Pearl comes and bows to him and says, " Yes, Master Danial, you called?"
Danial waved his hand and said, " Drop the pleasantries. I have something that needs your help.
Pearl looked up and saw Danial staring at her intensely. Pearl thought that Danial needed her 'Help', which surprised Pearl. Pearl has always maintained her body, and she looked fabulous. She had always hated the idea of using her body to climb through the ranks and achieve success.
When Pearl was about to say something, Danial abruptly stopped her and said, " Pearl, listen, I want you to keep an eye on a group that is about to enter the hotel. " Pearl straightened her back and asked, " What do you mean?
Pearl, still somewhat bewildered by Danial's abrupt request, tried to process the information she had just received. She adjusted her posture and leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Danial," she began cautiously, "why do you want me to keep an eye on this group of tourists? Is there something specific you're concerned about?"
Danial's frown deepened, and his voice took on a stern tone as he replied, "Pearl, you don't need to know the details. Just do as I say. It's important that you keep a close watch on them and ensure they get rooms on the 6th floor if possible."
Pearl was taken aback by Danial's aggressiveness. She had always known him to be a composed and respectful man, but something about this situation seemed different. She decided to push a little further, feeling the need for more clarity. "I understand, Danial," she said cautiously, "but I would feel more comfortable if you could give me some instructions on how to identify these tourists when they arrive."
Danial took a deep breath, seemingly trying to regain his composure. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright," he conceded, "there will be a group of nearly 20 people coming together. They should stand out as tourists, likely carrying luggage and looking a bit disoriented. Just make sure they get their rooms on the 6th floor, as I mentioned earlier."
Pearl nodded in understanding but couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Danial's request was unusual, and she couldn't help but wonder why he was so insistent on this particular group of guests. She decided to press further for clarity. "Danial," she said hesitantly, "may I ask why you want them on the 6th floor specifically? And what if there are no available rooms on that floor?"
Danial hesitated for a moment, seemingly torn between explaining and maintaining his air of authority. Finally, he sighed and said, "Miss Pearl, it's imperative that they stay on the 6th floor. If there are no available rooms, then you must rearrange the current guests on that floor and shift them to a lower one. If they refuse to move, then refund them their money and offer additional compensation for the inconvenience."
Pearl wanted to ask further, but seeing Danial's expressio,n she knew asking further would only increase Danial's aggressiveness. Danial thought of something and said, " Miss Pearl, after the group is settled on the 6th floor, I want you to silently start emptying the hotel. Everyone should be nowhere near the premises of the hotel. Do you understand?"
Pearl was shocked, she knew something was weird but didn't realise that it was this serious. Pearl wanted to ask further, but Danial said, " Miss Pearl, time is of the essence. Please make the arrangements"
Danial then thought of something and whispered into Pearl's ear, which further shocked her. She maintained her face and nodded vigorously.
After giving Pearl her instructions, Danial nodded and left her standing there, still puzzled by the strange and secretive tasks he had assigned to her. He quickly made his way back to the private room where his friends were enjoying a lavish feast.
As he entered the room, Pavan, who had noticed Danial's absence, asked with concern, "Where were you, Danial? Is everything okay?"
Danial gave a reassuring smile, trying to mask his inner turmoil. "Yes, Pavan, everything is fine," he replied, taking a seat at the table. He picked up a steak from the platter and began eating, though his mind was far from the food.
Maria, who was sitting beside Danial, observed a subtle hint of emotion on his face. She decided to approach him about it after the party, not wanting to draw attention during the gathering.
Kuro, on Danial's other side, noticed something was amiss but chose to remain silent, continuing to enjoy his meal.
Meanwhile, Robert, who had been waiting for an opportunity, saw this as a chance to humiliate Danial. He leaned in, his tone dripping with condescension, and asked, "So, Danial, where do you study and work? I might have some work for you."
Some of the people gasped as they didn't expect him to be such a big businessman and even give someone a job. Danial raised his eyes " I don't need a job, Robert. I already have one."
Robert smiled and said sarcastically, "Oh, so where do you work at Danial? I can guarantee that I will pay you more than what you are currently being paid. "
One of the people said, " Wow, Robert, you must be so generous with the offer, but if Danial doesn't take it, can I instead?"
