Chapter 7 A Conveyed Apology

AYRA'S POV "Melissa?" I called out, wanting to confirm if it was her since I heard someone at the door. "Hey, good morning," she greeted, casually dropping her handbag onto the only three sitter couch in the sitting room as I emerged with my plate of fried chips and coffee. "Morning," she said, her gaze lingering on me as she spoke, adding a subtle hint of intrigue. "Is there something you want to ask?" I prompted, picking up on her curious gaze. She definitely has something in mind. In a calm tone, she inquired, "Are you not heading to work today?" "No" I answered casually, helping myself to a few more chips. "With all the humiliation they put me through? No way I'm setting foot back there and moreover, I need a proper apology from that arrogant guy," I declared firmly, emphasizing my decision. She remained silent, but the expression on her face hinted an unspoken words, indicating there was more she wanted to express. "But you've been cleared" she said. "I deserve an apology for the false accusations" I replied. "Okay" she replied but from her face, she doesn't look too happy. "How was work today?" I asked, changing the topic. "As usual" she replied. "I left some chips for you as well," I said, gesturing to the kitchen. "You should eat and rest" I said to her as she walked into the bedroom. "Thanks chum" she replied. CASPIAN'S POV Walking into the casino with Julian, I couldn't shake the notion that the cleaning department staff were likely anticipating our arrival. "Well that makes all of us as I want to find the malicious lady that has the intrepidity to ape someone. It is completely unacceptable. "Good morning, Mr. Julian, Good morning Sir" Greeted the receptionist as we approached. "Morning," Julian replied as we made our way up to the second floor, where the meeting was scheduled to take place. "Good morning, Sir," everyone greeted as they all stood, waiting. "Morning," we replied in unison, as I scanned the individuals present at the meeting. "Let's get to why I'm here. I know most of you don't know me cause I hardly visit the casino. All the staff here are conversant mostly with Julian cause he's the one all of you see often" I demurred before I continued, looking at their faces for a brief moment. "I'm Caspian, the second of the Hawthornes brothers," I announced confidently, my demeanor reflecting a sense of authority. "Privacy is the fundamental aspect of the guest experience, and by entering a room without permission can breech trust" I began. "I want to address a serious matter" I stopped. "Few days ago, I stayed in the presidential suite as a guest, and it's clear to me that nobody recognized who I was," I remarked. " And for that, not only did one of you breach the 'privacy rule,' but they also stole and attempted to frame another person by using a fake name, or, to be blunt, 'impersonate someone else,'" I revealed, scanning the staff members with a scrutinizing gaze. After my statement, a murmur spread among them as they exchanged uneasy looks, indicating their apprehension about the situation. As I was talking, the supposed Ayra Malik slipped in, finding a spot to stand, thereby, effectively interrupting my discourse. "Welcome, Ayra," I greeted in a sarcastic way, though my smile faded as I cast a menacing look towards the woman who did not only stole my girlfriend's Diamond engraved bracelet but also impersonated someone else, committing a serious transgression that couldn't be overlooked. "Charlotte," I heard the staff whisper in disbelief, the name resonating with a mixture of shock and disbelief. "You thought I'd never figure out that it was you and not the real Ayra," I said with a smile, my steps deliberate as I walked up to the shocked-looking lady, her expression betraying her guilt. "Sir, I... I... can explain," she stammered, her voice trembling as she begged for a chance to clarify her actions. "You don't deserve mercy, but rather a taste of what it's like to be behind bars," I declared firmly, my tone reflecting a lack of sympathy for her actions. Immediately, The police officers that were outside waiting walked in and took her away as she begged for leniency, her pleas falling on deaf ears. "This incident should serve as a stark reminder to all of you," I concluded emphatically, my tone commanding attention, "It's not just about the cleaning department; every single department within this casino must uphold integrity and trust." "There are a hundred and one individuals vying for your positions," Julian stated firmly after a moment of silence, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "I don't need to elaborate further. Understand that every one of you can be replaced at a moment's notice." "You are all dismissed," he concluded, his words ringing through the room as the staff members quietly dispersed, their expressions reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Mr. Larsson," I called out, beckoning him over with a wave of my hand, and he swiftly made his way over to us, his expression attentive and eager. "I can't locate the real Ayra Malik in the meeting. Is she not part of your section?" "Yes, she works in my section, but she didn't come in today," he replied. "Call her and inform her that her job is still available if she's interested," I said firmly, adjusting my glasses before we turned to leave. AYRA'S POV: "I have to start looking for a job," I thought to myself as I lay on the couch in the living room, contemplating my next step. "But the problem is, finding a job around here is proving to be as challenging," I muttered to myself, frustration creeping into my thoughts as I contemplated the tough road ahead.. My phone suddenly began to ring, interrupting my thoughts and pulling me back to the present moment. Upon checking, I noticed an unfamiliar number flashing on the screen, piquing my curiosity. I placed the phone to my ear, waiting patiently for the caller to initiate the conversation, wondering who it could be. "Hello," the voice said. "Hello?" I replied cautiously, recognizing the voice but feeling a sense of uncertainty. "Mr. Larsson?" I questioned, seeking confirmation to ensure it was indeed him on the other end of the line. "Yes," he responded, affirming my suspicion. "Why are you calling me?" I inquired, rubbing my temples as I tried to ease the tension building in my head. "Umm," he paused, seeming to gather his thoughts before he could speak. I could detect a hint of uneasiness in his voice, suggesting a possible sense of remorse for their actions. "Mr. Caspian said..." he began, his voice trailing off as he hesitated to continue, perhaps unsure of how to convey the message. "Wait, but who is Mr. Caspian?" I inquired. "The person who accused you of theft. He wants you to know that your job is reinstated," he said, prompting a scoff from me. "And that he is truly sorry for how he accused you and that you should come back to work," he added. "Okay, I will think about it," I said calmly before ending the call and setting the phone down. Moments later, with a gentle creak of the door, Melissa strolled into the sitting room from the bedroom. "I couldn't help but hear you talking to someone earlier," she inquired with evident curiosity.. "A call from Mr. Larsson" I replied. "he called to deliver some news," I went further as Melissa yawned, evidently still tired. "That you could come back?" she asked, with much eager. "Yes, that I can have my Job back" I affirmed without being enthusiastic. "It's a great news right?" She said, smiling. "Yeah, it is," I agreed, smiling as Melissa clapped her hands in excitement. "I've thought it over, and I've decided I'm not going back," I stated after careful consideration. " But why?." Melissa asked, looking sullen. "Because he should have apologized to me in person instead of asking Mr. Larsson to apologise over the phone on his behalf. I spent a night in the police unit, that's extreme" I explained, my thoughts becoming clearer as I reasoned through it. "Ayra" she came over to sit beside me. "Yeah?" I replied, turning to face her. "Do you realize how difficult it is to find a job, especially around this part of the state?" she inquired, expressing concern about our employment prospects. "Please, reconsider going back to the casino for now. Let's hold onto it until we find something better and more stable. We need to feed ourselves and be able to pay our bills, especially, if we don't want Mrs. Garrett to kick us out. And believe me, Mr. Garrett won't save us this time," she advised, her tone filled with concern and practicality. "You are right, I'm just hurt" I agreed. "I'll go back to work tomorrow," I resolved, touched by her words. "That's why you're my chum, because you listen to my advice at all times," she said, patting my shoulder gratefully. "You should start preparing for your night shift, before you arrive at the casino, late" I said out-loud as she went back to the bedroom.