted and isolated between her private feelings for Daniel and her social circle’s judgment.