She was so tired. But, for once, she thanked her workload. Deirdre, Lawrence and his team managed the day-to-day operations, but there were always emails for her to answer, online reviews to respond to. She checked the different portals every day. They were usually ninety per cent positive. She publicly replied to each of them. A standard response. Thank you so much. We aim to make each guest’s experience at the Montgomery memorable and special. We look forward to welcoming you again.

Occasionally there were critical ones. Last week someone had complained about the view. Only boring rooftops, the young woman wrote. Olivia knew how she’d have liked to reply. It’s Edinburgh, not the Bahamas. What did you expect, coral reefs? She kept it polite. Thank you for taking the time to comment. We hope to welcome you back another time. Blandly professional.

She opened up the main review sites now. Clicked, refreshed. Frowned. There were thirty new reviews. All one star. I’d have given it no stars if that was an option, one said. Many were in capitals. It felt like someone was shouting at her.

She read each one. Promises but doesn’t deliver. UNACCEPTABLE wait for room service. Rude UGLY staff. Tired décor. Boring menu. Staff cut corners. Stains EVERYWHERE. Room smells like rats.

She stood up, fury washing over her. ‘I’ll give you rats, you evil cow.’

She printed the reviews. Fetched the master key. Made her way to the right floor. She didn’t care if Celine was midway through putting on her ridiculous make-up, showering that crinkled, starved body of hers or whatever else she might be doing. She inserted the key and flung open the door.

‘I’ve had enough of you. Get out.’

Celine was in her dressing gown. ‘You get out! How dare you burst in like this!’

‘How dare you! After living here free for weeks, because you’re family? What family member does this?’ She held up the printouts. ‘You’re venomous, Celine, like your reviews. And I’ve had enough.’

‘Edgar said I can stay. He’s still the boss. Even if he has lost his marbles.’

A new rage sliced through Olivia. ‘I’m not asking you, Celine. I’m telling you. You have twenty-four hours to pack, get out of my hotel and out of my sight.’

‘You have no right. Pass me my phone.’

‘So you can ring for help? Who? Edgar? Your grandsons? Lawrence is out of the country. Deirdre is investigating legal loopholes to evict you. Who does that leave, Celine? Me. Do you think I care? When you repay my patience and indulgence of you and your vileness by doing this, not just to me but to our hotel?’ She threw the reviews onto the floor.

Celine lifted her chin. ‘Don’t blame me if you can’t face facts.’

‘Get out.’

‘Where will I go?’

‘I don’t care.’

‘I’ll sue you.’

‘Please do.’