Secret and Scandals

THE STOLEN CHECK. “Where are you at, Danny? You're gonna be late for work. I'm ready, let's go together,” Lucas Mariano, Danny's father, stood in front of his room and called out, but there was no response. “Knock! Knock!” He slammed Danny's door, but still no response as his voice echoed back to him. He bent his head and peeped through a tiny hole in the door and discovered Danny's bedspread was neat and untouched, which indicated that he hadn't even spent the night in his room. "Where could he possibly be at this hour? He needs to run an errand for me as the Managing Director of the company. I can't trust a total stranger to handle this situation.” Lucas Mariano pondered and motioned to the living room for a glass of water, only to find something that nearly plugged his eyes out. For a second, he paused and remained speechless. His words failed him. He didn't know the right words to explain the way he was feeling at the moment. He dropped his briefcase on the floor and sat on the couch, thinking out loud. “Have I committed my Life's greatest mistake? What offense did I commit in entrusting my company into his hand? Perhaps, it was my fault. I was too soft with him. This nonsense has to stop before it gets out of control.” he cried as he slowly tip-toed to his bar and grabbed a bottle of tequila. He opened it and sprinkled a tiny portion on Danny and a mystery lady sleeping next to him on the ground. She only wore a bra and panties, while Danny was shirtless. Without being told, Lucas could tell these two had s*x last night on the couch and slept off. "Dad, what sort of embarrassment is this? This is so unfair.” Polluting the air with his stinking breath, Danny yelled at his father. “Unfair you say? Do you know what's unfair? It's you bringing a harlot into my house to have s*x with. What the f**k is wrong with you? Damn! Today's Monday, and here you are sleeping next to some strange girl with empty bottles of liquor scattered on the ground. Can't you just emulate your kid brother for once? He's more of a complete man than you can ever become,” Lucas lost his cool with Danny and asked the strange Lady to leave his house, but Danny refused. He stood up, challenging his Dad and defending the mystery girl. “She isn't going anywhere. You've got no right to speak to her In such a manner. I will decide If she stays or leaves.” "I knew it would result in this. How I wish your mom were alive to see the beast you've grown to become. So pathetic. I should have known I was making the biggest mistake when I built my empire around you and neglected your kid brother. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would have preferred not to have you as my son. You are such a disgrace to this…" "Oh, please. Spare me the sermon. Take my mom out of your f*****g mouth. She's dead and gone and never gonna come back. I wanna make it clear to you. I'm different from my kid brother. We both have different lives, don't you get it?” Danny fired back and stood in front of his mystery girl, forming a shield. He knows how hot-tempered his father is and what he's capable of doing. Lucas Mariano doesn't mind smashing a bottle on her head in anger. Leaning forward, he narrowed his gaze at Danny and muttered succinctly. “I got my eyes on you. You won't find this funny next time. Be warned,” he threatened Danny and left for the office. After his departure, Danny was still calm and didn't find it necessary to go dress up for the office. He acted reluctant and unbothered by the event that just unfolded. He attempted another cuddle when she landed a slap on his face. “Ouch! Why did you do that? I just wanna cuddle,” Danny screamed and caressed his cheek. "You're so unbelievable. After what happened, you still wanna cuddle? I thought you were the managing director of your father's company. Yet, you were so unbothered as though it's nobody's business?” She scolded him, but none of her words got to him. "Ignore my Dad. He's just an old man. We will fix it.” Danny insisted and attempted to get closer when she pushed him to the ground. "Get the f**k out of my sight, you son of a b***h. You should be ashamed of yourself.” She flared and wore back her dress before leaving the house. ************ After a 15-minute drive, Lucas finally arrived at his multi-billion Dollar company amidst the outburst with his son Danny. The De Royale Gold Mine is a modern and sleek gigantic edification made with glass and sophisticated steel. A quite spacious environment located in the heart of Atlanta Georgia, USA. "Welcome boss. I hope your night was productive?” Josh, Don Pedro's office assistant, approached him and offered to retrieve the briefcase in his possession, but Lucas refused and motioned to his office with a sad face. His attitude didn't stun Josh. He already knew the type of person he was dealing with. Minutes later, he summoned Josh to his office. Pointing to an envelope and a briefcase on the desk. “Inside that envelope is a check for $1 million. Go to the bank and cash it out. You can use this briefcase to bring the money. Don't waste any time. Danny isn't available at the moment, that's why I chose you for this assignment. I want no stories. Now leave immediately. My chauffeur would take you there.” "Okay, Sir. I promise to be back soon.” Josh grabbed the envelope and briefcase and vacated the office with immediate effect. And in a short while, the chauffeur drove him to Redmond Bank, which was a few miles away from De Royale Gold mine. Josh held the briefcase in his right hand and motioned majestically to the manager's office to cash the check. Despite just joining the bank a few months ago, Lucas Mariano has already established himself as the bank's best customer. Approaching the manager's door entrance, a woman brushed Josh's shoulder and tossed the briefcase to the ground. Josh didn't see that coming as he sparked outrageously at her, “Are you blind? Didn't you see me coming? Where's the manager? He should have you sacked for your incompetence. "Pardon my manners. I wasn't looking.” She pleaded and opted to raise the briefcase when Josh declined. “Hey, don't touch that. Just go before I call the manager on you,” "Thank you, sir.” She walked away while still apologizing. Josh picked up the briefcase and walked to the manager's office angrily. "Hey, Mr. Josh. Your Boss already notified me of your arrival. Please be seated,” Mr. Clark County welcomed Josh and noticed the sad look on his face. "What's wrong? You don't seem happy. Did anyone offend you?” He asked in keen interest. "It was…Nevermind! It's already sorted out. I just came to cash this check.” Josh dipped his hands into his pocket but couldn't find the envelope anymore as fear sent some shivers down his spine. "What are you searching for? Mr. Clark asked. "The envelope containing the $1 million check. It's not there anymore. How on earth did I misplace it? Gosh! Lucas Mariano will kill me!” Josh cried and went completely nuts. He searched every part of his body but still couldn't find the check.