“You asked me to remove someone from company property yesterday.”
“I did.”
“I complied.”
“He moved.”
“Now he's on a public sidewalk with a legal permit.”
“I have no authority to seize his property or remove him.”
Victoria glared.
“Then I’ll find someone who does.”
A black sedan stopped at the curb.
Daniel recognized it immediately.
His stomach dropped.
“No.”
The rear door opened.
Thomas Whitmore stepped out.
Victoria froze.
Employees near the entrance straightened immediately.
“Mr. Whitmore.”
Thomas ignored her.
He looked directly at Daniel.
His son closed his eyes briefly.
“Dad.”
Too late.
Chapter 10: The Chairman
Thomas Whitmore crossed the sidewalk slowly.
He wore a dark navy suit and carried no briefcase.
Victoria immediately adjusted her posture.
“Mr. Whitmore, I can explain.”
Thomas held up one hand.
“No.”
Then he looked at Daniel.
“You said one more day.”
Daniel sighed.
“I was almost finished.”
Thomas looked at the shoe-shine stand.
Then at his son’s clothes.
“You look terrible.”
“Thank you.”
A few nervous employees laughed.
Victoria looked between them.
Confusion appeared first.
Then fear.
Thomas turned toward Marcus.
“Mr. Hale.”
“Sir.”
“Has anyone touched my son?”
The silence became absolute.
Victoria’s face changed.
“Your…”
Thomas looked at the surrounding employees.
He raised his voice slightly.
“Everyone, this is Daniel Whitmore.”
Nobody moved.
“My son.”
A whisper went through the crowd.
Daniel wished his father had chosen a quieter method.
But the test was over now.
Thomas continued.
“He will be joining Whitmore Industries next month.”
Victoria’s face drained of color.
Marcus looked stunned.
James Porter stood near the doors with his mouth slightly open.
Ben from accounting whispered:
“No way.”
Monica covered her mouth.
Victoria stared at Daniel.
“You…”
Daniel removed the wool cap.
His hair was flattened beneath it.
“Yes.”
“You're Thomas's son?”
“Daniel.”
She seemed unable to process the transformation.
Nothing about him had actually changed.
Same face.
Same clothes.
Same man.
Only information.
That was exactly the point.
Thomas looked at Victoria.
“You treated him this way because you thought he was poor.”
She immediately shook her head.
“No. That's not—”
“I was here yesterday.”
Everyone turned.
Daniel looked at his father.
“What?”
Thomas nodded toward the building.
“Conference room on the second floor.”
Daniel stared.
“You were watching?”
“For twenty minutes.”
“You promised.”
“I promised not to reveal you.”
Thomas almost smiled.
“I didn't.”
Daniel shook his head.
Victoria began speaking quickly.
“Mr. Whitmore, there has been a misunderstanding.”
Thomas’s expression hardened.
“Which part?”
“I thought he was trespassing.”
“He moved.”
“I was protecting the company's image.”
“From what?”