The larger of the two men was blocking the staircase.
His partner stood a few steps below him, smiling as though he'd already decided how our encounter would end.
I looked at them.
Then at the narrow concrete steps.
Then at the metal railing.
Well, this is inconvenient.
I had exactly one delivery remaining before my final shift with Swift Delivery was finished.
One.
After three years of delivering food, climbing stairs, getting caught in rainstorms, and occasionally being blamed when restaurants forgot someone's dipping sauce, I was almost done.
And now two enormous gentlemen had apparently decided to interrupt my retirement.
"Jeff Sterling," the taller man repeated.
I sighed.
"Yes?"
"You're coming with us."
I shook my head.
"No, thank you."
His smile disappeared.
"What?"
"I said no."
The second man laughed.
"Listen to this little bastard."
I glanced toward him.
He was considerably broader than me.
Both men were probably close to two hundred and fifty pounds.
Their arms were covered in tattoos, and judging by their expressions, they were accustomed to intimidating people without needing to do much else.
Unfortunately for them, appearances could be misleading.
"Look," I said, "I understand Michael Harper hired you."
The taller man narrowed his eyes.
"Who told you that?"
"Educated guess."
He cracked his knuckles.
"Then you know what happens if you refuse."
I nodded thoughtfully.
"Presumably, something unpleasant."
He grinned.
"Exactly."
I adjusted my delivery bag.
"Well, in that case, I definitely refuse."
His grin vanished.
"GET HIM!"
Both men lunged.
I moved.
The first man's fist swept past my face.
I shifted sideways, allowing his momentum to carry him toward the wall.
The second man tried to grab my shoulder.
I ducked beneath his arm.
Then stepped onto the lower stair rail, using it for balance as I turned.
His eyes widened.
"What the—"
I delivered a quick kick toward his face.
My heel caught him across the nose.
He staggered backward.
"DAMN!"
He clutched his face.
Blood began dripping between his fingers.
"That actually hurt!"
I stepped down from the railing.
"Sorry."
He glared.
I smiled faintly.
"I've practiced Taekwondo for a while. Fourth-degree black belt."
The larger man stared.
Then laughed.
"FOURTH DEGREE?"
I looked at him.
"Yes."
He puffed out his chest.
"I'M A NINTH-DEGREE BLACK BELT!"
I blinked.
Really?
I looked him up and down.
He appeared to be in his early thirties.
Perhaps younger.
I wasn't going to claim that earning an advanced martial arts rank was impossible at his age, but a legitimate ninth-degree promotion in a traditional Taekwondo organization generally required decades of experience.
And nothing about the way this gentleman was moving suggested decades of disciplined training.
"Congratulations," I said.
He grinned.
"Scared now?"
"Not especially."
"YOU LITTLE—"
He threw a high kick.
I stepped inside it.
His balance was dreadful.
I delivered a short punch to his midsection.
He folded forward.
"Oof!"
I took a step back.
He struggled for breath.
I tilted my head.
"Are you sure you're ninth-degree?"
His face twisted.
"SHUT UP!"
He charged.
I sighed.
Apparently, polite conversation isn't working.
He threw another wild punch.
I caught his arm and stepped closer.
My fist stopped barely an inch from his chest.
For a moment, he looked confused.
Then I drove a compact, short-range punch into his torso.
The force knocked the breath from him.
He staggered backward.
His eyes bulged.
"URGH!"
I moved aside as he stumbled.
The second man charged from behind.
I caught his wrist.
Turned.
Shifted my weight.
And used his momentum to send him over my shoulder.
He landed heavily against the railing before dropping onto the concrete landing.
The metal shook.
He groaned.
I released his arm immediately.
Then stepped back.
Silence.
The taller man was sitting against the wall, holding his stomach.
His partner was sprawled beside the railing, staring up at the ceiling.
Neither appeared particularly interested in continuing.
I looked between them.
"Finished?"
The taller man groaned.
His partner raised one hand.
"Yeah."
I nodded.
"Good."
I adjusted the strap of my delivery bag.
Then checked my watch.
That took longer than expected.
The second man slowly sat up.
He looked at me.
"What the hell are you?"
I considered the question.
Then smiled.
"Jeff."
He stared.
"Jeff Sterling."
He swallowed.
"You're supposed to be a delivery driver."
I nodded.
"I am."
The taller man shook his head in disbelief.
"A delivery driver doesn't fight like that!"
I shrugged.
"Some do, apparently."
Neither laughed.
Fair enough.
I retrieved my phone and checked the time.
11:48 a.m.
Still manageable.
I looked at the two men.
"Listen."
They immediately straightened.
I continued.
"Tell Michael Harper I won't be attending Eleanor's birthday celebration because someone ordered me to."
The taller man swallowed.
"And if he sends anyone else to drag me somewhere..."
I glanced toward the stairwell security camera.
"...I'll be making a formal complaint with all the evidence."
Both men looked toward the camera.
The smaller one's expression darkened.
"There's a camera?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
He closed his eyes.
"Oh, hell."
I smiled politely.
"Exactly."
Then I walked downstairs.
Neither attempted to stop me.
As I reached the exit, the taller man called after me.
"Hey!"
I turned.
"What?"
He hesitated.
Then asked:
"Did you really learn all that while delivering food?"
I thought about it.
"No."
He blinked.
I smiled.
"I had a life before the delivery job."
Then I left.
The afternoon sunlight was bright when I emerged from the building.
I walked toward my scooter, placed my delivery bag in its compartment, and took out my phone.
