The Ultimate Blackcard Revenge

chapter 7

Jeremy dropped to the ground, gripping Charles' ankle as tears streamed down his face. "I’m begging you! Don’t let them take this job from me. I will lose everything."

Charles yanked his leg free, and Jeremy sprawled on the cold kitchen floor, his pleas echoing through the silent room.

“You disrespected me, ridiculed me both in private and in front of everyone. You claimed to be untouchable, yet I defeated you effortlessly. Let this serve as a reminder—never belittle someone based on how they look or what you think they can’t do.”

The crowd of onlookers stood frozen, watching as Jeremy continued his pitiful display. Tears soaked his face as he begged for mercy. Ethan, lurking in a dark corner of the room, looked as though the ground might swallow him. He realized his plan had backfired. Both he and Jeremy were about to face the consequences of their actions.

“Please, I’ve changed! I swear I won’t make the same mistakes again,” Jeremy wailed, his voice cracking under the weight of his fear. “If I lose this job, I will lose my family. My children will hate me. My wife will leave me. Have some pity!”

Charles could still hear the laughter from earlier—the cruel remarks, the jeers about his abilities, and the snide comments aimed at his background. He thought of how they’d treated him as if he were beneath them. They had humiliated him in front of Alison and the entire staff. The pain of their words was still fresh in his mind.

His eyes narrowed as he looked at the man groveling before him. He turned to the culinary manager. “This competition had clear terms. The loser would leave. I have proven my worth. It’s time to follow through with the agreement.”

The manager, standing stiffly nearby, nodded solemnly. “You’re right. Jeremy, collect your belongings immediately. You are no longer employed here. We cannot tolerate someone who lacks the skills and humility required for this position.”

When Jeremy realized he had lost, his face fell into a crumple. His cries filled the room as his shoulders trembled. It stood in stark contrast to his prior haughtiness. Many employees looked at one another, and some even whispered.

“Jeremy screamed, his desperation evident in every syllable, "Please don't fire me. I can't survive out there. I don't care if you make me a janitor or a dishwasher.

The manager's tone became stern. "Your allotted time is up. If you continue to put things off, we'll contact security.”

“Please, I—”

“Guards!” the manager barked. Two towering security personnel entered the room swiftly. “Escort this man out. Ensure he doesn’t return.”

The guards seized Jeremy by his arms and began dragging him toward the exit. He struggled weakly, his voice hoarse from shouting. “You’re destroying my life! Please! Don’t do this!”

“Stop,” Charles said firmly, raising his hand.

The guards halted, and Jeremy’s face lit up with hope. He thought Charles had decided to pardon him.

Charles, however, wasn’t looking at Jeremy. He scanned the room, his gaze stopping on Ethan, who was attempting to blend into the background.

“What about him?” Charles asked, his voice cold. “He’s not supposed to be here either.”

The staff turned to look at Ethan, who flinched under their stares. Charles pointed directly at him. “He used his connection to Jeremy to sneak back in. He should be thrown out as well.”

After letting go of Jeremy, one of the guards approached Ethan and took hold of his arm. Ethan made a feeble protest, but it was ignored. He and Jeremy were pulled from the room together, and as the door closed behind them, their protests faded into silence.

A dense silence descended upon the kitchen. Then the throng started to murmur as though a spell had been broken.

“It suits them well," a voice murmured.

Another mumbled, "It's unbelievable that Jeremy ended up this way." "He was constantly so conceited."

With a look of triumph on his face, Charles moved away from the door. The personnel, who had previously denigrated him, now looked at him with wonder and reverence.

“You did it,” Alison said softly, stepping forward. Her expression was bright with admiration. “You showed everyone what you’re capable of. I’m so proud of you.”

Charles’ smile was genuine as he looked at her. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly seen. “Thank you,” he said simply. He appreciated her support more than he could put into words.

“I’ve spoken with the management team,” Alison continued. “Your talents won’t go unrecognized. From now on, you’ll be known as one of the most valued residents here. And anyone who treated you unfairly will face the proper consequences.”

Charles inclined his head slightly. “That means a lot to me. Thank you for believing in me.”

Her smile was pleasant. "You deserve it. Where did you learn to cook like that, by the way? I tried some of your food, and it was amazing. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced.”

Charles gave a small laugh, a glimmer of laughter. He was unable to divulge the details of the special system that had benefited him. He added incoherently, "It's just something I've always been passionate about." "One of my many skills is cooking."

Fascinated, Alison cocked her head. "One of several? I'm intrigued now. Mr. Charles, what additional skills are you concealing?

He grinned, his confidence shining through. “Stick around, and you might find out.”

Her laughter was soft and genuine. “I just might take you up on that offer.”

Before stepping away, Alison handed him a sleek business card. “Here’s my number. Don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Charles accepted it with a nod. “I’ll call you soon. I promise.”

Charles couldn't help but feel a sense of success as Alison left. In addition to quieting his doubters, he had caught the attention of someone who truly cared about him. He felt like he was right where he should be for the first time in years.