73 Chapter 73- The President’s Deference and a Puzzling Phone Call
73 Chapter 73 – The President’s Deference and a
Puzzling Phone Call
“The bank president is on his way up,” I informed Manager Ross, watching his face twist with disbelief.
“You expect me to believe that Leopold Shepherd, the president of Eldoria Bank, is personally coming to my office because of your phone call?” Ross scoffed, though the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his growing anxiety. “The man barely leaves the executive floor for quarterly meetings.”
“Believe what you want,” I replied with a shrug. “But I’d prepare an explanation for conduct today.”
your
Ross’s face hardened as he regained his composure. He jabbed a finger toward the door. “All of you, out now! Security will handle this.”
He reached for his desk phone, punching in an extension with shaking fingers. “Security? This is Manager Ross. I need immediate assistance in my office. I have three individuals who refuse to leave and are causing a disturbance”
Aurora looked at me with uncertainty. “Mr. Knight, maybe we should-
I raised my hand slightly, silently asking for her trust. Jaxon shifted uncomfortably beside her, his professional future hanging in the balance.
Two security guards appeared at the door within minutes, both looking uncomfortable
with the situation.
“These three, Ross said, pointing at us. “Escort them out
of the building immediately.”
The larger security guard cleared his throat. “Sir, if you could all please-”
His words were cut short by the sound of hasty footsteps approaching. A moment later, an impeccably dressed man in his late fifties appeared in the doorway, slightly out of breath. His silver hair was perfectly styled, and his custom suit probably cost more than most people’s monthly salary.
“Mr. Knight!” Leopold Shepherd exclaimed, brushing past the security guards. “Please accept my sincerest apologies for how you’ve been treated. Had I known you were
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73 Chapter 73- The President’s Deference and a Puzzling Phone Call
visiting our branch today, I would have personally given you a tour.”
The room fell into stunned silence. Ross’s mouth hung open as he watched the bank president extend his hand to me with extraordinary deference.
“Leopold,” I greeted him casually, accepting his handshake. “No need for apologies. This has been… educational.”
Leopold’s gaze hardened as it shifted to Manager Ross. “Educational indeed. I received multiple complaints about Manager Ross over the past year, but nothing concrete enough for action. I see now that was an oversight on my part.”
Ross’s face drained of color. “Director Shepherd, I can explain-”
“President Shepherd,” Leopold corrected sharply. “And I doubt any explanation will suffice. Mr. Knight’s word alone carries more weight than your fifteen years at this
institution.”
I couldn’t help but enjoy the dramatic shift in power dynamics. Just minutes ago, Ross had been threatening careers and flaunting his influence. Now he stood paralyzed, watching his professional life crumble.
“Security,” Leopold said, “please escort Mr. Ross to HR to process his termination. Collect his credentials and personal belongings. He’s no longer welcome on Eldoria Bank property.”
“But sir-” one guard began.
“Immediately,” Leopold insisted.
Ross finally found his voice as reality sank in. “You can’t fire me over one misunderstanding! I’ve delivered record profits for three consecutive quarters!”
When no one responded to his protests, Ross turned to me, desperation replacing his earlier arrogance. “Mr. Knight, please. I didn’t know who you were. Just tell President Shepherd this was all a big mistake.”
I studied his pleading face, remembering how confidently he’d threatened Aurora and Jaxon minutes earlier. “No mistake. Your behavior speaks for itself.”
The security guards moved forward, each taking one of Ross’s arms.
“You’ll regret this!” Ross shouted as they led him toward the door. “All of you! I have
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73 Chapter 73 The President’s Dolerance and a Puzzling Phone Call
friends in high places!”
“Not as high as mine,” I remarked quietly.
As Ross disappeared down the hallway, his shouts fading, Leopold turned his attention
to Aurora and Jaxon,
“I understand you were here for a job interview, young lady?” he asked Aurora.
She nodded nervously. “Yes, sir. Aurora Sinclair.”
in
“Liam spoke highly of you,” Leopold said, causing Aurora’s eyebrows to shoot up surprise. “We happen to have an opening in our corporate banking division that would benefit from someone with your analytical skills.”
“I… thank you, sir, Aurora stammered, glancing at me in disbelief.
“Report to HR tomorrow morning at nine,” Leopold continued. “They’ll handle the formalities.” He turned to Jaxon. “And you’re her cousin, correct? Langley, in
commercial loans?”
“Yes, sir,” Jaxon replied, standing straighter.
“Keep up the good work. We value loyalty here.” The message was clear–Jaxon’s
position was secure.
After they expressed their gratitude and left, Leopold gestured toward the now–empty manager’s office. “Shall we speak privately, Mr. Knight?”
I nodded, following him inside. Leopold closed the door and sank into the chair behind the desk with a sigh.
“Firing Ross was long overdue,” he admitted. “But I never expected you to witness such disgraceful behavior at our institution.”
“These things happen,” I replied, taking the seat across from him. “I’m more interested in discussing Sebastian Hawthorne’s upcoming loan application.”
Leopold’s expression shifted to one of understanding. “Ah, yes. His representatives. already reached out to schedule a meeting next week. Quite a substantial sum he’s seeking.
I leaned forward slightly. When he arrives, I want you to give him the impression that
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everything is proceeding smoothly. Let him believe the loan is practically approved:
“And then?” Leopold asked, though his small smile suggested he already understood.
“And then you’ll find concerning issues with his application. Nothing specific–just enough to delay approval while requesting additional collateral.”
Leopold nodded slowly. “I sec. And how long should this… process continue?”
“Until I give you the word,” I replied. “Sebastian Hawthorne needs to understand that his business ventures in Eldoria won’t be as smooth as he anticipates.”
“Consider it done,” Leopold agreed without hesitation. He paused then, seeming suddenly uncomfortable. “There’s… one more matter I should mention.”
My interest piqued at his change in demeanor. “Oh?”
Leopold cleared his throat. “It’s regarding Miss Isabelle Ashworth.”
The mention of her name sent an unexpected jolt through me. I kept my expression neutral, though my pulse quickened slightly. “What about her?”
“She called me last night, Leopold said cautiously, watching my reaction. “It was quite unexpected.”
I stiffened, memories of Isabelle flooding back. Her intelligent eyes, her quiet strength, the connection I’d felt growing between us before everything became complicated:
“She called you?” I asked, my casual tone betrayed by the intensity of my gaze. “What did she say?”
Leopold hesitated, seemingly weighing how much to reveal, leaving me on edge as I waited for his response.
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