Several messages were waiting.
Two from Sebastian.
Three from Emily.
One from an unfamiliar number.
I opened Sebastian's first.
Sebastian: Chairman, Horizon Group's investment committee has completed its preliminary review of Sterling Real Estate's $70 million financing proposal.
The second read:
Sebastian: There are several significant concerns. Please contact me when convenient.
I stared at the messages.
Then glanced at my delivery app.
One order remaining.
I smiled faintly.
"One thing at a time."
My phone rang.
Sebastian.
I answered.
"Hello."
"Chairman."
"Good afternoon, Sebastian."
"Are you safe?"
I paused.
"That's an interesting greeting."
He sounded concerned.
"Our security team received information suggesting that Michael Harper arranged for several men to locate you."
I looked back toward the apartment building.
"Two of them just tried."
Sebastian went silent.
Then:
"Chairman."
"I'm fine."
"Did they threaten you?"
"Yes."
"Did they attempt to use force?"
"Yes."
His voice became dangerously calm.
"Are you injured?"
"No."
A pause.
"And the men?"
I considered that.
"Probably reconsidering their career choices."
Sebastian sighed.
"Young master..."
I chuckled.
"Don't worry. I documented the encounter."
"Excellent. Our legal department can help preserve any available surveillance footage."
"Please arrange that."
"Immediately."
I looked toward my scooter.
"And Sebastian?"
"Yes?"
"I have one final delivery."
He paused.
"Chairman, with respect, you've said that several times today."
I laughed.
"Well, it's true."
"Your resignation paperwork is already prepared."
"I know."
"Your private car is ready."
"Wonderful."
"Your penthouse staff are waiting."
"Even better."
Sebastian sighed.
"Then may I ask why you're still riding that dreadful motorcycle?"
I smiled.
"Because someone ordered lunch."
There was a long silence.
Then he replied:
"Of course they did."
I laughed.
"Talk later."
"Please be careful, Chairman."
I ended the call.
Then my delivery application chimed.
NEW ORDER ASSIGNED
Pickup: Golden Dragon Kitchen
Destination: The Pinnacle Hotel
I blinked.
"The Pinnacle?"
I examined the details.
Customer: Marcus Kane
Delivery Instructions: Immediate delivery. Customer will provide access instructions.
I stared at the screen.
Then frowned.
The Pinnacle Hotel.
Wasn't that where Eleanor Harper's birthday banquet was being held?
I knew the hotel.
It was one of Riverforge's premier luxury venues.
I also knew its owners.
Well, technically, Apex controlled a substantial investment in the hospitality group that owned it.
But that wasn't something anyone at Swift Delivery needed to know.
I studied the order.
Then shook my head.
"Interesting coincidence."
I started my scooter.
Apparently, my final delivery was going to be memorable.
At The Pinnacle Hotel, the Harper family was having a considerably less pleasant afternoon.
Michael approached his mother with a grim expression.
"Mother."
Eleanor Harper looked up.
"Well?"
He hesitated.
"The men I hired..."
Her eyes narrowed.
"What about them?"
Michael swallowed.
"They failed."
Silence.
Brandon looked up from his chair.
"What?"
Michael continued.
"Jeff beat both of them."
The entire family froze.
Robert stared.
Susan gasped.
Jessica raised her eyebrows.
Emily slowly turned.
Eleanor gripped her cane.
"What did you say?"
Michael lowered his head.
"The two men couldn't bring him here."
Brandon sprang to his feet.
"THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!"
Michael glared at him.
"Sit down."
"But Dad—"
"Sit!"
Brandon reluctantly obeyed.
Eleanor's hands trembled.
"Two professional enforcers?"
Michael nodded.
"Yes."
"And Jeff defeated both?"
"Apparently."
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Eleanor slammed her palm against the table.
"IS THERE NOBODY IN THIS CITY WHO CAN HANDLE THAT BEAST?"
Susan hurried forward.
"Mother, please calm down."
Eleanor ignored her.
"He humiliates my granddaughter!"
Emily lowered her eyes.
"He attacks my grandson!"
Brandon nodded furiously.
"And now he assaults men sent to bring him here?"
Michael looked uncomfortable.
Eleanor's face reddened.
"Unbelievable!"
Jessica folded her arms.
"That's strange."
Emily glanced at her.
"What?"
Jessica tilted her head.
"Jeff never struck me as someone who could fight."
Brandon glared.
"He got lucky!"
Jessica smiled faintly.
"Twice?"
His face darkened.
"Shut up, Jessica!"
She shrugged.
"I'm only saying."
Eleanor struck her cane against the floor.
"ENOUGH!"
Everyone quieted.
She looked toward Michael.
"Find another way."
Michael swallowed.
"Mother..."
"I will not tolerate this humiliation!"
He nodded.
"Understood."
Just then, a hotel attendant approached.
"Old Madam Harper?"
Eleanor looked up.
"What?"
"Mr. Marcus Kane has arrived to offer his birthday wishes."
Michael blinked.
Then his expression changed.
"Marcus Kane?"
The attendant nodded.
"Yes, sir."
A slow smile spread across Michael's face.
"Oh."
He straightened his jacket.
"Of course. Bring him in."
Marcus Kane was not a particularly influential businessman.
At least, not by the standards of the Harper family.
He controlled the regional Swift Delivery agency in Riverforge.
Years earlier, he'd purchased the regional operating rights for approximately two hundred thousand dollars.
At the time, many wealthy businessmen had laughed at him.
