I'll Obey, My Billionaire

Chapter 2

Josh’s POV

I was busy with my paperwork when my phone rang.

“Issa.”

I picked it up. “Yes, Isabella? Daddy’s busy. What’s the matter?” I asked quickly, my eyes still glued to the papers on my desk.

“Dad…”

She was crying.

“Yes? Why are you crying?” I asked calmly. I was worried, but I was more focused on checking the documents for an important meeting.

“I tried calling Mom, but she’s not answering. I don’t have anyone else—”

“Wait, Issa,” I cut her off when someone knocked on my door.

I raised my eyebrows when I saw my secretary.

“Sir, Mr. Thompson and the team are already in the meeting room,” she informed me.

“Okay, I’m coming,” I replied, quickly stacking the papers and handing them to her.

I returned my attention to the phone. “Isabella, I have a meeting. Call someone at home if it’s an emergency. If not, let’s talk later when I get back. Okay? Bye.” I ended the call and walked quickly to the meeting room.

It was a stressful meeting. We were planning to expand our casino branch somewhere in Batangas, and we were being meticulous about every detail. Every risk, every possibility—my head was pounding from all of it.

Afterward, I returned to my office and sank into my chair. I was massaging my temples when my secretary knocked again.

“Sir, emergency—there are police all over Building A. They’re here to arrest one of the guests,” she said, clearly panicked.

“What?!” I stood up immediately and rushed to the said building.

“What’s going on here?” I asked one of the managers.

“Sir, the suspect is hiding in Room 201. Some guests are panicking, some are asking for refunds, and the media is already outside,” she reported.

I sighed and approached the head of the police team. “What’s going to happen?” I asked.

“mapipilitan na po kami mabuksan ang pinto in 15 minutes,” he replied.

“What I mean is, what’s your plan for the safety of our other guests? What about my hotel’s reputation?” I said firmly, not hiding my irritation.

“Gagawin po namin ang makakaya namin Mr. Clark. I apologize,” he replied.

That answer wasn’t satisfying. I sighed again.

“Lead all the guests out of Building A immediately. Offer them upgraded rooms as compensation for the disruption. I’ll handle the media,” I instructed before heading outside.

Camera flashes burst in every direction. My bodyguards shielded me as I approached the reporters.

“Mr. Clark, what can you say about what’s happening?” one of them asked.

“Everything is under control. Some of our guests are already being transferred to upgraded rooms. We’re cooperating fully with the authorities,” I answered.

They continued throwing questions, but I only answered a few. I went back inside and personally apologized to the guests being relocated.

A while later, the police told us they would forcibly open the suspect’s door. They checked the surrounding rooms to make sure no other guests were in danger before taking action.

Minutes later, we heard gunshots from that floor.

There was nothing we could do but wait. Almost an hour passed before the suspect was finally brought out on a stretcher, shot in the stomach. Three police officers were also injured, each with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

I had nothing to say—I just shook my head.

“Ms. Carol, please update the media outside about what happened. Ms. Lalaine, coordinate with the officers and investigators for anything else they need. After that, arrange everything for a meeting tomorrow morning to discuss repairs for the building,” I instructed my managers before finally leaving the scene.

It had been such an exhausting day.

When I got home, I was planning to go straight to my room, but I saw my eldest daughter, Isabella, sleeping on the couch.

I gently tapped her shoulder. “Issa,” I said, waking her up.

She sleepily opened her eyes. “Why are you sleeping here?” I asked.

I had forgotten about her earlier. She had been crying.

“Are you okay?” I asked again.

She looked into my eyes and smiled. “You look tired, Dad. You rest. I’m fine,” she said softly.

I smiled and patted her head. “Go sleep in your room. Good night,” I told her before heading to mine.

This day was just so exhausting.

By 7 a.m. the next day, we were already in a meeting about last night’s incident—discussing the damages, public relations, and an action plan. What a way to start the day.

I also did a full inspection of the building.

After several meetings, I finally had a chance to eat lunch—at four in the afternoon. I rubbed the bridge of my nose before finally touching the food in front of me.

I was reviewing some project proposals when there was another knock on my door. As I expected, it was my secretary. I checked the time—it was only 8 p.m.

“Sir, I just need confirmation—do you want to attend the awarding night in Hong Kong tomorrow?” she asked.

My brows furrowed. “Awarding night?”

“They sent an invitation this evening. You’ve been nominated for CEO of the Year at the Universal Awards,” she said.

That was a prestigious award. I was surprised.

“What’s the schedule for tomorrow?” I asked.

She listed it off—nothing critical. I guess I could attend.

“Book me a ticket. Confirm that I’ll attend. And prepare a suit for me,” I instructed, returning my focus to the papers on my desk.

I couldn’t help but smile slightly. It wasn’t the first time I’d been nominated for a major award, but it always felt like the first. It was nice to know my hard work was being recognized.

Out of curiosity, I opened the internet—something I rarely do. My nomination was all over the feed, along with the nomination of an actress. We were both from the same country.

I looked up the woman.

She had a perfectly shaped figure, flawless skin, long hair, and an undeniably attractive face. She was much younger than me, though.

“Ahh!” I groaned, realizing I had bitten my lower lip while staring at her photo. My curiosity pushed me to dig deeper.

She was a multi-awarded singer, actress, and model. She had already won several prestigious awards across different countries.

As I read the comments from her fans and netizens, I felt the weight of the pressure she was under. Everyone expected her to win.

She was talented and beautiful enough to deserve the award—but what if it wasn’t meant for her this time?

Poor woman.