Chapter 28 Teach a Lesson
"It's true, Boss. I have also brought the mall's CCTV footage. Mrs. Blake indeed harassed them." Jose passed the tablet to Xander as the video played.
"Mrs. Cook and Miss Miller's children went shopping this morning at Blake World." he added.
Xander watched the video clip with concentration, his brows knitted.
"The lady named Tiara has a video. A customer may have recorded it. She posted the video on the internet, and it caused a stir among the public. Everyone is blaming Mrs. Blake and calling her names for bullying the customer. It's currently the hot news of the city." Jose continued with his information.
"It's surprising that news channels have the audacity to broadcast the news while fully aware that it's about the Blake Family." Xander frowned.
Everyone was aware of the Blake's power. No one dared to challenge them. News channels also did not broadcast any negative news about the Blakes.
So, Xander is surprised that Ariadne was able to drag Margaret into the media and internet.
"It looks like they are not any ordinary people as they claim to be. They must have some hands behind them." Zidane's name came to his mind and he clenched his jaw.
"If nothing is done, it could have an impact on the company." Jose expressed his concern.
Xander picked up the telephone on his desk and dialed a number.
"Has mom arrived at the office today?" He asked. "Send her to my office right now." He instructed before hanging up the phone.
Margaret was a fashion designer. So, she was in charge of their clothing brand and shopping malls. It was the least successful of all the Blake Family's businesses. However, it was still a well-known brand as Blake Corporation owned it. Even though the scandal wouldn't affect Blake Corporation, it would undoubtedly have an impact on the clothing brand and Margaret's reputation.
...
Few hours later
"I am deeply sorry for my actions. I should not have acted like this. I sincerely apologize. I hope they accept my apology. We are ready to compensate them."
Margaret's voice echoed throughout the room via the television screen. Three figures sat on a couch, watching the news on the TV.
"Blake Corporation president Xander Blake's mother has apologized for her unfair behavior with the customer at their mall, who had previously demanded justice, and is ready to compensate them as well." The reporter said. "President Xander Blake is also here with us. Let's see what he has to say on the matter."
Xander appeared on the screen.
"It was an unexpected behavior from my mother. I am not proud of it. However, she has realized her mistake. As they demanded, she apologized and you can be sure that such an incident would not occur again. Thank you."
"So the old hag apologized. Now she will think twice before messing with us." Tiara smirked.
The scandal caused quite a stir, and Margaret received numerous backlashes on social media. She wouldn't be able to show her face in public for a while.
"She is a vile woman. I did not expect her to apologize." Ariadne was surprised.
"Yeah, me too. I did not expect her to apologize so soon. I had so much in store for her. It looks like everything will be in vain." Tiara pouted.
"Anyway, it's over now." Mary sighed with relief.
"Yeah, now all that remains is to deliver the bag. I am telling you again. That rich beggar doesn't deserve such a beautiful and expensive bag. We can give her any of the limited-edition bags available on the market."
"Tia, it's not just about the bag. It's all about self-respect. She has challenged Mama Mary, so we must shatter her ego." Ariadne's voice reflected her rage.
She was furious when she found out Margaret had bullied Mary and the children. She wanted to teach that arrogant woman a lesson by herself, but Tiara said she would handle it. She was very busy recently, so she agreed to let her handle this. She knew exactly what Tiara was capable of.
"I have asked Lily to send the bag. It will arrive within a few days. I will personally hand Margaret the bag before leaving for Purple City."
.....
In the parking lot of Xander's penthouse, Pearl, a car came to a stop. Crystal exited the car and headed towards the back of the building. It was a beautiful tall building. The building had a restaurant and a club while there were appartments on the higher floors. All of Xander's bodyguards and assistants lived in the apartments with their families. Xander occupied the top two floors. It was one of Xander's personal assets and he had never allowed anyone to enter his penthouse, not even his family. It was entirely his personal space. The front entrance led to the club and restaurant. There was a separate entrance in the back, leading to the upper floors and the penthouse. It was for Xander and his men.
As Crystal reached the back entrance, she called Xander. After a while, Xander emerged from the lift and walked to the lobby, where Crystal was sitting on a couch. He was dressed casually in a teal t-shirt and pants. The T-shirt clung to his body, displaying his bulging muscles. He was looking hot. Crystal stared at him in awe.
"What are you doing here?" his voice broke Crystal out of her daze and she stood up.
"I missed you, so I came to see you. I thought we could have dinner together." She blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Xander let out a sigh. He was exhausted after returning from work a few hours ago, and was resting when Crystal called.
"Crystal.... I am not in the mood today." he said tiredly.