Food delivery was considered an unpleasant, low-status business.
But demand had grown.
Restaurants expanded.
Delivery fees accumulated.
And Marcus's regional operation became increasingly profitable.
He was now worth several million dollars.
A respectable fortune.
Unfortunately, Marcus had developed an enormous appetite for social status.
He wanted invitations to exclusive parties.
Relationships with banking executives.
Membership in prestigious business associations.
And, most importantly, acceptance by families like the Harpers.
Today was his opportunity.
He entered the private reception area wearing a new designer suit.
In his right hand, he carried an expensive bottle of red wine.
Michael immediately approached.
"Mr. Kane!"
Marcus smiled broadly.
"Mr. Harper!"
They shook hands.
"How have you been?" Michael asked.
"Excellent, thank you!"
Marcus glanced around the lavish room.
"My goodness, what a beautiful celebration."
Michael smiled proudly.
"Mother deserves the best."
"Naturally!"
Marcus looked toward Eleanor.
Then bowed slightly.
"Old Madam Harper, happy eightieth birthday!"
Eleanor examined him.
Marcus presented the bottle.
"I heard you enjoy fine wine. I brought you a 1990 Romanée-Conti."
Several relatives looked impressed.
Eleanor's expression softened.
"How thoughtful."
Marcus smiled.
"May you enjoy many more healthy and prosperous years."
She nodded graciously.
"Thank you, Mr. Kane."
Marcus looked delighted.
Being personally thanked by Eleanor Harper was precisely the kind of recognition he'd hoped for.
He stepped closer.
"How have you been feeling lately, ma'am?"
Eleanor sighed.
Marcus blinked.
"Is something wrong?"
Michael immediately saw an opportunity.
He placed a hand on Marcus's shoulder.
"Mr. Kane."
Marcus turned.
"Yes?"
"Actually, our family has been experiencing a rather unfortunate situation."
Marcus looked concerned.
"Oh?"
Michael sighed dramatically.
"You may remember my niece Emily."
Marcus nodded immediately.
"Of course!"
He smiled.
"One of Riverforge's most beautiful young women."
Emily smiled politely.
"Thank you."
Marcus continued.
"I remember when she married that ordinary young fellow three years ago."
Michael nodded.
"Jeff Sterling."
Marcus's smile faltered.
The name was familiar.
"Jeff?"
"Yes."
Michael's expression hardened.
"That ungrateful animal has been causing enormous trouble."
Marcus looked puzzled.
"Trouble?"
Michael nodded.
"He betrayed Emily."
Marcus gasped.
"What?"
"With another woman."
Marcus looked toward Emily.
She lowered her eyes.
Susan immediately placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Marcus shook his head.
"Unbelievable."
Michael continued.
"And when my son Brandon tried to speak with him..."
He gestured toward Brandon.
"...Jeff viciously attacked him."
Marcus finally noticed Brandon's swollen face.
His eyes widened.
"My goodness!"
Brandon lowered his head dramatically.
Marcus looked horrified.
"Jeff did that?"
Michael nodded.
"Yes."
Marcus stared.
He remembered the story of Emily Harper marrying a poor delivery driver.
At the time, he'd been rather jealous.
He'd spent years trying to gain access to the city's upper class.
And this ordinary young man had somehow married into one of the most prominent families in Riverforge.
Marcus had thought Jeff extraordinarily fortunate.
Now, hearing that Jeff had supposedly betrayed the family, he felt an odd sense of satisfaction.
What a fool.
Given an opportunity like that, Marcus would have done almost anything to remain in the Harpers' good graces.
Instead, Jeff had apparently thrown it away.
Marcus sighed.
"That's terrible."
Michael nodded sadly.
"We've done everything we can."
Marcus looked uncomfortable.
"Well, Mr. Harper, I wish I could help."
Michael raised an eyebrow.
Marcus continued.
"But I'm only a regional delivery businessman. If even the Harper family can't handle him, I'm afraid I don't have much influence."
He gave a nervous laugh.
"Otherwise, I'd gladly teach that ungrateful punk a lesson."
Michael smiled.
"Mr. Kane."
"Yes?"
"You're being far too modest."
Marcus blinked.
"What do you mean?"
Michael placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Actually, you're exactly the man we need."
Marcus looked confused.
"Me?"
Brandon suddenly spoke.
"Jeff works for Swift Delivery!"
Marcus froze.
For a moment, he stared.
Then his expression changed.
"Wait."
He looked toward Michael.
"Jeff Sterling?"
Michael nodded.
Marcus continued.
"The delivery driver?"
"Exactly."
Marcus's eyes brightened.
"Oh!"
He straightened.
"Well, why didn't you say so earlier?"
Eleanor watched him closely.
Marcus smiled confidently.
"Mr. Harper, leave this to me."
Michael grinned.
"Really?"
"Of course!"
Marcus patted his chest.
"Jeff is one of my riders!"
He laughed.
"In Riverforge, the regional delivery operation answers to me."
Brandon smiled.
"Then you can order him around?"
Marcus scoffed.
"Naturally!"
He pulled out his phone.
"I can have dispatch contact him immediately."
Eleanor leaned forward.
"And bring him here?"
Marcus smiled.
"Precisely."
He dialed a number.
The call connected.
"Kasey?"
A woman's voice answered.
"Yes, Mr. Kane?"
"Pull up employee Jeff Sterling."
There was a pause.
"One moment."
Marcus smiled reassuringly at the Harpers.
Kasey returned.
