Chapter 5 - The Grandfather's Wisdom
While chaos consumed the executive offices, Arthur was sitting peacefully in the employee breakroom.
He was enjoying a simple cup of black coffee and half of a perfectly toasted bagel.
Elias, the young rookie guard, sat awkwardly across from him, still buzzing with nervous adrenaline.
"I have to ask, sir," Elias finally blurted out, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.
"If your grandson owns this entire resort, why are you out there mopping the floors?"
Arthur smiled warmly, the deep lines around his eyes crinkling with genuine amusement.
"When Julian's parents passed away, I raised him with nothing but a meager pension and a whole lot of elbow grease," Arthur explained.
"He built this massive empire from scratch, and he offered me the biggest mansion in the city."
Arthur took a slow sip of his coffee, looking incredibly content.
"But sitting around doing nothing makes an old man wither away, Elias."
"I like the routine, I like the physical labor, and I like keeping my grandson grounded by reminding him where he came from."
Elias nodded slowly, profound respect washing over him for the humble man sitting across the table.
"You are a brave young man, Elias," Arthur continued, leaning forward.
"You didn't know who I was, but you threw yourself in front of danger to protect me anyway."
"That shows character, something that all the money in that lobby could never buy."
Elias looked down at his hands, feeling a blush creep up his neck.
"My mom raised me to do the right thing, sir," Elias mumbled humbly.
Just then, the breakroom door swung open, and Julian walked in, loosening his silk tie.
The billionaire CEO looked entirely out of place among the metal lockers and cheap fluorescent lights.
"Grandfather, the car is waiting to take you home," Julian said softly.
"And Elias, my assistant wants to see you in my office immediately."
Elias felt a sudden knot in his stomach, wondering if he was somehow still in trouble.
May you like
Arthur patted the boy's arm reassuringly.
"Don't worry, son, Julian only looks terrifying," Arthur chuckled.
