From Darkness to Light: Darwin's Rise

Chapter 0011

10

Darwin stood staring at the gleaming fleet of vehicles, still overwhelmed by all that was unfolding. James waited patiently with an understanding smile.

"I must admit, the choice is rather daunting," Darwin said with an embarrassed chuckle. "All of these magnificent machines are far beyond what I ever dreamed of driving."

He walked slowly along, running a hand over the luxury cars as if to prove to himself they were real. When he reached the Rolls Royce Ghost, its stately elegance called to him.

"This one has always held a special allure," Darwin mused. "The Rolls seems fitting for the task at hand. Classic, refined - it commands respect without pretension."

"An excellent choice, sir," James replied with a nod. He then opened the door of the sleek black vehicle for Darwin. "Very well, Master Wettin. Let's show them what a Wettin can do."

As they pulled away, Darwin settled into the plush leather seats, marveling at the buttery-smooth ride. "I can see why you prefer this model for business. It has a certain gravitas."

James grinned. "Indeed. And I have no doubt you will handle any situation with equal poise and dignity from now on, Master Darwin."

A flutter of nerves mingled with determination rose in Darwin's chest. Soon they arrived at the familiar office building, but this time everything felt different. This was no longer just a place of work - it was the start of his new legacy.

As they entered the lobby, Rebecca - the snobbish receptionist - glanced up from her nails. Her eyes widened at the sight of Darwin.

"Well, well. Look who decided to show his face," she sneered, her pouty red lips twisting into a mocking smile. She observed them with disdain from beneath heavily applied makeup.

The receptionist, a stout woman with garish makeup and an unflattering pantsuit, smirked nastily. "Mr. Morphy made it clear you were fired. I'm afraid you can't enter, Darwin darling." She said his name with a mocking lilt.

Darwin's fists clenched in anger, though he remained composed. How he longed to wipe the smug grin off her face! But he knew causing a scene would get him nowhere.

Rebecca looked at them with thinly veiled disdain, she observed Darwin with an air of arrogance, deriving satisfaction from her perceived status above his own humble upbringing. She took opportunities to diminish him whenever possible, quite literally looking down her nose at his plain origins with contempt. While her beauty was only skin deep, her cruelty ran far deeper.

"I'm here to speak with Mr. Morphy. This is a private matter that doesn't concern you." Darwin replied.

Rebecca scoffed. "Private? You're making a scene as usual, you pathetic fool. Always stirring up drama for attention."

She eyed James with contempt. "And who's this? Your sugar daddy? I'm sure he'll tire of you soon enough."

James' eyes flashed dangerously, but he kept his cool. "I am James Carter, personal butler to Lady Margaret Wettin. I demand you let us pass at once."

Rebecca laughed harshly. "Lady who? I don't take orders from your pretend friends, honey. Now scram before I call security." She turned back to filing her manicured talons.

James' eyes flashed dangerously. He pulled out his phone. "In that case, allow me to make a call."

James raised his phone with assurance, dialing with a self-assured demeanor. The receptionist observed with a skeptical gaze, a smug smirk lingering as she anticipated his bluff being exposed.

"Hello, it's James Carter... I find myself barred from entering the company premises. Just to forewarn you, my patience lasts only three minutes," he declared, a mix of arrogance and frustration in his tone.

He ended the call calmly and turned to Rebecca. "The clock is ticking, miss. I suggest you reconsider your attitude before let it be too late."

"Pfft, you're bluffing!" Rebecca scoffed, though a hint of uncertainty had entered her voice. She eyed James up and down, as if seeing him in a new light. "Nobody important would lower themselves to help this loser."

Just one minute had passed when the elevator doors opened with a soft ding. A sharply dressed man emerged, his three-piece suit immaculately tailored. He had silver hair and a well-groomed mustache that lent him an air of distinction and experience. This was clearly a man of importance.

The man rushed towards James, his polished black shoes clicking on the marble floor. He bowed respectfully to James, barely sparing a glance for Rebecca. "Mr. Carter, my apologies for the delay. How can I be of service?"

Rebecca gasped audibly, her eyes as wide as saucers. This was Mr. Randolf himself, CEO of Wettin Manufacturing. What was he doing speaking so deferentially to this stranger?

Rebecca stammered, her voice betraying a mix of shock and disbelief, "Mr. Randolf? What are you doing here?" Randolf didn't even pay attention to her, instead focusing on James.

James said coldly to Randolph, his voice laced with irony, "What a nice management you have here at this company."

Randolph broke out into a nervous sweat under James' stern gaze. He glanced at the still-shocked Rebecca, fuming. "This is unacceptable! How many times have I told you to treat all guests with respect, regardless of status?"

Rebecca stammered, still reeling in disbelief, "Sir, I didn't know—he claimed to be just a butler!" She pointed disdainfully at Darwin. "He got fired, and I was only doing my job by keeping him out."

What the hell was happening ?

Rebecca stood frozen in place, her mind reeling as the events unfurled in rapid succession. First Darwin shows up with this posh butler, then the CEO himself appears and bowed to that so-called butler!

It didn't seem real. Just moments ago she had been safely ensconced in her domain, lording her power over the desk with casual cruelty. But now the tables had turned with terrifying swiftness.

Randolph glared daggers at her. "That is no excuse. You are fired immediately for your insolence!" He turned back to James, bowing his head in apology. "I sincerely hope you will accept my most sincere regrets, Mr. Carter. Please, is there any way I can satisfy you after this terrible misunderstanding?"