"Found him, sir."
"Good."
He nodded.
"Where is he?"
"He's currently active in the Evergreen Gardens area."
Marcus grinned.
"Perfect."
He glanced toward Eleanor.
"Assign him an immediate delivery to The Pinnacle Hotel."
Kasey hesitated.
"Sir, I should mention he's scheduled to finish his final shift today."
Marcus frowned.
"Final shift?"
"Yes. His resignation has been submitted."
Marcus's expression hardened.
"Then assign it before he finishes."
Kasey sounded uncertain.
"But sir—"
"Do it."
A pause.
"Understood."
Marcus smiled.
"And make sure it goes directly to his account."
"Yes, sir."
He ended the call.
Then turned toward Eleanor.
"Old Madam Harper."
She looked up.
Marcus straightened proudly.
"Your troublesome son-in-law will be here shortly."
Michael grinned.
Brandon smiled.
Susan looked delighted.
Emily finally raised her head.
Marcus continued.
"And once he arrives, I'll personally teach him what happens when an employee forgets his place."
Eleanor smiled.
"Excellent."
Marcus bowed slightly.
"Anything for the Harper family."
He had no idea how expensive that sentence might eventually become.
Fifteen minutes later, I approached The Pinnacle Hotel.
My scooter rattled as I turned onto the circular driveway.
The entrance was magnificent.
Luxury cars lined the curb.
Valets hurried between vehicles.
Photographers stood near the doors.
An enormous rainbow-colored floral arch spanned the entrance.
Across it, golden lettering proclaimed:
WISHING OLD MADAM ELEANOR HARPER A HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY
I slowed down.
Read the sign.
Then looked at my phone.
Customer: Marcus Kane
I stared.
"Oh."
I glanced toward the hotel again.
Then back at the order.
Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
I pulled into the designated delivery area.
Removed my helmet.
And looked toward the entrance.
There were dozens of elegantly dressed guests.
Businessmen.
Socialites.
Security personnel.
Hotel employees.
The Harpers had certainly spared no expense.
I sighed.
"Well, Jeff."
I checked the food bag.
"Apparently, your final delivery is going to be interesting."
I pressed the customer's number.
The call connected.
"Hello?"
A man's voice.
I smiled politely.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Kane. Swift Delivery."
Silence.
Then:
"Yes?"
"Your takeout has arrived. I'm at the front entrance of The Pinnacle Hotel."
I glanced toward the security attendants.
"Could you please come outside to collect it?"
The man paused.
Then his voice became sharp.
"Bring it inside."
I looked toward the entrance.
"I'm sorry, sir. The hotel restricts delivery access during private events."
"WHAT?"
I adjusted my headset.
"The order can be collected at the designated pickup area."
He scoffed.
"Do you know who I am?"
I checked the name on my phone.
"Marcus Kane."
Silence.
Then:
"You know me?"
"Your name is on the order."
He sounded irritated.
"Listen carefully, delivery boy."
I sighed inwardly.
Here we go.
"I'm not coming outside to collect food like some ordinary customer!"
I looked toward the hotel.
"Then I can leave it with the authorized reception desk if they agree to accept it."
"NO!"
I blinked.
He continued.
"Bring it inside!"
I glanced toward a nearby security guard.
"Sir, I'm afraid the hotel won't permit that."
Marcus went silent.
Then I heard muffled voices.
Someone was speaking to him.
A woman.
Older.
I couldn't make out the words.
Then Marcus returned.
"Fine."
I nodded.
"Thank you."
"Wait at the entrance."
"Of course."
"I'm coming out."
"Very good."
He ended the call.
I looked at the food bag.
Then the enormous birthday banner.
Then the hotel doors.
I sighed.
"Somehow, I don't think this is about lunch."
Inside the hotel's private reception area, Marcus lowered his phone.
He smiled triumphantly.
"He's here."
Eleanor looked up.
"Jeff?"
Marcus nodded.
"Yes."
Brandon grinned.
"Finally!"
Michael smiled broadly.
Susan clasped her hands.
Emily stood a little straighter.
Marcus continued.
"He actually tried to make me come outside for my food."
Brandon laughed.
"That's Jeff!"
Marcus shook his head.
"Unbelievable. Doesn't even understand customer service."
Michael chuckled.
"Well, you'll have an opportunity to teach him."
Marcus smiled.
"Oh, I intend to."
Eleanor rose from her chair.
"Then let's go."
Michael looked surprised.
"Mother?"
She gripped her cane.
"I want to see his face when he realizes he can't escape me."
Brandon laughed.
"Grandma, this is going to be wonderful."
Emily looked toward the entrance.
Her heart beat a little faster.
She'd spent most of the morning waiting for Jeff to call.
He hadn't.
He hadn't apologized.
He hadn't begged to return.
And he hadn't even asked whether she'd eaten breakfast.
For some reason, that irritated her enormously.
Fine, Jeff.
She adjusted her dress.
Let's see how arrogant you are when your own boss humiliates you.
Marcus straightened his suit.
Then led the way toward the hotel entrance.
Eleanor followed.
Michael.
Brandon.
Susan.
Robert.
Emily.
And several other Harper relatives.
They looked like a delegation preparing to receive an important visitor.
Except their visitor was a delivery driver.
And they were preparing to humiliate him.
I was standing beside my scooter when the doors opened.
At first, I saw Marcus Kane.
I recognized him immediately.
I'd encountered him several times during my three years with Swift Delivery.
He was the regional general agent.
