The Billionaire's Secret Identity

Humiliated

CHAPTER THREE.

For the hundredth time, Tony thought people were strange. 

Hadn't he just rescued a lady from distress? He wondered, sniffing in the early afternoon air as he walked out of the hotel.

He hailed a taxi, barely before his foot hit the balcony.

“Toneo Company,” he said. And without waiting for the driver to finish nodding, he was already in the car.

He was behind time. It was high time he took over the affairs of his company, his reward. The reward from the ten years of training. That training that had robbed him of everything.

He pushed back the heartache. This was not the time for it. He needed to be strong enough to face the murderers but the first thing he needed to do was to take over the company.

The driver, confused, kept turning warily to look at him. He didn't look like someone who worked in the Toneo Company.

His tattoos and locked hair weren't as expensive enough. In fact, he looked like a thug; a murderer. The driver shrunk in his seat.

“May I ask what business you have at Toneo Company? Are you looking to work there?” The driver asked, struggling not to show his fear but also not to sound insulting.

But he was unsuccessful. Tony had noted the tone in his voice. So he smiled.

“I'm not working there,” he began, briefly meeting the driver's eyes through the front mirror. “I'm just going there to look around. Michael Leo works for me?” 

“Sorry, what?” The driver’s arm weakened. He swerved wrongly and nearly hit another car.

“What did you say?” Maybe the road had really distracted him.

“Michael Leo works for me,” he repeated and in order not to fall into anger, picked up his mobile phone at once, tired of the conversation.

But the driver wasn't tired. He wanted to haul the insults in his head on that strange passenger with airs.

What did he mean by “Michael Leo works for me?” He humphed, wondering what category he could fit the passenger.

Had he lost his mind or was he simply boastful? Or was he a chronic liar? He wouldn't know.

But one thing was certain, there was no way in the world his passenger could have anything to do with Michael Leo, of all people.

He knew it was a lie and got ready to say so. But the journey ended before he had the chance to spite him.

Tony stepped out at once, almost forgetting to pay. But he quickly took charge of himself as an insult glistened on the driver's lips.

He took a deep breath as the taxi driver sped away, saying swear words that Tony chose not to catch.

He gazed at the towering office building before him with satisfaction. 

Mr Famous had done well. Choosing Michael Leo as the manager of his company hadn't been bad.

It was now time to take over.

He walked in, taking in the glass roof that towered above him, handsomely. He smiled and kept walking. Things looked good.

The marble floors were top notch. Things were really good.

But the receptionist didn't share his humour.

She was torn between calling the cops on him and dragging him out into the gutters.

Who let such riffraff saunter in? 

“How…How may I help you,” She stammered, fury burning in her throat but professionalism winning the day.

“I’m here to see the CEO,” he said, staring her in the face, his face deadpan.

Everyone in the lobby gasped. No, they did not simply gasp. They murmured the same curse words the driver had awarded him.

 He turned in dismay. What had he said so wrong?

“You must have gotten the wrong address,” she said, trying to keep her voice as soft as possible.

There is no CEO here, you” she emphasized with gritted teeth, “Can see”. Her voice slipped out of professionalism.

“Isn't Michael Leo in?” Tony asked, wrinkling his forehead and nose. “I'm here to see him”

She forced a polite smile; now a paragon of calmness, she said, “The CEO is very busy; without an appointment, he won’t see anyone”

“Inform him about my presence at once.” He spoke strongly.

“Tell him, Tony is here. He'll respond immediately,” 

“But…”

“Why don't you try the approach I suggested first,” he forced a smile too, wondering if he really did look like a goat in everyone's eyes.

The receptionist took a deep breath and took the telephone but paused; someone was walking towards them, the air around her stiff and wicked.

“Good evening ma,” the receptionist stood from her high seat with a blush; hands vibrating greatly.

She dropped the telephone at once; the clanking sound seemed to signal the guests at the lobby to show their high respect, too.

With a quick wave, the lady froze their greetings and let her heels click as a reply.

“What's going on here? Who is this?” The lady lifted her lips to her nose while peering at Tony.

Her hands went to her slim waist that was made even slimmer by the tightness of her belt as she watched every twitch in his face.

The hardness in her chin didn't melt by Tony’s slight nod of acknowledgement.

“He wants to meet with the CEO,” the receptionist said, voice shaking. Tony had to cork his head.

“He has no appointment…, ma, but he insists to see…” she trailed off, dropping her gaze; her fingers twitching with each other.

“Go on!” The sharp voice raised her head immediately, and led it straight to meet the stern eyes.

She reddened, opened her mouth but no words came out.

“Don't waste my time!” the lady's eyes spurt fire, and her nostrils, as tiny as they seemed to be, enlarged like a balloon.

“As the Secretary, can you—”

“Can I do what???” There was pindrop silence, all eyes averting to the secretary. The cloud of fear descended on everyone. 

They had no control of that.

“Is Michael Leo someone you can see just because you want to? Tell me, you nitwit,” she stepped aggressively closer to the counter, her tall frame meeting the receptionist's nose.

“Very soon, you will start adding mad men and drug addicts to the lists of guests to see him.” She retorted, lips tight to force out other words and lashes fluttering up and down as she struggled to believe the buffalo.

“You really must have gone queer in the head. If you can’t handle this job, go work in the warehouse!”

And then she turned, lips already open to descend on him. “I believe by now you must have known the right thing to do,” she began, her tone slightly lower.

“Michael Leo's world is never the same as yours. Don't dare dream to be included”.

Tony looked on with bewilderment. “Tell him—”.

“Leave now, while the security is being friendly. Those uniformed men and their dogs over there, aren't for show”.