The Mysterious Midnight Magnate

35: His Games (II)

The manager led Eric and his men outside, where Maria Bolton followed closely, her curiosity piqued by Mr. Radcliffe's apparent disregard for her.

As they approached, the two guards who had humiliated Eric earlier visibly trembled at the sight of their boss. Mr. Smith fixed them with a stern gaze, his voice cutting through the air like a whip.

"Did you two kick out a man dressed in torn clothes when he arrived earlier?" The manager asked in a stern tone.

The guards stammered, attempting to explain their actions, their faces flushed with fear and embarrassment.

"Y-yes, sir. He came looking like a pauper, so we—"

Before he could finish, the manager's hand came down hard on his shoulder, cutting him off.

"You fools! That was Mr. Radcliffe himself! You've brought shame upon Aristocrat Haven!" The manager yelled in exasperation.

The guards' faces drained of color as the weight of their mistake sank in. The manager's words echoed in their ears as he delivered their punishment.

"You're both