A businessman who enjoyed reminding delivery drivers that they were replaceable.
Behind him came Michael Harper.
Then Brandon.
Susan.
Robert.
Emily.
And finally, Eleanor Harper herself.
I stared.
Then looked down at the takeout bag.
Well.
That's an awful lot of people for one order of noodles.
Marcus approached with a smug expression.
"Jeff Sterling!"
I smiled politely.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Kane."
He stopped directly in front of me.
"Do you know why I'm here?"
I held up the bag.
"Presumably, lunch?"
Brandon burst out laughing.
Marcus's smile disappeared.
"Don't get smart with me."
I blinked.
"I wasn't trying to."
He pointed toward the hotel.
"You refused to bring my order inside."
I nodded.
"Hotel policy."
"Excuses!"
I looked toward the nearby security attendant.
The man was watching us carefully.
Marcus continued.
"Do you have any idea how important customer satisfaction is?"
I nodded.
"Very."
He sneered.
"And yet you expect me to come outside?"
I looked at him.
"Sir, you agreed to collect the order here."
Marcus's face reddened.
"Are you arguing with me?"
I considered that.
"No."
He jabbed a finger toward my chest.
"You should be apologizing!"
I glanced past him.
Eleanor Harper was staring at me with an expression of absolute fury.
Brandon smiled.
Susan looked delighted.
Robert folded his arms.
Emily stood beside her mother.
Our eyes met.
For one brief moment, I remembered the hotel.
Ryan Caldwell.
The bathrobes.
Her smile when he'd wrapped his arm around her.
Then I looked away.
Marcus noticed.
He grinned.
"Oh, I see."
He turned toward the Harpers.
"Old Madam Harper, don't worry."
Eleanor nodded.
Marcus faced me again.
"Jeff."
"Yes?"
"Apologize to the Harper family."
I stared at him.
"Excuse me?"
He smiled.
"You heard me."
I looked at the takeout bag.
Then at him.
"For delivering your order?"
Brandon laughed.
Marcus's expression hardened.
"For disrespecting your betters!"
I stood silently.
Eleanor stepped forward.
"Jeff Sterling."
I looked at her.
"Good afternoon, Eleanor."
The old woman's face immediately reddened.
"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Eleanor."
She gripped her cane.
"You address me as Grandmother!"
I looked at her.
Then shook my head.
"No."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Brandon's mouth fell open.
Michael stared.
Susan gasped.
Robert looked furious.
Emily's eyes widened.
Eleanor herself appeared unable to comprehend what she'd just heard.
"What?"
I answered calmly.
"Emily and I are divorcing."
Her hands trembled.
"And?"
I continued.
"I won't be addressing you as my grandmother anymore."
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then Eleanor struck her cane against the pavement.
"YOU UNGRATEFUL BEAST!"
Several hotel guests turned toward us.
I sighed.
Here we go again.
She pointed directly at me.
"You have disgraced this family!"
I remained silent.
"You betrayed my granddaughter!"
I looked at Emily.
She lowered her eyes.
I felt something cold settle in my chest.
Eleanor continued.
"You attacked Brandon!"
Brandon nodded angrily.
"And you assaulted the men Michael sent to bring you here!"
I slowly turned toward Michael.
He stiffened.
I looked back at Eleanor.
"Those men attempted to abduct me."
She scoffed.
"Don't exaggerate!"
"They blocked a stairwell and tried to force me to accompany them."
Michael looked away.
I continued.
"Brandon also attacked me with a knife."
Eleanor stared.
Then laughed angrily.
"Nonsense!"
Brandon quickly interrupted.
"GRANDMA, HE'S LYING!"
I looked at him.
He glared.
I sighed.
"Of course."
Marcus stepped forward.
"Enough!"
I turned.
He pointed at my uniform.
"Jeff, do you realize how much trouble you're in?"
I looked at him.
"Not particularly."
His face reddened.
"Your attitude is unacceptable!"
I nodded slowly.
"All right."
He smiled smugly.
"Now we're getting somewhere."
I held out the food bag.
"Would you like your order?"
For a moment, he simply stared.
Then Brandon burst out laughing.
Marcus's face turned crimson.
"YOU THINK THIS IS A JOKE?"
I lowered the bag.
"No."
He stepped closer.
"Listen carefully!"
I waited.
"I'm your boss!"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Are you?"
Marcus puffed out his chest.
"I'm the Riverforge regional general agent for Swift Delivery!"
I nodded.
"Congratulations."
He glared.
"I can terminate your employment whenever I want!"
I looked at him.
Then smiled faintly.
"Well, that's awkward."
He frowned.
"What?"
I reached into my pocket.
Opened my phone.
And showed him a confirmation message.
SWIFT DELIVERY
Resignation submitted
Final shift scheduled to end today
Employee status: Pending final checkout
Marcus stared.
Then looked at me.
"So?"
I smiled politely.
"Today's my last day."
His expression hardened.
"That doesn't mean anything!"
I nodded.
"Fair enough."
He stepped closer.
"I can still have your account suspended!"
"Of course."
"Your final payment withheld pending review!"
I raised an eyebrow.
"That would be an interesting decision."
His face reddened.
"I CAN MAKE SURE YOU NEVER DELIVER FOOD IN THIS CITY AGAIN!"
I stared at him.
Then smiled.
"Mr. Kane."
"What?"
"That would save me the trouble of declining any future shifts."
Silence.
Eleanor looked furious.
Marcus appeared ready to explode.
Brandon stared at me.
And Emily...
