Nine

But Jake did not say anything. He only stared coldly at the manager. The man looked at the inscriptions on the card, 

‘Conglomerate

Fredrick group of companies.’

‘Young master Frederick.’

The attendant was surprised at the manager's attitude but she was in for more surprises. The manager fell on his knees before Jake in front of everyone! 

“I'm sorry sir. I'm sorry, young master. Please, forgive my stupidity,” he begged and turning to the attendant, he half shouted,

“Kneel will you? Kneel and beg!” and the attendant obeyed immediately. 

“I'm so sorry sir…”

Vincent, Sky and all present were taken aback by the sudden change of events. Few seconds ago, they were shouting at Jake but now, they were on their knees on front of him! Jake's silence only made things worse for the poor manager. 

“I'm sorry, young master. We will not delay you further. I'll have them pack up everything for you sir. You can take it for free, after all, it's yours. Please, see it as a compensation from me for my misconduct, young master. Forgive…”

“Enough! Now, bring the right machine for this card. I will pay, I don't want your free gifts. You are lucky I'm in a good mood, else, I would have walked you out of this mall in no time. And as for everyone…” he said and turned around. In the speed of lightening, everyone suddenly became busy, no one was staring again. When they saw what happened and realised he was a big fry, they all turned away, to avoid being in a rich man's bad books. It was only Sky and Vincent who had the courage to look on but Jake ignored them completely. He would get a chance to deal with them personally very soon. The manager didn't send the attendant. Instead, he stood up on his own and ran to bring the VIP machine for platinum cards. 

“Here sir. I apologize for my earlier…” he began but Jake cut his short. 

“You talk too much. Do your job. One more word, and you will be out there job hunting! And if you provoke me further, I'll make sure no company employs you in the whole of this country!”

The manager fell on his knees again and bowed before Jake but he didn't dare to utter a word. When the process was done, the machine made a noise, indicating a successful transaction. Jake stuck his card safely inside his pocket and walked away proudly. Everyone stared at him in awe, wondering who he was. He bought goods worth $650,000, paid for it with a VIP card although he was wearing poor clothes. Who was he that even the manager bowed at his feet? 

Jake left the store feeling light hearted. He called his servant, Richard and asked him to send a driver over. A car was there to pick him up and off he went. He spent the rest of the day reading files related to his new position. 

The following day dawned brightly. Jake got up from his comfortable bed, had a good bath in the jacuzzi and stepped out smelling very fresh and feeling highly refreshed. Still on his mission to get back at everyone while maintaining a low profile, he put on his poor clothes and left the house. This particular outfit was his most expensive cloth back then. He took a cab to the Kent Mansion. 

“Miserable son in law. I thought you've left this house for good? What are you doing here again?” the gateman taunted as he entered inside the gates. Jake spared him no glance but continued walking in. 

“Have you no shame? You walk into a house where everyone drives big cars expect you. You don't even have a bicycle to boast of. You are pathetic. Well, it's good you are here because they will be needing more hands in the kitchen, go and do your job.”

Even the gateman of the Kent family wasn't left out in mocking Jake. He was accorded more respect than their son in law!

Jake noticed the cars parked in the compound. It was only 11:00 am and there were so many cars and people in the house. Is there a party? He took out his phone and asked his servant to find out. He texted him back in few seconds. The family was celebrating their recent business success and had invited friends and well wishers from among the top businesses too. Jake nodded and went into the house. This would be a very good chance to deal with his mean in-laws. He would put them in their place before their visitors and make them know that he, Jake, was back and in full glory to pay back!