The Heir

chapter 5

HE could not help but sneered as the guards dragged him out of the building. If they only knew who he was, they would probably hide their tails between their legs. But Maximillian preferred to keep his identity hidden from the public. At least for now. He has a plan, and the only way to execute that was to keep a low-key profile. He must move discreetly.

They were almost at the exit, and the security guards were about to throw him out of the building when he heard a loud female voice ordering the guards to stop.

“I said stop right there!” the woman said authoritatively. She strode towards his direction with a serious look on her face. “Take your hands off him!”

He looked at her from head to toe. She was dressed in a sophisticated suit, and the guards acted quickly to her instructions. The authority that this woman holds only meant one thing. She must be the LS Group president, Vanessa Smith.

The guards freed Maximillian but stayed on guard.

“I am so sorry about this, Mr. Lee,” the woman said apologetically. “If only I was informed prior to your visit, this would not happen. Maybe I should give Wilfred a scolding for not telling me.”

He wagged his hand. “You don’t have to. Wilfred followed my order not to tell anyone that I will be coming today.”

“Oh, a surprise visit.” Vanessa sighed. “Anyway, give me a minute or two to settle this.”

Maximillian nodded slowly and moved to the side to give way to Vanessa. The woman folded her arms and narrowed her eyes as she gave a threatening look to each one of the guards.

“Did you know what situation you put me through? You treated this person so harshly without knowing who he is.” Vanessa’s voice was too loud and firm; it caught everyone’s attention.

Now, all the people in the lobby, whether the company’s clients or employees, were all looking at them. They all looked like a predator, waiting for something to prey on. Perhaps they thought that it was one big piece of news.

“So, tell me, who told you to do that?” Vanessa continued reprimanding the guards. “Because I am sure that the order did not come from my office.”

The guards looked at each other and gazed at the reception desk. Vanessa glanced there too and looked at the guards again, who was now looking pale and nervous. They must have felt that their job was at stake no matter what they say.

“I-it’s the receptionist, Miss Smith,” one of the guards said. “She instructed us to take him out of the building.”

Vanessa gritted her teeth and went to the reception area. She slammed her hand on the counter that made the two receptionists flinched.

“Who ordered the guards?” she snapped.

The one who did move forward. “I am sorry, Ma’am, it was my fault. I… I thought he was just one of those—”

“Because he was just dressed in ordinary clothes?” Vanessa scoffed. “Not because he was not dressed in a sophisticated formal suit when he walked inside this building you have the right to treat him like that, especially when you don’t know who he is!”

The president’s litany caused the onlookers to chatter.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am. I didn’t know. I wasn’t aware of his relationship to you.” The receptionist clasped her hands together. “Please forgive me,” she begged.

“How can I forgive you for what you have done to my relative.” Vanessa gave him a side-way glance.

Maximillian heard gasps from the people watching them. They were all shocked to know that he was the president’s relative. Maybe it was just unbelievable.

“Stacey, right?” Vanessa said afterward.

“Y-yes, Ma’am.” The receptionist straightened her back.

“I want you out,” Vanessa said firmly. “For good.”

The receptionist’s eyes widened. Crying, she kneeled in front of Vanessa.

“I’m sorry, Ma’am… please… please give me a second chance—”

“Come on, Stacey! This is not the first time you commit a mistake.” Vanessa beckoned the guards to come over. “Take her out.”

The guards did what the president told them. Stacey was dragged out of the building. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Vanessa.” Maximillian sauntered towards her.

“Yes?”

He glanced in Rebecca’s direction.

“Could you please do me a favor?”

“Sure. Anything that I can do in my power, I will do it for you.”

Maximillian smiled. “That intern…”

Vanessa looked at Rebecca. “What about her? Did she do the same to you—”

“No. it’s not like that.” He pocketed his hands on his jeans. “Actually, I want you to compensate her.”

“Oh. Sure, no problem.” Vanessa turned to the intern, who looked nervous. “Rebecca.”

“Y-yes, Ma’am?” Rebecca swallowed hard and looked at him.

“Mr. Lee here wants to compensate you for whatever good you have done to him,” said Vanessa.

The intern’s mouth dropped open.

“T-thank you so much, Sir.”

Maximillian looked at Vanessa, silently telling her that she should reward her more.

“And… uhm, from this day, you are a regular employee,” Vanessa added and then turned to him again. “You should come with me to my office. We need to talk about a lot of things about the LS Group.”

“Yeah, that’s exactly what I came for.” Maximillian followed her to the elevator.

“I am glad that you considered to take over your father’s—”

“I don’t want to talk about him. Not now.”

“O-oh.”