Chapter 9 My Apologies

• In the next moment, Tigre's face shifted. All his arrogance, his fierce attitude, and his intimidating presence vanished. He quickly moved to Oscar's side, head lowered, and said quietly, "Mr. Oscar, I didn't realize you were here. I'm sorry for not recognizing you."
• The room fell silent at once.
• Just moments before, Tigre had been a powerful and commanding figure. Now, he stood next to Oscar, looking as respectful as a student listening to a teacher.
• Even Tigre's own men looked stunned. Their boss, known for his fearlessness and harsh ways, was showing such respect.
• Tigre had never been like this.
• Oscar remained calm, his face giving nothing away.
• "It's been a long time," Oscar finally said, putting a hand on Tigre's shoulder. "Shrug this off. These people are my classmates."
• "Of course, Mr. Oscar. As you wish. Everyone, out! I want to talk to Mr. Oscar without any interruptions," Tigre said, beaming with relief.
• In no time, the other guests were hurriedly shown out.
• ...
• Outside the Platinum Hotel, the classmates were in shock.
• Snow said, "I can't believe Oscar was the one who helped us. But how does he know the owner of this place?"
• Whitney asked, "Could we have misjudged him? Maybe he's more important than we thought."
• Howard, looking frustrated and disheveled, said, "We couldn't have been wrong." I have to win back my dignity and set things right.
• "I've got it! Oscar must be working with the hotel. He set us up from the start," Howard said angrily.
• Snow replied, "If he wanted to trick you, why did he let you go?"
• "Because he heard me say I'd call the police. He got scared! Otherwise, why would everything be resolved so easily? Oscar's a cheat! This isn't over!" Howard snapped.
• The others looked at each other, finding some truth in Howard's words.
• "Right! This isn't finished!"
• "That Oscar, he fooled even his classmates. Next time I see him, he'll pay for this ... "
• Despite their anger, no one dared to confront Oscar at the Platinum Hotel. After a few more complaints, they left, grumbling.
• Whitney turned down Howard's offer for a ride, called her own car, and soon drove away, leaving Howard seething with frustration.
• ...
• In the hotel's private room, Oscar and Tigre were alone.
• Tigre stood with his head bowed, glancing out the window. "Mr. Oscar, these people are so ungrateful. Should I ... ?"
• "Forget it," Oscar said, smiling slightly. He was not truly concerned. If it hadn't been for Snow, he wouldn't have bothered getting involved at all.
• "Yes, sir!" Tigre responded quickly, not daring to argue. "I've been trying to find out where you've been working these past years ... "
• "You'll find out soon enough. Just remember, when you see me next time, use my name," Oscar said, making sure Tigre understood.
• As they talked, Oscar's old cell phone rang again. He glanced at it, his expression turning serious. "Oh no, I need to get home and clean the bathroom. Wait for me, Tigre. I'll catch up with you later."
• With that, Oscar left Tigre staring after him and sped away on his scooter.
• The next morning, Oscar, with messy hair and sleepy eyes, rode his scooter to the busy business district of Wavecrest, right to the entrance of Dalton Investment Company's headquarters.
• The Dalton Investment Company headquarters, standing eighty-eight stories high, was the tallest building in Wavecrest. Anyone who entered here was either very rich or very powerful.
• Oscar parked his scooter and walked toward the lobby.
• "Oscar? What are you doing here?" came a surprised voice.
• Oscar turned and saw Whitney, dressed in a sharp business suit. Her face was flawless, and her figure was elegant.
• She wore a classic Chanel coat and had perfect makeup, making her look like a high-society figure.
• She was with a few other attractive women, but they were overshadowed by Whitney's presence.
• Oscar hadn't expected to see Whitney and had to respond, "I'm here for some business. What a coincidence."
• "Coincidence?" Whitney's face showed clear displeasure. "Oscar, don't think I don't see through your sneaky plans.
• "You showed up at our company's doorstep on purpose, didn't you? Acting like this is just a random meeting?
• "I've ignored your peeping before because we were classmates. But now you're pushing it too far.
• "Do you think that because Mandy might end up with Mr. Davidson and you're facing trouble, you're trying to latch onto me instead?
• "Oscar, stop dreaming!" Whitney snapped.
• Oscar's eyebrows twitched, his patience running thin.
• Whitney, seriously? I'm here to take over Dalton Investment Company today. I don't have time for your nonsense!
• The attractive girls around Whitney watched Oscar with curiosity.
• Whitney, looking pleased with herself, tossed her hair and continued, "Oscar, didn't I make myself clear at the reunion last night?
• "Let me spell it out for you again.
• "Sure, we were classmates, and I was the class beauty. It's normal for you to have had a crush on me.
• "But now? You're just a stay-at-home husband. Do you really think someone like me would be interested in that?
• "People like you, who are below average, can never be with someone like me.
• "A toad can never be good enough for a swan. Got it?"
• As Whitney spoke, the other girls' looks turned to disdain.
• There were plenty of rich, handsome men at the company vying for Whitney's attention. A stay-at-home husband had no chance.
• Oscar, now exasperated, said, "Whitney, I came here to ... "
• "Even thinking about it is wrong! Just thinking about it is a crime!"
• Whitney's disdain was clear.
• "My partner is destined to be wealthy and high-class. Someone like you doesn't even have the right to consider being with me. Understand?"
• Oscar cut her off, shaking his head, "Whitney, stop flattering yourself.
• "I have no interest in you, and I didn't come here to run into you.
• "I'm here to start work."
• "Work?" Whitney blinked in disbelief.
• "Oscar, are you serious? You're here to work at Dalton Investment Company?
• "We're not hiring janitors right now.
• "Your need to show off is really pathetic.
• "As an old classmate, let me give you some advice: stay grounded.
• "If you keep this up, you'll end up in big trouble."
• Oscar couldn't take it any longer. Ignoring Whitney's self-important attitude, he turned and walked toward the company lobby.
• "Oscar, you think you're so special, don't you?" Whitney called after him.
• When Oscar ignored her, Whitney's frustration boiled over.
• "You're not getting past our company's entrance, loser!
• "Security, throw him out!" she demanded.
• The security guards, already positioned nearby, moved quickly toward Oscar.
• Whitney, being both stunning and influential in the company, made it easy for the guards to comply with her request.
• Seeing them approach, Oscar spoke calmly. "Whitney, as a former classmate, let me give you a piece of advice. Don't be so full of yourself. You might find you need my help in this company someday."
• "Need your help?" Whitney scoffed. "If that ever happens, I'll call you 'Daddy'!"
• At that moment, the executive elevator chimed and opened. Employees straightened and bowed.
• A young woman, just over twenty, stepped out. She wore sleek leather pants and a crisp white blouse, her long ponytail swaying with each step.
• Her looks were on par with Whitney's, but her presence was unmatched.
• Without acknowledging anyone else, she walked directly to Oscar, bowed deeply, and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. CEO. I'm late."