Part 2The Hidden Boss

Scott Miller barely glanced at me. I remembered then that I rarely made public appearances at the company; only the old guard, the veteran executives, would recognize my face. It was for the best. Anonymity would give me a clearer view of the company's true state.

Ignoring me, Scott took his daughter's hand. "Jessica, it's a special situation today. You need to come with me now."

Jessica yanked her hand away, looking baffled. "Dad! This old creep bullied me! Aren't you going to stand up for me?"

I was about to speak up and set the record straight before she could twist the story any further.

But to my astonishment, Scott fixed me with a cold glare. "I don't care what you did. Apologize to my daughter. Now."

I was dumbfounded. He didn't even know what had happened, and he was demanding an apology?

When I didn't respond, Scott sneered. "On any other day, I'd have had you fired on the spot. But it's your lucky day. Get on your knees, apologize to my daughter, and I'll let this go."

A humorless laugh escaped my lips. I looked at him calmly. "That's quite the power trip. Does everyone at Lee Corp throw their weight around like you?"

Scott's face darkened. "A janitor has no right to question me. Let me tell you something: in this company, I call the shots. Even the Chairman himself would have to show me some respect!"

I nearly laughed out loud.

Who did he think he was? Just a department head, and he was talking like this? Show him respect? The audacity was staggering.

But I still didn't want to reveal my identity.

"That's some big talk," I said with a cold smile. "Aren't you afraid of biting your tongue? Your daughter was the one who ran into me. If anyone should be apologizing, it's her."

Fury flashed in Scott's eyes. He opened his mouth to curse at me, but his phone rang. His arrogant demeanor vanished instantly, replaced by a fawning obsequiousness.

"Yes, I understand."

So, that must be his backer on the other end of the line. I was curious to see who would support this kind of behavior.

Scott hung up and shot me a triumphant sneer. "Today's your lucky day, old man. The Chairman is doing a surprise inspection today. I'll deal with you tomorrow!"

My brow furrowed. I hadn't told a soul I was coming. How did the person on the phone know?

Ignoring me, Scott grabbed his daughter's arm to lead her away.

Jessica wasn't having it. Her eyes welled up with tears. "Dad! He hasn't apologized yet! And I want his salary transferred to my account! There's a new handbag I want to buy this month!"

Scott sighed heavily. "Sweetheart, today is different. We'll deal with it tomorrow. The Chairman is definitely here, undercover. He could be watching us from any corner right now!"

I couldn't help but smile.

No corner at all. The Chairman was standing right in front of them.

Jessica glared at me. "What are you smiling at? Hmph! I'll let you off the hook for today! If it wasn't for that idiot Chairman showing up, I'd have you on your knees begging!"

"Aren't you worried," I said softly, "that I might be that Chairman?"

Jessica and Scott both froze.

For a moment, I regretted letting my identity slip. But then, they both burst out laughing.

Jessica looked me up and down with utter contempt. "Old man, have you been watching too many of those silly web dramas? You, a janitor, the Chairman? Let me guess, now you're imagining how I'll cry and beg for your forgiveness when I find out who you are?"

"Hahaha, that's hilarious! If you're the Chairman, I'll personally get on my knees and kowtow to you a hundred times!"

I was taken aback. A hundred times? Her forehead would be mush.

Scott pulled his daughter away. "Jessica, ignore this lunatic. We need to be careful while the Chairman's here. If he sees us making a scene, we'll be in big trouble."

I smiled to myself.

Trouble? Oh, it was going to be much more than just trouble.