Obsidian Heir

CHAPTER 9: HIERARCHY

Zachary nodded imperiously and sparing no reply for any of them walked passed the stunned forms of the guests and headed towards the lobby.

Elise and Bennett stood frozen, disbelief etched on their faces. The scene that had just unfolded felt surreal, a glitch in their meticulously planned reality.

"That's… that's impossible," Elise stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "There's no way he could have…"

Bennett scoffed, recovering his composure faster than his fiance. "Don't be ridiculous. He probably just got lucky. Some kind of fluke. He's still just Zachary." He glared at Zachary's retreating figure. "He won't get away with this."

He turned back to Elise, his voice regaining its usual condescending tone. "Honestly, Elise, you used to date him?" 

Elise bristled. "Dont act like you didn't know it was a lie, Bennett. And for your information, he wasn't always like this." She paused, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. "Besides, what does it matter? He's clearly out of his depth. He won't get anywhere."

Bennett smirked. "Exactly. Let's not waste our time on him. We have a deal to close." He attempted to steer her towards the entrance, but she hesitated, a nagging doubt clouding her eyes.

Before they could move, a stern voice cut through the air. "Excuse me! Mr. Sterling, Ms. Vanes!"

They turned, it was the regional manager of the lobby. His face was set in a disapproving frown.

"I must ask you to leave the premises immediately," He stated firmly. "Your behavior just now was completely unacceptable. Harassing other guests is not tolerated here."

Bennet's face flushed with anger. "Are you serious? Do you know who I am? I'm a VIP client of this company! You can't just throw me out!"

The regional manager remained unfazed. "I am aware of your status, Mr. Sterling. However, that does not give you the right to act in such a manner. Please leave now, or I will be forced to call security."

Elise stepped forward, attempting to smooth things over. "Mr. Wagner, was it? please, there must be some misunderstanding. We were just…"

"There is no misunderstanding, Ms. Vanes," Henry interrupted, his voice unwavering. "Your actions were witnessed by several people. Please leave." He gestured towards the exit with a dismissive wave.

Bennetts anger reached boiling point. "This is outrageous! I'll have your job for this! You'll regret the day you crossed me!"

Henry simply ignored his outburst and signaled to a nearby security guard. "Please escort Mr. Sterling and Ms. Vanes off the property."

The security guard stepped forward, his expression neutral. Bennett and Elise, realizing they were fighting a losing battle, reluctantly turned and stormed towards the exit, muttering threats under their breath.

"This isn't over," he spat, glaring back at Henry. "You'll be hearing from me!"

But the man just waved at him dismissively.

“I doubt that." 

***

Once outside, Bennet's fury exploded. 

He pulled out his phone, his fingers trembling as he dialed a number.

"Father! You won't believe what just happened! I was just thrown out of the Prism Dragon headquarters! By some low-level manager!"

His father's voice boomed through the phone. "What? Explain yourself, Bennett! What's going on?"

Bennett recounted the events, exaggerating his own importance and downplaying his own behavior. "…and the regional manager has the audacity to guy kick me out! Said I was harassing another guest! It's ridiculous! I need you to call in a favor with Mr. Henderson. You know, he owes you one. I need to get back in there! This deal is too important!"

His father sighed. "Alright, alright, calm down, Bennett. I'll see what I can do. But you need to control your temper. This is business, not a playground."

"I know, Father, I know," he said impatiently. "Just get me back in there!"

Within minutes, Joshua Sterling was on the phone with Mr. Henderson, a high-ranking Senior executive within the Prism Dragon group. 

He explained the situation, emphasizing the potential impact on the deal and subtly reminding Mr. Henderson of a past favor.

Mr. Henderson, ever the pragmatist, recognized the potential damage control required especially if it concerned the sterling brat . 

He agreed to intervene. "I'll send someone to escort your son back inside. But tell him to keep a low profile and avoid any further… incidents."

Meanwhile, Zachary had already entered the gleaming headquarters of the company. 

The lobby was abuzz with activity. Executives in sharp suits hurried to and fro, their phones glued to their ears. 

The air crackled with anticipation.

"Have you heard?" one executive whispered to another. "The chairman is supposed to be making an appearance today. And the chairman of the Prism Dragon group is here as well. They're finalizing the partnership agreement."

"This is huge," the other executive replied. "This deal could change everything for Group A."

As Zachary moved deeper into the building, he noticed a group of people gathered near a water cooler, their voices hushed with gossip. 

He recognized a few faces from the earlier event.

"Look who it is," one of them snickered, spotting Zachary. "It's Elsie's Charity case. What's he doing here?"

"Probably trying to crash the party," another added, with a mocking laugh. "He probably thinks he can impress someone with his… card."

"Did you hear he was trying to pass himself off as someone important?" a third chimed in. "He's delusional!"

Zachary ignored their taunts, his expression calm and unreadable. 

He had more important things to focus on than their petty insults.

Suddenly, the doors to the lobby swung open, and Bennett and Elise strode back in, their faces flushed with triumph. 

A uniformed security guard stood behind them, his expression apologetic.

"Mr. Sterling and Ms. Vanes have been cleared to re-enter the building," the guard announced, his voice barely audible.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. "Mr sterling! You're back!" someone shouted. "We knew you wouldn't let us down!"

"He's a VIP, after all!" another added. "They can't keep him out!"

Elise basked in the attention, a smug smile playing on her lips. 

Bennett puffed out his chest, reveling in the adulation.

"I told you I'd be back," Bennett declared, his voice booming with confidence. "I have connections. I have influence. I'm the one who's going to secure this deal for us."

He turned his gaze towards Zachary, his eyes filled with disdain. 

Zachary simply stared back at him, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. 

His arrogance would be his downfall after all. 

The game was far from over. In fact, it was just beginning.