Emily looked genuinely unsettled.
Because she knew me.
Or at least, she believed she did.
The Jeff she'd married would have been terrified of losing his job.
He would have apologized.
He would have lowered his head.
He would have promised to behave.
Instead, I stood there calmly, holding a bag of food, while the regional general agent threatened to end a job I'd already decided to leave.
Marcus finally snarled.
"Fine!"
He pulled out his phone.
"I'LL HAVE YOU BLACKLISTED!"
I nodded.
"If that's what you want."
He stared.
Then turned toward Eleanor.
"Old Madam Harper, don't worry! I'll make sure this little bastard never works for Swift Delivery again!"
Eleanor smiled coldly.
"Good."
Marcus looked at me triumphantly.
"Now kneel and apologize!"
The entire group fell silent.
I looked at him.
Then at Eleanor.
Then at Emily.
She was watching me carefully.
Waiting.
Perhaps expecting the old Jeff to return.
The Jeff who smiled through humiliation.
The Jeff who apologized for things he hadn't done.
The Jeff who desperately wanted her family to accept him.
I took a slow breath.
Then looked at Marcus.
"No."
His smile vanished.
"What?"
I held out the food bag.
"Mr. Kane, are you accepting your order?"
He stared.
"WHAT?"
"Your lunch."
I gestured toward it.
"You ordered it. I brought it. I'd like to complete the delivery."
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Eleanor's face twisted.
"You insolent—"
I turned toward her.
"Eleanor."
She froze.
"I'm not here for your birthday."
Silence.
"I'm not here to apologize."
Michael clenched his fists.
"I'm not here to accept your family discipline."
Brandon glared.
"And I'm certainly not here to argue about my divorce in front of hotel guests."
Emily's expression hardened.
I looked directly at her.
"If you want to discuss our divorce, have your attorney contact mine."
She blinked.
"Your attorney?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
Her lips parted.
For a moment, she seemed unable to speak.
Then she scoffed.
"Jeff, what attorney? You can't even afford—"
I looked away.
There was nothing left worth explaining.
I turned back to Marcus.
"One last time."
He stared.
"Are you accepting the order?"
His face reddened.
Then he slapped the bag from my hand.
It struck the pavement.
A container burst open.
Food spilled across the entrance.
Several guests gasped.
I looked down.
For one moment, I remembered another hotel.
Another delivery.
Another wealthy man.
Another bag of food dropped onto the floor.
Ryan Caldwell.
Suite 2008.
Emily in a bathrobe.
I stared at the spilled food.
Then slowly raised my eyes.
Marcus smiled cruelly.
"Oops."
Brandon laughed.
Eleanor looked satisfied.
Marcus continued.
"Looks like you ruined another delivery."
I said nothing.
He grinned.
"Maybe you should kneel down and clean it up."
I studied him.
Then calmly took out my phone.
I photographed the spilled food.
Marcus frowned.
"What are you doing?"
"Documenting the rejected delivery."
He stared.
I continued.
"The food was delivered to the designated entrance. The customer physically knocked it from my hand."
His expression changed.
"You—"
I added the note to the order.
Then tapped the delivery-support button.
Marcus's face darkened.
"JEFF!"
I looked up.
"Yes?"
"PUT THAT PHONE AWAY!"
I shook my head.
"No."
Several guests were now watching.
A few had taken out their own phones.
Marcus noticed.
His expression tightened.
He turned toward the onlookers.
"Nothing to see here!"
Unfortunately for him, that only attracted more attention.
I finished documenting the incident.
Then looked at him.
"Mr. Kane."
He glared.
"What?"
"Thank you for three years of employment."
He blinked.
I continued.
"I've met some wonderful people while working for Swift Delivery."
His expression twisted.
"And I've learned quite a lot."
I paused.
"Unfortunately, today hasn't been a particularly good example of professional conduct."
A few nearby guests exchanged amused looks.
Marcus looked ready to explode.
I adjusted my helmet.
"Have a good afternoon."
Then I turned toward my scooter.
Eleanor struck her cane against the pavement.
"STOP!"
I continued walking.
"JEFF STERLING!"
I placed my helmet on my head.
"COME BACK HERE!"
I climbed onto the scooter.
Brandon hurried forward.
"GRANDMOTHER'S TALKING TO YOU!"
I looked at him.
He stopped.
Apparently, he remembered our earlier encounter.
I started the engine.
Eleanor's voice rose behind me.
"IF YOU LEAVE NOW, YOU WILL NEVER BE WELCOME IN THIS FAMILY AGAIN!"
I looked back.
For a moment, my eyes met Emily's.
She stood beside her mother.
Beautiful.
Elegant.
Perfectly dressed.
The woman I'd spent three years loving.
She looked at me with anger.
Confusion.
And something else.
Something she probably didn't understand herself.
I smiled faintly.
"That's fine."
Then I rode away.
I stopped several streets from the hotel.
Pulled over.
Removed my helmet.
And sat quietly for a moment.
The whole encounter had been ridiculous.
I'd gone there to deliver lunch.
Instead, I'd been threatened with blacklisting, ordered to kneel, and publicly accused of something I hadn't done.
I looked toward the distant hotel.
Then sighed.
"Emily..."
I shook my head.
"Did you really think this would make me come back?"
My private phone vibrated.
Sebastian.
I answered.
"Hello."
"Chairman."
His voice was unusually serious.
"Are you safe?"
I smiled faintly.
"Yes."
He paused.
"Good."
"Why?"
