The Insurmountable Rise Of Ethan Watson

CHAPTER 10

Ethan arrived at the Emerald Estate at almost the same time David Graham left. He wasn't dressed in the wealth he had. He had gotten used to dressing simply and quite frankly, didn't see the need.

He was still greeted with the chorused chants from the Emerald Estate greeters, “You're welcome to Emerald Estate! Your need is our command”.

He smiled and noted that the customer care here was quite good. He proceeded into the building where he was awe-struck by a beautiful fair lady who was bathed in saliva coming from the mouth of an angry man he thought to be a disgruntled customer. 

He walked towards the receptionist counter to inquire what the issue could be but to his surprise, he was met with a smile and a bow from this pretty damsel who voiced out beautifully, “You're welcome to Emerald Estate, how may I be of help to you today?”

He checked himself and was sure that he wasn't dressed as the wealthy man that he was, so he wondered why she gave him such a humble reply with rapt attention to his needs.

The Manager, Mr. Gabriel turned to check for where Emma went, only to find her greeting Ethan with respect and offering him chocolates. He stared at Ethan to be sure he wasn't a big shot like the clients they do business with and he noted that Ethan wore a blue T-shirt with a navy blue jean and sneakers and on his wrist was a wristband of an NGO.

With anger in his heart and the thought of Emma leaving him to attend to a low-class man who could not afford anything in this building, nor could he be worth anything, let alone having a meeting with someone here, he yelled out to Emma, “You daft being! How dare you leave me when I'm talking to you? Do you know your place here at all? Do you even care about your job?”

“I'm sorry sir, a potential client came in and I went to…” Emma's apology was yet to be completed when she was interrupted by Gabriel’s high-pitched scream, “Potential client? What utter rubbish are you saying? I had advised you to be smart and observant. If you were any of these things you would know that he can never be a client” He screamed towards Emma, gesticulating and pointing his hands at Ethan. 

Emma's legs almost gave up on her as she walked towards Mr. Gabriel and whispered almost inaudibly to him, “Sir, please we're not to say such things directly or in front of the clients, for our reputation’s sake”. 

She turned to Ethan and with her head bowed towards him she said, “We're sorry for arguing in front of you, and for all you've heard, please forgive our unprofessionalism. Please, how may I be of help to you?” 

But before Ethan could reply, Mr. Gabriel grabbed Emma by the back of her hair and turned to give her a slap when his hand was stopped midway.

“Now, that's no way to treat a lady,” Ethan said as he caught Gabriel's hand midway and threw it back to Gabriel's side.

Enraged by the audacity of Ethan, whom he deemed to be a low life and of no importance. He berated, “Can you imagine the insolence of this good-for-nothing man, empowered by the little greeting my receptionist has given you? She has taken the greeting and countenance meant for the wealthy, elite clients and given it to a dog. That's why you dare to question me, Gabriel Heaton, manager of the biggest plaza in Beryl City. I should have the security drag you out by your feet for this”.

Ethan let out a loud laugh that spanned for almost a minute. People's attention turned to this showdown between Ethan and Gabriel, the manager. 

Ethan cleaned his eyes that were teary from laughter and looked up and down at an enraged Gabriel fuming at the sight of him.

Ethan chuckled once more as he said, “It is men like you who believe that everyone should be judged by their appearances, and if they don't meet up, you frustrate them. Your loyalty shakes like the wind, taking you to whoever or whatever pays more. You're a common manager and you're treating me this way having no idea who I am or what I'm doing here. I'd like to speak to your CEO”. 

Gabriel picked up the telephone that was on the receptionist's desk and dialed some numbers and said, "Security, your attention is needed at the receptionist's office. Get here now."

Gabriel turned to face Ethan and said, “I'll give you one last chance and if you do not apologize to me for dragging me into creating a scene here with you, I'll have you beaten and dragged out by your feet. You scoundrel! Your mother wouldn't even recognize you by the time I'm done with you.”

Ethan laughed and watched everyone staring keenly with expectant faces. He dipped his hand into his left pocket and pulled out his phone. He dialed Tony's number and Tony picked on the first ring.

“Yes”

“I'm downstairs. The manager is giving me trouble.” With that, Ethan ended the call abruptly. 

Mr. Gabriel saw that and kept ranting, “You're calling thugs to come here and help you solve your issue? I'm sorry to disappoint you but they won't make it past that gate. But it's okay, they can wait for you outside as we'll soon throw you back to where you belong, in the dirt”.

“Mr. Gabriel!” Tony's cold steely voice called out.

“What is the matter here? And what reason do you have for harassing this young man?” Tony asked, staring at Gabriel as though he was searching for his soul.

“Sir, this foolish man, sorry sir. This man came in here pretending to be a customer and insulted me and this institution and I only asked that he apologize and leave kindly” Gabriel replied humbly, throwing mischievous stares at Ethan.

“Gabriel, go on your knees and apologize to this gentleman right now if you want to save your job” Tony commanded with a stern face.

“Sir?” Gabriel’s eyes almost popped out of its sockets in disbelief. He cleaned his ears to signal that he didn't believe what he just heard.

“You heard me. I won't repeat myself for any reason, you have just five seconds to do that” Tony instructed as he turned to his watch as if to check the time.

Gabriel rushed to Ethan's feet where he knelt beside and began begging for his forgiveness.

Ethan looked up at Tony with a smirk and said, “I feel sorry for him, but I don't think he deserves that job with the attitude he displayed here today”.

“Please sir, I promise I'll be better. I'll go to rehab. Please I can't lose this job” Gabriel begged as he groveled at Ethan's feet not minding the murmurs from the crowd.

The security that came at Gabriel's request stood still as they saw him groveling on the floor.

“I'm sorry but you're fired. Don't bother going to get your things, they'll be delivered to your home tonight and Gabriel, don't bother getting a job in Beryl City, I'll ensure you do not get it. Security, take this man out of this premises now!”. Tony said dismissively as he looked away from Gabriel being dragged out and walked towards Ethan.

“Thank you for the timely intervention, sir.” Ethan reached out to shake hands with Tony, then turned to Emma, “I'm sorry you had to go through all that because of me but I appreciate your customer service.”

Tony looks at Ethan apologetically and says, “I'm sorry you had to go through that ordeal, I want you to know that's not what we, at Emerald Estate stand for, and to prove it to you, that position will be taken by someone who represents our core values”.

He turns to Emma sharply as he continues, “Emma, you're now the manager. Schedule a meeting today and hire a new receptionist”.

Emma turns to Ethan and hugs him out of excitement before realizing herself and saying, “I'm sorry, I was just too happy.” Then she turned to Tony and said, “ Thank you, boss, I'll make sure you don't regret your decision.”

Tony turned around to look at the employees watching and asked, “Is there nothing better to do? You all have clocked out? Get back to work!”