The Clarks were a family thriving with a billion-dollar worth of assets led by a matriarch. She's the grandmother of almost everyone present at the gathering, and Ryan is her most favored grandson. If they want a peaceful life, they better not mess with him.
"Mom, what are you doing?" Georgina stepped in. Although she disliked Nicholas, he still saved their faces.
Despite the stinging red palm print on his face, Nicholas smiled. It was the first time in three years that Georgina spoke up for him. With a satisfied heart, Nicholas turned and walked away.
"Hey, you piece of garbage, get back here!" Esther's angry voice could still be heard from far away.
Amidst everyone's watchful eyes, an old voice suddenly sounded from nearby.
"What's with all the commotion?" The Clark family matriarch, Barbara, asked as she walked through the crowd. The once lively hall suddenly fell silent.
"Well, well, don't be so uptight. Sit down," she said, waving her hand. A few assisted her as she continued, "According to reliable information, tomorrow, a new young President will take office at Warlington's Zion Entertainment."
Everyone exclaimed in surprise.
Heated discussions broke out everywhere. The Clark family has over a dozen advertising companies under their control, and they have been eager to collaborate with Zion Entertainment, the biggest entertainment company in Warlington, in recent years. Working with them is a sure bet for success.
But Zion Entertainment had the Godfrey family on their backs, and the Godfreys always looked down on families like the Clarks. Every time the Clark family proposed cooperation, they got rejected. Now that Zion Entertainment has a new President, the Clark family wanted to give it another shot and see if they could finally sign contracts.
"Who would like to discuss cooperation with them?" Barbara scanned the crowd and spoke slowly, "If we can secure this cooperation, it will significantly contribute to the Clark family."
"I'll go!"
"Granny, I'll go!"
"Me too!"
Everyone eagerly raised their hands except for Georgina, who knew her low status within the Clark family.
The old lady looked at the crowd, appreciating their enthusiasm. She smiled and pointed at Ryan.
"Ryan, you should give it a try tomorrow."
Ryan beamed and nodded enthusiastically.
After Nicholas left alone, he hailed a taxi and went home to sleep. Last night, upon learning about his newfound wealth, he didn't get much sleep. Tonight, he planned to catch up on rest. Even though Nicholas lacked sleep, today was still delightful.
The following day, Nicholas finished breakfast and drove his scooter to Zion Entertainment. He was told his secretary was already waiting for him in the company.
Zion Entertainment was in the heart of Warlington's bustling business district. In front of the company was a line of luxury cars, including many sports cars used by the company's artists.
The company has strict regulations that the artists must report to the company daily, and even in emergencies, they must ask for leave. As a result, paparazzi were always lurking near the company, making money by taking pictures of celebrities. If they capture a scandal, they could make a fortune from it.
As he parked in front of the company, Nicholas thought, 'Crap, maybe riding a scooter here was a bad idea. It's time to buy a car.'
Suddenly, a burst of engine sound came, followed by a loud 'bang!' almost knocking him off his feet.
Looking back, Nicholas saw a Porsche Cayenne narrowly avoiding a collision with his scooter. The Porsche had only a few scratches, but the rear end of his ride was completely flattened.
"For Christ's sake! Not again! I just bought this yesterday!" Nicholas exclaimed in frustration.
Nicholas felt like crying, but then he noticed many people gathering around, pointing at the scene.
"Why are you riding a bike here?" A stunning beauty opened the door of the Porsche and stepped out.
"Wow..." the onlookers exclaimed, taken aback by the sight.
The woman instantly captured everyone's attention. Wearing a hip skirt and high heels, she exuded an aura of confidence and became the center of attention wherever she went.
"Heather Ainsworth?" Nicholas called out, recalling she had come here to sign the contract. A smile shone on his face despite the crash. At least no one was hurt.
He was about to approach her and say hello when Heather also recognized him.
"Is that you? Nicholas? Why are you here?"
Heather frowned and thought, 'Does he work here as a security guard?'
"Are you blind? How could you ride this thing here?" Heather yelled at him. Her car was brand-new. She bought it just a week ago, and now it's scratched. Although it was just minor damage, she was still distressed about it.
"Why are you blaming me? You're the one hitting people here..." Nicholas looked helpless.
"What's the matter?" At that moment, the head of security cut in, and a group of security guards quickly approached them.
The middle-aged head of security was shocked at the scene. A scooter versus a Porsche? Moreover, the woman involved looked stunning and must be there to sign as an artist. He knew they must handle the situation with care to avoid any trouble.
Amid the tense situation, the head of security pointed at Nicholas and yelled, "What do you think you're doing? Don't you know electric vehicles aren't allowed at Zion Entertainment?"
"And who made that stupid rule?" Nicholas retorted, not mincing his words.
"I did!" The head of security stepped forward, trying to exert his authority. "Apologize to this lady right now!"
Heather, who seemed to enjoy the drama, smiled and pointed at Nicholas, saying, "He's a new security guard, right?"
The head of security paused and looked at Nicholas, realizing that this casually dressed guy on a cheap scooter must be here to apply for a security job.
"Don't worry, I won't hire him," the head of security assured Heather, patting his chest confidently. Then he turned to Nicholas and declared, "Today was supposed to be your first day, but I'm telling you now, you're fired."
Nicholas shook his head, disappointed with the company's attitude. He found the head of security to be quite mean. "I'd love to see how you plan to fire me," Nicholas smirked. "Do you even have the authority to do that?"
"You!" The head of security pointed at Nicholas, frustrated with his audacity.
True. He needed proper authority to fire people, and Nicholas was here to apply for a security job, but in his mind, 'Did he really think he could mess around like this and still get the job?'
"Nicholas, you're absolutely shameless," Heather said, walking towards him with a disdained look. "The head of security can't fire you, but what about the deputy manager? Can she fire you?"
Speaking of which, Heather took out her phone and sent a quick message. Soon, a woman in professional attire came out of the company building.
The woman was stunning, standing at about 5'5", exuding an air of femininity, maturity, and allure as she confidently wore her business attire and black high heels.
"Manager Ellis," the head of security greeted her, and all the staff respectfully acknowledged her presence. She was Daniela Ellis, the Deputy Manager of Zion Entertainment.
"Hey, Auntie," Heather greeted Daniela as she approached. Her connection as Daniela's niece played a significant role in securing the contract with Zion Entertainment.
Daniela shifted her focus to Nicholas and stated firmly, "You should apologize to Heather right now."
Nicholas couldn't help but find it amusing and asked, "Why should I apologize? And who are you, anyway?"
"It seems like he's got a screw loose. He doesn't even recognize the deputy manager," some employees whispered.
"Yeah, why won't he apologize?" Others chimed in, clearly puzzled by Nicholas's behavior.
Daniela glared at Nicholas with cold eyes. "You're here to apply for a security job, right?" she asked sternly. "Who hired you doesn't matter. Since you won't apologize, I, as the deputy manager, tell you you're fired. Get on your scrapped metal and leave."
"I'm fired?" Nicholas pointed at himself, smiling. "I'm out?"
He looked at Heather, and she fumed, "Are you deaf? Can't you understand? I don't even want you to pay for the damage to my car. Just get lost now. I don't want to see you around."
Amidst the commotion, the sound of a car horn interrupted their discussion. A Bentley pulled up in front of everyone, and a young woman in her early twenties stepped out, dressed in a black suit and wearing black-rimmed glasses.
"President Nicholas, I'm sorry I'm late," Secretary Elise quickly walked over and bowed deeply in front of Nicholas.