" Oh no man, leave that to me, hey Robert, if you need someone, I am the best candidate there is"
" Have you seen yourself? You haven't even graduated, and you're asking him for a job"
"Robert, don't listen to any of them. Let me try and you will get the results you need"
Everyone was fawning over Robert and trying to get his offer.
Robert sat smugly at the centre of attention, basking in the admiration and flattery of those around him. People were falling over themselves, vying for his favour and trying to secure his job offer. They clamoured for his attention, each believing themselves to be the most qualified candidate.
He looked over at Danial with a disdainful grin, relishing the discomfort he believed he had caused. Robert leaned in, his voice dripping with arrogance, and said, "Now, Danial, do you understand the value of my job offer? You'd be wise to consider it carefully. Opportunities like this don't come around often, and they certainly won't last long."
The room was filled with hushed whispers and sidelong glances as everyone awaited Danial's response. Some were genuinely interested in the job opportunity, while others were merely trying to please Robert.
Danial, on the other hand, felt that he was targeted; he didn't know why, but he felt like he should answer Robert. Danial looked up at Robert and said " I appreciate the offer Robert, but like I said, I am already working. And just to let you know I work as an intern in Sterling Technology.
As Danial calmly stated that he was already employed as an intern at Sterling Technology, gasps of astonishment filled the room. Sterling Technology was no ordinary company; it was a colossal conglomerate that rivalled even the most prominent businesses in the Capital. Its reputation and influence extended far beyond the Southerland District, and it was known for its cutting-edge technology and innovative products.
Robert's face darkened at the mention of Sterling Technology. His confident demeanour faltered, and he leaned in closer, his tone more insistent. "Danial," he said, his voice laced with scepticism, "what evidence do you have of being an intern at Sterling Technology?"
Danial, unperturbed by Robert's challenge, maintained his composure. He met Robert's gaze directly and replied, "I don't need to prove anything to you, Robert. My work is my own, and I'm not here to impress anyone."
Maria, who had been observing the exchange, chimed in to support Danial. "Robert," she interjected, "it's not uncommon for prestigious companies like Sterling Technology to keep their internships low-key. Danial doesn't need to prove his credentials to anyone here."
The room seemed to divide into two factions: those who believed Danial and understood the nature of internships at prestigious companies, and those who remained sceptical, including Robert.
Undeterred, Robert continued to press the issue. "Well, Danial," he said with a hint of annoyance, "if you're really working at Sterling Technology, then you must know someone there who can vouch for you. What's the name of your supervisor or manager?"
Danial's gaze remained steady, and he replied, "I respect the confidentiality of my workplace, Robert. I won't disclose any names without their permission."
Robert's face contorted with frustration as he refused to back down. "Well then, Danial, I don't believe you, and as a matter of fact, I think you're lying," he asserted firmly, not willing to yield.
Danial, maintaining his calm demeanour, responded with a touch of indifference, "I don't need your belief or clarification on that matter." His words hung in the air, met with gasps of astonishment from those around the table.
After a tense silence, Robert slammed his hand on the table, his voice laced with anger. "You aren't even worthy to work with me, and you should apologize for this instant, or you'll be in trouble," he threatened.
Danial met Robert's anger with a cool resolve. "I won't apologize, Robert. And may I ask, why are you targeting me? We've just met, and you're making baseless accusations," he questioned, puzzled by Robert's intense hostility.
Robert hesitated for a moment, unable to reveal that his motives were driven by a desire for revenge and a need to impress Maria. Instead, he retorted angrily, "I can do whatever I want. What will you do about it?"
The tension in the room seemed unbearable. Pavan, who had been quietly observing the situation, chose to stand up. He cleared his throat and said, "Guys, we're here to rejoice and celebrate. Let's put this matter aside and enjoy the evening, shall we?"
One by one, the other guests at the table began to chime in, each offering their perspective in an attempt to defuse the tension:
Maria, who had silently observed the exchange between Danial and Robert, added, "Pavan's right. Let's not let a disagreement ruin our evening."
