Chapter 6

Luke’s voice echoed across the lobby of Maple Properties as he strode toward James, his expression smug with exaggerated authority. “James! Didn’t expect to see you here so soon. Or did you come to beg for a real job?”

James looked up from his phone, his calm demeanor only fueling Luke’s ire. He chose silence, watching as Luke’s eyes narrowed, irate.

“Silent, huh? Figures.” Luke turned to the security guards and barked, “Get this guy a mop and bucket. He’s perfect for the toilets.”

The security captain, a wiry man with a barely concealed smirk, jumped in. “You heard the man, James. Time to clean up after the real employees.” He chuckled, elbowing his fellow guards, who joined in the mockery.

Luke stepped closer, his voice low but full of venom. “You think you can embarrass me in front of everyone, and I’ll just let it slide? No chance. You’re going to remember your place, pauper.”

James stood his ground, his calm gaze never leaving Luke. If only you knew, he thought, swallowing the urge to retaliate. But he’d learned patience—today wasn’t the time.

Satisfied with his performance, Luke snickered. “Good talk, James. Now get to work,” he jeered, turning on his heel and striding away with the security captain trailing behind, still laughing.

The tables will turn, James thought, watching Luke disappear around the corner. But before he could react, he saw a familiar figure swaggering toward him: Ray Walters, the foreman who had once bullied him at the construction site.

Ray’s laugh was loud and grating as he sauntered over, crossing his arms with a smirk. “Well, look who’s back,” he sneered. “Thought you left Maple Properties for good, huh? Or were you just too broke to stay away?”

James kept his gaze steady, letting Ray’s taunts wash over him. “I’m here for business, Ray. Not for whatever you think you’re doing.”

Ray scoffed. “Business? You mean the business of scrubbing toilets?” He turned to the guards. “Make sure you show him to the dirtiest ones.”

One of the guards chuckled, nodding enthusiastically. “Got it, Ray. We’ll make sure he gets to work.”

James clenched his fists, his patience wearing thin. “Ray, you’re lucky I’m giving you a chance. You really don’t want to push me today.”

Ray threw his head back, laughing. “Push you? What, you’re gonna report me?” He leaned in, smirking. “My cousin’s in finance here. I’ve got immunity, James. You wouldn’t last a second.”

James’s voice was calm but laced with warning. “Keep pushing, Ray, and I promise you’ll regret it.”

Ray waved his hand dismissively. “Whatever, big talker. Guards, take him to the restrooms. Let’s see if his pride is still intact after he’s done licking the floors clean.”

The guards moved in, each gripping one of James’s arms as they began dragging him toward the restroom. He didn’t resist, though his voice was cold. “You’re all making a big mistake. I’d think twice before following orders so blindly.”

The guards exchanged a smirk, ignoring his warning as they hauled him down the hall. James focused on calming himself, the humiliation burning but kept in check. I’ll remember every one of these faces, he thought, committing each sneer and smirk to memory.

Just then, the soft ding of the elevator echoed down the hall, and the crowd near the entrance parted as a poised, elegant woman in a crisp black suit stepped out, flanked by a group of executives. Her heels clicked purposefully against the marble as she surveyed the lobby, exuding an air of command that silenced the guards and everyone else nearby. Her eyes scanned the room, finally landing on James and the guards escorting him.

She raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me,” she said, her voice carrying a calm authority that turned heads. “What exactly is going on here?”

Ray stepped forward with a smug smile. “Just showing this guy his new role here, Ms. Lane. Nothing to worry about.”

Her gaze narrowed. “And who authorized you to do that?”

Ray faltered for a second but forced a smile. “We’re just keeping things orderly. This guy’s not exactly executive material.”

The woman’s expression didn’t change as she surveyed the scene. Then, she turned to the group of executives behind her. “Have any of you seen Mr. Carter yet?”

There was a collective intake of breath as murmurs passed through the group. James watched with interest as confusion spread among the staff, realizing that the title she’d used was his own.

Ray, looking increasingly uncomfortable, tried to laugh it off. “Mr. Carter? Uh, we… haven’t had the pleasure yet. Probably stuck in traffic or something.”

The woman’s gaze shifted back to James, her eyes appraising. “It seems he’s already here,” she said quietly, her lips curving into a slight smile. “Mr. Carter, I presume?”

A stunned silence followed her words. The guards froze, their grips loosening on James’s arms. Ray paled, his expression twisting from shock to fear. James stood straighter, feeling the weight of the title finally settle.

“Yes, that’s correct,” James replied calmly, his voice steady. “I’m James Carter. And I’m here to take over as CEO.”

The silence that followed was thick with tension. Ray stammered, his bravado crumbling. “But… you… you can’t be—”

James cut him off, his tone now cold and authoritative. “I think I can, Ray. And as of today, your position and actions are under review. You’ll answer for every word you’ve spoken and every order you’ve given.”

Ray looked desperate, his once smug demeanor shattered. “Mr. Carter, I— I didn’t know…”

James shook his head, his gaze unyielding. “You thought you could treat people however you wanted, but that ends now. This is my company, and there will be consequences.”

The security captain shuffled forward, his voice a nervous whisper. “Mr. Carter, I’m… I’m so sorry. We didn’t mean—”

“Save your apologies,” James said, dismissing him. “I have no use for insincere remorse.”

Turning back to Alexis Lane, James nodded. “Thank you, Ms. Lane. Shall we proceed to the meeting room? I’d like to get started.”

Alexis gave him an approving smile. “Absolutely, Mr. Carter. I’ll escort you personally.”

With a final glance at the chastened group, James walked toward the elevators, Alexis by his side. The sound of whispers filled the room as employees and executives alike tried to process what had just happened.

As the elevator doors closed, Alexis looked over at him, a hint of admiration in her gaze. “Quite the entrance, Mr. Carter. You certainly know how to command a room.”

James chuckled, exhaling a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Thank you, Ms. Lane. It’s good to finally be in a position to set things right.”

She nodded, her eyes serious. “I have no doubt you’ll bring significant change to Maple Properties. And you’ve already made quite an impression.”

James gave a slight smile. “Today was just the beginning.”

As the elevator ascended, James felt a sense of satisfaction settle within him. The long road from humiliation to empowerment had brought him to this moment. He was no longer the struggling, overlooked man from his past. He was now James Carter—CEO, and more than capable of reclaiming the respect he deserved.