"We've received reports of an incident at The Pinnacle Hotel."
I raised an eyebrow.
"That was fast."
Sebastian sighed.
"Chairman, several guests recorded the confrontation."
I looked toward the hotel.
"Of course they did."
He continued.
"Our security office was alerted when your name appeared in one of the recordings."
I considered that.
"Anything concerning?"
"Not concerning your safety at present."
"Good."
He paused.
"However, the regional Swift Delivery general agent publicly threatened to blacklist you."
I nodded.
"Yes."
Sebastian was silent.
Then:
"Young master."
"Yes?"
"May I ask why you were delivering food to your former in-laws' birthday banquet?"
I chuckled.
"Excellent question."
He waited.
"Apparently, Mr. Kane arranged the order specifically to bring me there."
A long silence followed.
Then Sebastian sighed.
"Naturally."
I grinned.
"He's very enthusiastic about customer service."
"Chairman..."
"Yes?"
"Please tell me you're finished delivering food."
I looked down at my yellow uniform.
Then toward the scooter.
For a moment, I smiled.
"Yes, Sebastian."
He exhaled.
"Thank goodness."
I laughed.
"That was my final delivery."
"Excellent."
I continued.
"Three years. Officially finished."
His voice softened.
"Welcome back, Chairman."
I nodded.
"Thank you."
He paused.
"Your car is waiting at the private entrance to Apex Tower."
I smiled.
"Perfect."
"And your office has been prepared."
"Good."
Sebastian continued.
"One more matter."
I raised an eyebrow.
"Yes?"
"Horizon Group has received additional inquiries concerning the identity of its new chairman."
I looked toward the skyline.
"Let me guess."
He paused.
"Chairman?"
"The Harper family."
"Correct."
I laughed softly.
"Of course."
Sebastian continued.
"Mr. Michael Harper and Mr. Robert Harper have both requested introductions."
I shook my head.
"They really are competing."
"Apparently."
I considered that.
"Have they been told anything?"
"No, Chairman."
"Good."
He hesitated.
"Would you like us to arrange a meeting?"
I looked toward Apex Tower.
Then thought about Eleanor Harper.
The woman who'd threatened to have me beaten.
Michael Harper.
The man who'd hired two enforcers to abduct me.
Robert Harper.
The man whose struggling development company I'd quietly helped finance because I wanted to make Emily happy.
And Emily herself.
The woman who'd cheated on me, then told her entire family I was the unfaithful one.
I smiled without warmth.
"Not yet."
Sebastian waited.
I continued.
"Let the investment committee finish its work."
"Understood."
"And don't reject the Harper financing proposal because of my personal situation."
He sounded surprised.
"Chairman?"
I looked toward the city.
"If their business is sound, I want to know."
"Certainly."
"If it isn't, I want to know that too."
"Of course."
I paused.
"And Sebastian?"
"Yes?"
"Make sure no one signs anything until the review is complete."
"Naturally."
I smiled faintly.
"Seventy million dollars is a lot of money."
Sebastian chuckled.
"Even by Apex standards, it deserves proper scrutiny."
I nodded.
"Exactly."
He paused.
"Anything else, Chairman?"
I considered it.
Then looked down at my yellow delivery jacket.
"Yes."
"Of course."
"Have someone prepare a proper suit."
Sebastian went silent.
Then asked carefully:
"Chairman?"
I smiled.
"I think it's time I started dressing for my actual job again."
For the first time during the conversation, Sebastian laughed.
"A most welcome development."
I ended the call.
Then started the scooter.
And headed toward Apex Tower.
Back at The Pinnacle Hotel, Marcus Kane was still furious.
"UNBELIEVABLE!"
He paced near the reception area.
"That worthless delivery driver!"
Michael stood nearby, frowning.
Eleanor sat in an armchair, gripping her cane.
Brandon looked livid.
Susan was whispering angrily to Robert.
Emily remained unusually quiet.
Marcus stopped pacing.
"Old Madam Harper."
Eleanor looked up.
"Yes?"
He straightened.
"Don't worry."
She narrowed her eyes.
"What are you going to do?"
Marcus smiled coldly.
"Jeff Sterling will never work for Swift Delivery again."
Brandon grinned.
"Excellent."
Marcus continued.
"I'll contact every station manager in Riverforge."
Susan nodded eagerly.
"And?"
"I'll make sure his account is permanently deactivated."
Michael smiled.
"Wonderful."
Marcus lifted his chin.
"And I'll spread the word that he's dishonest, violent, and unprofessional."
Emily finally looked up.
Her expression brightened.
"Really?"
Marcus nodded proudly.
"Absolutely."
She smiled.
"Thank you, Mr. Kane."
He nearly beamed.
"My pleasure, Miss Harper."
Eleanor nodded approvingly.
"Very good."
Marcus bowed slightly.
"Anything for your family."
Then Michael stepped closer.
"Mr. Kane."
"Yes?"
"Once Jeff loses his job, he won't have any income."
Marcus grinned.
"Exactly."
Michael smiled.
"And once he has no income..."
Eleanor completed the thought.
"He'll come begging."
Brandon laughed.
Susan smiled.
Robert nodded.
Emily looked toward the hotel entrance.
For the first time all day, she felt certain everything was going to return to normal.
Jeff would lose his job.
He would run out of money.
He would have nowhere to go.
Then he'd come back.
Apologize.
Beg.
And perhaps, if she felt generous, she'd consider allowing him into the apartment again.
She smiled faintly.
Three days, Jeff.
That's all.
