Chapter [001]— DECEPTIVE BONUS

In Elmbridge city, despite his academic qualifications in engineering, Caspian juggled part-time roles at Luxor Hotel as a cleaner and as a delivery driver. With precision, Caspian walked into Mr. Blanc's office to claim his annual bonus.

"Good afternoon, sir. I've come to collect my annual allowances," Caspian greeted.

Mr. Blanc reciprocated, "How are you today?"

Caspian responded, "I'm doing well, sir."

Mr. Blanc extended an invitation to sit and enjoy a Glenmorangie Signet drink. "Please, take a seat. Would you like something to drink?"

As they engaged in conversation, another gentleman entered, and Mr. Blanc handed him an envelope.

Mr. Blanc explained, "The bonus is approved, but there are no funds right now. Come back later this week."

Caspian's anger flared, sparking an argument. "The guy who just left received an envelope. How is there no money?"

Mr. Blanc's voice turned threatening. "Put an end to this nonsense in my office, or I'll get you outta here."

Caspian lost his temper, and the argument escalated. "I never knew you were this poor; you came here just for $25." Caspian felt humiliated as Mr. Blanc accused him.

Caspian shot back, 

"I'm not here just for $25. I deserve more."

The onlookers' laughter turned Caspian into a laughingstock. Caspian couldn't help but feel deeply hurt as their eyes bore into him.

"If I hadn't received a letter from the company, I wouldn't be here," Caspian said, disappointment clear in his tone. He knew the money he was supposed to receive wouldn't be less than $1000, but now it seemed Mr. Blanc was trying to deceive him by inventing excuses to divert the money into his own pocket.

"Take it and leave my office now," Mr. Blanc yelled, handing Caspian a folded paper. Without hesitation, Caspian exited the office.

Caspian's heart raced as he examined the letterhead paper. To his surprise, he discovered that he had been fired from his cleaning job.

With his meager wages taken away, he steeled himself for an impending confrontation with his wife, Diana, a business tycoon. He had always avoided relying on her for financial support.

Suspecting foul play an hour later, with his money likely stolen at the office, he desperately reached for his phone.

After he yelled at a cab and it screeched to a stop, he decided to return to the hotel. To get home, he concluded that asking the manager for assistance was the best option. The house his wife had purchased was quite distant from the hotel, approximately a 45-minute journey, and it was located in the city's priciest residential area.

Caspian cleared his throat, adopting a conciliatory tone. "Excuse me, sir, I need your urgent help. I've lost my transport fare. Can I please see Mr. Blanc?"

One of the security guards rudely dismissed him, saying, "Get out of here. We want wealthy customers, not beggars."

On his way through the entrance gate, he spotted someone who appeared to be Diana in the parking lot. He rushed towards her, only to find Diana in a heated conversation with a man who had his hand tightly wrapped around her neck, next to her Cadillac SUV.

Diana Sinclair, tall and captivating with an hourglass figure, her melodic voice, and a radiant smile, lean slightly on the man.

Just as he aimed to capture the moment on his phone, the camera's shutter sound echoed loudly. But from behind him, a voice suddenly emerged, jolting him. "You're still here again?" It was Mr. Blanc, unmistakably recognizable by his expensive lavender perfume.

Caspian looked apologetic and said, "I lost my transport fare, and I need to get home in the next 30 minutes."

He saved the video clip and powered off his phone.

Caspian, nervous, observed Mr. Blanc and the security men fixating on his phone.

"Umm," Caspian stammered, as Mr. Blanc remained silent.

After receiving his bonus, he booked a fancy dinner to delight Diana tonight. Caspian hadn't engaged her in any outdoor fun activities, but he had decided to change that today, as it marked the one-and-a-half year milestone of their marriage.

"This is a security risk. Well, tell me you're not trying to steal people's money and break into their cars," Mr. Blanc uttered.

Caspian admitted, "Nope. I'd never do that."

"So, you think you can now teach me my job? I heard the sound of your phone camera shutter, and yet you still want to deny it. I'm going to report you to the police," Mr. Blanc's voice trailed off.

In the parking area, Diana's sleek Cadillac SUV and another Range Rover sped away suddenly.

"Bloody hell!" one of the security guards exclaimed as Mr. Blanc whispered.

Dismissed by Mr. Blanc, Caspian left and walked home. When he arrived on foot, he surveyed the stunning manicured lawns and exotic flowers.

Approaching the parking lot, his heart froze. The same Range Rover from the hotel was parked next to his wife's car. Overwhelmed, he could hardly breathe, questioning his presence in the house.