Kuro, who had remained silent during the confrontation, finally spoke up. "I agree with Pavan. We can discuss business another time. Tonight is about celebration."
Another guest, a close friend of Pavan, nodded in agreement. "Exactly, guys. There's no need for such hostility. Let's enjoy the great food and each other's company."
Robert sat on his seat as he huffed in anger. A deep sense of revenge was seeded in his heart for Danial.
After the tense confrontation, Danial received a phone call from Miss Pearl. Her voice was urgent as she said, "They are here."
Danial immediately understood the gravity of those words. He rose from his seat, apologizing to his friends for his abrupt departure, and made his way out to the lobby of the hotel.
Before he left the room, he bent down to whisper in Maria's ear, "It's better if you can convince everyone to leave early. There might be some trouble brewing." As he spoke, his breath brushed against Maria's ear, making her shiver. Her face turned a deep shade of red in response to the unexpected intimacy.
Danial didn't linger and quickly exited the room, leaving behind a bewildered Maria and a room filled with his friends.
Robert, who had been simmering with anger and frustration, seethed with jealousy when he observed the close interaction between Danial and Maria. His eyes followed Danial as he left the room, the intensity of his hatred growing.
.....
A bus stopped in front of the Hotel, and a scarred man disembarked from the Bus. The scar that ran across the man's neck gave him an intimidating air. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he exuded an aura of menace and sophistication.
As the tourists disembarked from the bus, a lackey, who appeared to be the right-hand man of the scarred individual, made a comment with a greedy tone, "This hotel looks amazing. Imagine the amount of money we would get after looting everything."
The scarred man's voice was deep and filled with intent as he responded, "Yes, not only will we be rich, but we'll also gain control of the entire hotel. After we use the hotel to blackmail the government, we will make Master happy."
The lackey's expression shifted, and a deep reverence was evident as he heard the term "Master." It was clear that the scarred man held a significant position within their group, and this "Master" was someone they greatly respected.
With a commanding gesture from the scarred man, the group of tourists began to act in unison. Each of them was, in fact, a part of the scarred man's group, and they had all been strategically positioned for this operation. Their eyes were filled with greed and determination as they set their plan into motion.
They started entering the hotel, pretending to be ordinary tourists. Some were admiring the hotel's grandeur, while others took photos and commented on its luxurious decor. To an unknowing observer, they would have appeared as regular tourists, but their true intentions were far from innocent.
The scarred man, exuding an air of authority, led his group into the hotel's lobby. His keen eyes scanned the grandeur of the reception area as he approached the front desk, his expression giving away nothing.
Unaware of the true nature of this group, the receptionist, a young woman named Lisa, greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome to the Golden Leaf Hotel," she said cheerfully. "How may I assist you today?"
The scarred man leaned in slightly, his voice deep and commanding as he inquired, "I need rooms for my group. What's available?"
Lisa immediately began checking the hotel's room availability, tapping away on her computer. "Of course, sir. Just one moment," she said.
Pearl, who had been discreetly observing the situation from a corner, saw the scarred man's approach and knew this was the moment she had been waiting for. Her role was critical in ensuring that this group would be allocated rooms on the 6th floor.
As Lisa continued to check the available rooms, Pearl approached the scarred man with a pleasant smile. "Excuse me, sir," she began, "but it appears that you and your group are in for a special treat today."
The scarred man, eyebrows raised in curiosity, turned his attention toward Pearl. "A special treat?" he inquired, his tone a mix of suspicion and intrigue.
Pearl, seemingly ready to unveil the mystery, leaned in slightly and lowered her voice. "Yes," she replied with an air of confidentiality, "you see, every day, we have a unique reward system for our guests. They earn a chance to experience something extraordinary during their stay."
The scarred man's frown deepened, and he asked, "And how does this 'reward system' work?"
Pearl, maintaining her confidence, explained, "We like to keep it a surprise. We don't announce it openly because we want our guests to feel genuinely delighted when they discover the reward. We have certain criteria, and when a group like yours arrives, we pick the winners."
The scarred man, still somewhat sceptical, inquired further, "But how come we've never heard about this offer before?"