Unfortunately, Emily Harper was mistaken about one very important thing.
My delivery job had never been the source of my wealth.
It had been the disguise I'd chosen while looking for love.
And the moment I stopped wearing that yellow uniform, the Harper family would lose the only advantage they believed they had over me.
At 2:37 p.m., I arrived at Apex Tower.
I parked my scooter at the private entrance.
Removed my helmet.
And looked up at the enormous glass building.
Sixty-eight floors.
An international headquarters.
The heart of a financial empire I'd spent fifteen years creating.
Apex Holdings.
My company.
Not inherited.
Not gifted.
Built.
I smiled faintly.
"Well."
I looked down at the scooter.
"You've had a good run."
The engine rattled softly as it cooled.
I patted the handlebars.
"Mostly."
The private entrance opened.
Sebastian stepped outside.
His silver hair was neatly combed.
His dark suit was immaculate.
He looked at me.
Then at the scooter.
Then at my yellow uniform.
He sighed.
"Chairman."
I smiled.
"Sebastian."
He glanced at the scooter again.
"Is it finally over?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
He closed his eyes briefly.
"Wonderful."
I laughed.
"You're acting like I've just returned from a war."
He looked at me.
"Young master, you've spent three years delivering food while personally owning an empire worth trillions."
I shrugged.
"I enjoyed parts of it."
He nodded.
"I know."
His expression softened.
"But I'm pleased you're returning."
I looked toward the building.
"So am I."
Sebastian stepped aside.
"Your office is ready."
I entered.
The private elevator carried us to the executive floors.
For several moments, neither of us spoke.
Then Sebastian asked:
"Chairman."
"Yes?"
"Have you made any decisions concerning Miss Harper?"
I stared at the elevator doors.
Then slowly shook my head.
"One."
He waited.
I continued.
"I'm divorcing her."
Sebastian nodded.
"Understood."
I looked down.
For a moment, I remembered the café where Emily and I had first met.
Her smile.
Her laughter.
The way she'd told me she didn't care about money.
I'd loved that woman.
And some part of me still wished the woman I'd married had been real.
But I couldn't build a marriage on memories alone.
I took a slow breath.
"Sebastian."
"Yes?"
"Make sure the divorce is handled properly."
"Of course."
"No unnecessary public statements."
"Understood."
"And keep my identity confidential."
"Naturally."
I nodded.
"Thank you."
The elevator chimed.
The doors opened.
And I stepped onto the executive floor.
My office was exactly as I remembered.
Floor-to-ceiling windows.
A long conference table.
Polished furniture.
Financial displays showing markets across the world.
And behind the desk, a simple black nameplate.
JEFFREY STERLING
FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
I approached it.
Ran my fingers across the polished surface.
Then sat down.
Sebastian placed two files in front of me.
The first read:
HORIZON GROUP
STERLING REAL ESTATE — PROPOSED FINANCING
$70,000,000
The second read:
APEX INVESTMENT DIVISION
CALDWELL INVESTMENT PARTNERS — PROPOSED FINANCING
$300,000,000
I stared at the names.
Then laughed softly.
"Well."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
"Chairman?"
I opened the first file.
"It seems my former in-laws are having a very expensive week."
Sebastian smiled faintly.
"Indeed."
I turned a page.
Then another.
Revenue forecasts.
Debt obligations.
Construction schedules.
Collateral valuations.
Everything the Harpers had submitted in hopes of obtaining seventy million dollars.
I read carefully.
Then stopped.
"Sebastian."
"Yes?"
I pointed toward a financial projection.
"These numbers don't match."
He nodded.
"The analysts noticed."
I frowned.
"Why?"
"That's what the review is intended to determine."
I studied the figures.
Robert Harper's company was reporting projected collections substantially higher than its recent operating results appeared to support.
Perhaps there was an explanation.
Perhaps they'd been overly optimistic.
Or perhaps they'd been hiding something.
I looked up.
"Get me the supporting documents."
Sebastian nodded.
"Immediately."
I leaned back.
"And the Caldwell proposal?"
"Also under review."
"Any concerns?"
"Several."
I smiled faintly.
"Of course."
Sebastian waited.
I looked toward the city.
Somewhere across Riverforge, the Harper family was gathering for Eleanor's birthday banquet.
They were probably celebrating the fact that Marcus Kane had promised to end my delivery career.
They were probably congratulating themselves.
And Michael and Robert were undoubtedly still searching for Horizon Group's mysterious new chairman.
I shook my head.
"Sebastian."
"Yes?"
"Has anyone from the Harper family managed to learn my name?"
"No, Chairman."
"Good."
I returned to the report.
"Keep it that way."
He nodded.
"Of course."
I studied the seventy-million-dollar request again.
Then smiled faintly.
"Let them enjoy the birthday banquet."
Sebastian raised an eyebrow.
"Chairman?"
I turned another page.
"They have plenty to celebrate."
My expression became thoughtful.
"At least, they think they do."
And while the Harpers continued searching for a mysterious chairman who could rescue their struggling real estate company, that same chairman sat quietly behind his desk, reviewing their financial statements.
For the first time in three years, I wasn't cleaning their houses.
I wasn't cooking their meals.
I wasn't answering their demands.
I wasn't apologizing for things I hadn't done.
I was simply doing my job.
The job I'd spent fifteen years building toward.
And if the Harper family expected me to risk seventy million dollars of my company's money simply because they demanded it...
They were about to discover that business decisions were considerably less forgiving than their former son-in-law.