"I know. It was a hectic day for you....the scandal." Crystal sighed and moved closer, taking his hand. "I came here especially for this... to brighten your mood. We don't need to go anywhere else. Let's have dinner here, in your penthouse. You will feel better."
.
"Will this scandal affect the company?" Crystal asked as she sipped her juice.
Xander brought Crystal to one of the restaurant's private chambers for dinner. Crystal was disappointed that he didn't take her to his penthouse. She had tried several times before, but Xander never brought her to his penthouse. However, she had come prepared. As they were getting engaged, she wanted to own everything Xander possessed. She came with a determination to visit his penthouse and spend the night there with him.
"This type of scandal could never affect Blake Corporation." Xander replied.
"Then why did you force your mother to apologize? You even threatened to remove her from her position."
"What she did was wrong, and she was refusing to apologize. So I have to go the hard way."
"Yes, she should not have bullied them. But Ariadne went too far by creating a scandal on the internet and in the media. She didn't even consider your mother's reputation or how it might affect the company. She became worse than before... During dinner that evening and again today." Crystal let out a dramatic sigh. "I am sorry you have to go through this because of her."
"Stop apologizing for her, Crystal." Xander appeared irritated upon hearing Ariadne's name.
Crystal smirked internally.
"Yeah, she no longer considers us family." She lowered her face, sad.
"It was not her fault this time." Xander said firmly, surprising Crystal.
"Xander, did you let this matter go and even make your mother apologize just because it was Ariadne's family?" Crystal asked.
"What? Are you crazy?" He became more irritated. "Crystal, please change the topic. I don't want to talk about it anymore." He added decisively.
However, he sighed, noticing her sad face.
"I don't want any drama right now, Crystal. I am already busy with the hospital project and the gala is near as well."
Crystal relaxed after hearing this. She was afraid Xander had a soft spot for Ariadne.
"Oh... yes.. I forgot. This year, they have also invited the Miller Group. Let's go there together." She was ecstatic.
Xander gave her a nod and continued to eat.
"Oouch."
Xander's gaze shifted to Crystal as she screamed. She spilled the juice on her dress.
"Shit. It gets wet. What do I do now?" Crystal stood up, attempting to wipe her dress with a tissue.
"It won't work. You need to change your dress." Xander said, looking at her dress.
The red stain from the juice was clearly visible on her yellow dress.
"How do I change the dress now?" her face turned pale with worry.
Xander rose from his seat.
"Come with me." he said before walking towards the lift.
Crystal smirked and followed him.
The lift came to a halt, and they exited. Crystal was confused as it was not the top floor.
"Is this your penthouse?" She looked around.
There were four doors along the long hallway.
"No." Xander replied.
Crystal looked at him, shocked. He stopped in front of a door and rang the doorbell before turning to face Crystal.
"This's Toby's apartment. He is married, so we can find women's cloth here."
"You could have taken me to your penthouse? They could bring the dress over."
Crystal was overjoyed that after her small trick, Xander would have no choice but to take her to his penthouse. But it appeared she was mistaken.
"Crystal, I don't like bringing anyone there, not even my family. You already knew that."
"We are going to get engaged, Xander. We will get married after that. What will you do after we marry?" Crystal couldn't contain her frustration.
Xander looked at her silently for a moment before sighing.
"It has nothing to do with our engagement. There will be plenty of places for my wife to live, including a new mansion that will be far more expensive, spacious, and beautiful than this penthouse. So stop thinking about the penthouse. It's my personal space, and I would like to keep it that way."
"Okay, I will not force you." Crystal's mood improved after learning about the new mansion.
.
"Sorry, I only have this dress, which I have not worn until now. I hope it fits you." Toby's wife brought Crystal a dress to wear.
Crystal smiled and took the dress from her. However, she wrinkled her nose in disgust, when she entered the room to change.
In the living room, Xander waited for Crystal, while sitting on the couch with Toby. A little girl came and sat on Toby's lap.
"Who's he, Daddy?" the girl asked, pointing to Xander.
"He is my boss. Say hello!" Toby told his daughter.
"Hello." the little girl said, smiling.
As Xander looked at the little girl, Autumn's face appeared in his mind.
"Hello." he smiled at her, feeling awkward.
"What's your name?" he asked further.
Toby was taken aback by Xander's gentle behavior towards his daughter, as he disliked talking to children.
"Rachelle." the girl answered.
Crystal emerged from the room after changing her dress, drawing everyone's attention.
"I am done." she said in a sour mood.
"Okay, let's go. It's late. My driver will take you home." Xander said, standing up.
They didn't wait for anything and left the apartment, after thanking the married couple.
"I think she didn't like having to wear someone else's dress." Toby's wife exclaimed as she closed the apartment door.
"But she doesn't mind having someone else's man...huh?" Toby stated mockingly.