Pearl's reply was quick and composed. "That's part of the charm," she explained. "We make sure that the element of surprise is preserved. It's our way of ensuring that our guests have an unexpected and memorable experience during their stay."
The scarred man seemed to consider Pearl's explanation, his scepticism slowly dissolving. He glanced at his group, who were waiting with bated breath for his decision. After a brief moment, he turned back to Pearl and nodded. "Very well, we accept your offer."
Pearl's face remained composed as she noted their agreement. "Excellent," she said with a warm smile. "In that case, you and your group will be exclusively allocated rooms on the 6th floor. You've earned this special reward."
The scarred man's expression shifted from suspicion to satisfaction. His group murmured in approval as they realized the significance of the offer. They began to understand that this reward might play a crucial role in their mysterious mission.
"Thank you," the scarred man replied, his tone more cordial now. "We appreciate this gesture. It's an unexpected surprise, indeed."
Pearl nodded with a gracious smile. "You're very welcome, sir. We aim to make your stay truly memorable. I hope you enjoy your time at the Golden Leaf Hotel." The receptionist Lisa wasn't aware of anything regarding the offer, so when Lisa was about to ask, Pearl shot a glance that immediately shut Lisa.
Pearl signalled the nearby staff to assist the scarred man to the 6th floor. The hotel staff that Pearl signalled for was none other than Danial. He had requested Pearl to produce a set of hotel staff clothes, to which Pearl abided.
With a practised smile, he approached the scarred man and his group, who had just been informed about their exclusive stay on the 6th floor. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen," Danial greeted them warmly, his voice friendly and professional. "I'm John, and I'll be assisting you during your stay at the Golden Leaf Hotel. If you could please follow me, I'll show you to your rooms on the 6th floor."
The scarred man's eyes lingered on Danial for a moment, sizing him up. After a brief pause, he nodded and said, "Lead the way, John."
With a composed demeanour, Danial guided the group toward the elevator, exchanging polite small talk as they went. Pearl discreetly watched them, ensuring that everything was proceeding according to plan.
As the group, led by Danial, stepped into the elevator, Pearl quickly sprang into action. She approached the hotel's secretary, a reliable and discreet woman who knew how to handle sensitive situations. In a low voice, she explained, "We need to start requesting our customers to leave the hotel. It's important that we do this discreetly and without causing a panic."
The secretary nodded in understanding. "Of course, Pearl," she replied. "I'll get on it right away. How should I explain the situation to the guests?"
Pearl was quick to provide a cover story. "Tell them it's due to maintenance on some of the floors," she instructed. "And reassure them that it's a temporary inconvenience, but we need everyone to leave the premises as soon as possible."
The secretary immediately began making phone calls to the various guests, calmly and professionally relaying the message of the temporary closure due to maintenance on certain floors. She assured the guests that it was a brief issue and that their cooperation was greatly appreciated.
Meanwhile, in the hotel elevator, Danial expertly engaged the group of tourists with friendly conversation. He maintained an air of professionalism and was careful not to arouse suspicion. As the elevator doors opened on the 6th floor, Danial led them down the hallway, ensuring they were settled into their rooms.
Pearl kept a watchful eye on the lobby as guests began to receive the news about the maintenance issue. Some were understanding, while others were disappointed, but the hotel staff handled the situation with tact and courtesy. The secretary managed to convince all the guests to leave the premises within an hour, maintaining the integrity of the surprise element.
Robert, who had stepped outside to get some fresh air and overheard the news about the maintenance issue, couldn't believe his luck. He had been secretly waiting for a chance to exact revenge on Danial, and now an opportunity had presented itself. Seeing Danial in a hotel staff uniform, assisting the scarred man's group, he couldn't help but grin in satisfaction.
Robert slyly took out his phone and discreetly captured a few photos of Danial in his unexpected role. He relished the idea of using these photos to further humiliate his rival.
As he snapped the pictures, Robert couldn't help but think to himself, "Oh, Danial, you said you work for Sterling Technology, didn't you? Now, look at what you're doing. It's time to turn the tables, and it's going to be so sweet."
Unbeknownst to Robert, the situation was far more complex than he could imagine. Danial's involvement in the events at the hotel ran much deeper, and Robert's actions might come back to haunt him.