BLACKMAILING THE BILLIONAIRE

“Are you blind?” The man in front of me roared in anger. My heart nearly stopped. I had accidentally spilled hot soup on our most important customer our boss’s special guest. Kill me now. “I… sir, I’m so sorry,” I stuttered, my voice shaking with fear. I remembered our manager warning us earlier about a certain customer. The man standing before me was known as the most notorious billionaire in America. He owned multiple casinos and bars in Las Vegas, and that was only a small part of his empire. He was also the CEO of one of the world’s leading companies with branches across the globe. Wealth surrounded him, and so did his reputation for arrogance and a terrible temper. According to the paparazzi, he dated only the most famous models. And what did I do? I spilled seventy-degree hot soup all over him. Wait a minute… rich people wear expensive clothes. That three-piece suit must have been designed by someone world-famous. People like him would never wear anything less. Panicking, I grabbed a handkerchief and started wiping the soup from his suit his chest, his muscular thighs… even dangerously close to his crotch. “What do you think you’re doing? Don’t touch me, you stupid waitress!” he barked, instantly standing to his full height. He had to be over six feet tall. His looks were dangerously deceptive. If he wasn’t a businessman, he could easily have been a model. Even I, a woman with barely any money, would probably buy anything he modeled if I could ever afford it. “Are you even listening to me?” he snapped again. “This is the worst restaurant I’ve ever visited, with the most moronic staff. Who even hired this trash? Take me to Lisa right now!” My stomach dropped. “Sir, please don’t complain… I’ll lose my job,” I pleaded desperately. “I’m really sorry. I’ll… I’ll pay for your suit if that’s the reason for your complaint.” The words slipped out before I could stop myself. I needed this job. Badly. “Hah.” He laughed mockingly. “You’ll pay for this?” he asked, pointing at his suit. I nodded uncertainly. What had I just gotten myself into? “Do you even know how much this costs?” he continued coldly. “Your lifetime savings wouldn’t cover this suit. It’s worth fifty thousand dollars. So tell me how exactly will you pay me back?” My throat tightened. “I… I won’t be able to, sir. I’m sorry,” I whispered, lowering my head as I took a small step back. There was something about him that made people feel small. The manager quickly led the businessman toward our owner Lisa’s office beside the reception. He entered without knocking while I waited outside, afraid to move. I had already made a huge mistake; I didn’t want to appear disrespectful too. “Are you waiting for an invitation?” a sharp voice snapped. I looked up. A woman in her mid-thirties stood there, dressed in the most elegant gown I had ever seen. Real rubies sparkled on her dress, blue diamond earrings glimmered by her ears, and a matching necklace rested around her neck. Even the heel of her stiletto looked more expensive than my entire wardrobe. I hurried inside and stood obediently. “So tell me, Anderson, what seems to be the problem?” she asked politely. “That seems to be the problem,” the man Anderson said coldly, pointing directly at me as if I were nothing but trash. His gaze alone could make someone feel worthless. “Madam, it was an accident,” I said quickly. “I admit my mistake. You can cut my salary or punish me in any way Mr. Anderson wants, but please… I desperately need this job.” “You’re fired,” she said dismissively. Just like that. My hopes shattered. “Please, just one more chance,” I begged. “I swear it won’t happen again.” At this point I knew I sounded pathetic, but anyone in my position would do the same. I had responsibilities. “Do you want me to call the guards?” Lisa asked coldly. I shook my head and quietly walked out of the office with my head bowed. As I reached the door, I heard her say behind me: “So tell me, sweetie… is there anything else I can do for my nephew?” Nephew. So they were related. Outside the restaurant, the scorching sun hit my face. Heat pressed against my skin, giving me a splitting headache. But I stayed there. Waiting for Anderson. I had to try one more time. I couldn’t lose this job… not when Morty was waiting for his money. No. Morty would lose his mind. Fifteen minutes later, Anderson finally stepped out of the restaurant. I looked at him with desperate hope. He glanced at me, smirked slightly, then put on his black shades and headed toward his limousine. Before he could get in, I grabbed his cuff tightly. “Sir, please understand my situation,” I begged. “Please help me get my job back. The boss will listen to you,you’re her nephew.” “Let go of my cuff,” he said coldly. “No. Not until you help me,” I insisted. “You’re not being fair.” His patience snapped. In one swift motion, he twisted my wrist, forcing it into his grip. “Don’t pester me, peasant,” he growled. Instead of letting go, he tightened his hold. Pain shot through my wrist. “Stop… you’re hurting me,” I whimpered, tears filling my eyes. He shoved me away. I fell hard onto the pavement. Without another glance, Anderson stepped into his imported limousine and drove away, leaving me sitting on the ground jobless and broken while the smoke from his car faded into the air. If I didn’t pay Morty back soon, he would hurt me again. And this time… He might hurt my little brother too. I needed a new job. As soon as possible.