Chapter 6 Manager Thorn

All eyes turned in the direction of the voice and most people held their breaths seeing the manager arrive. The receptionist walked out of her station to meet the manager halfway but then the man with Becca beat her to it. “Manager Thorn. It's so nice to see you here.” Ray said as he bowed slightly at the manager. “What is going on here?” Ethan asked himself seeing the way the man had gotten so humble. He was just boasting a while ago. Becca also followed after her man, trying to suck up to the manager. Ethan decided to stay back and watch their interaction since he wasn't in a hurry. The manager stood before Becca’s man with a confused look while Becca’s man stretched his hand for a handshake. But his hand hand in the air as the manager walked past him and walked directly toward Ethan. Manager Thorn made no effort to give Becca’s man any face and it was a bit shocking to Ethan and most of all, the manager voluntarily walked up to him. “Hello, Mr. Ethan. I'm glad to see you are here.” Manager Thorn greeted with a polite smile on his face. At first, the lobby was silent and then there was an uproar. “Did you see that? Manager Thorn ignored that boastful man.” One of the guests pointed out. “Yes! And that shabby man, did Manager Thorn just greet him so politely? Who is he?” Another guest asked. Being a manager in The Star Hotel meant Thorn had met all kinds of people. So, he wouldn't just walk up to anyone without class. And naturally, they were curious about Ethan now. On the other hand, Becca and her man stood back, with her friends behind her watching the shocking scene being displayed. “Hello, Manager…” Ethan greeted, his voice drowning out since he didn't know the manager’s name. “Thorn. You can call me Thorn.” The manager replied and there was another round of gasps in the room. Only a handful of people dared to call the manager by his first name. Even though he was just a manager, everyone knew he had powerful backing. Now, they were much more curious about Ethan. “Okay, Thorn.” Ethan didn't hesitate. “I am surprised you recognize me since we have never met before.” He said, trying to find out if Thorn really knew him. All along, he thought he would have to introduce himself. “You don't have to worry. The boss has already briefed me about everything. All you need to do is sign the papers.” Thorn replied and Ethan nodded, knowing the system had done its work. It wasn't fake after all. At this point, the receptionist stepped forward with a wider smile on her face. She was glad that she hadn't thrown Ethan out and from their conversation, she realized Ethan must be a hidden billionaire and this was her chance to make it big. “Now that the manager is here. Please, allow me to escort you to the meeting room.” The receptionist said eagerly and Ethan nodded as he recalled how she had been proactive toward him. He made a mental note to look after her in the future during her stay in the hotel. As the manager and the receptionist started to escort him ouf, Ethan looked at Becca and her man, whose faces had turned ashen. He halted his steps, putting his hands in his pocket. He let out a mocking chuckle and there was a mischievous glint in his eyes. “What are you doing, standing there?” Ethan asked. “I thought you said you knew the manager, huh?” “I…” Ray let out but Ethan didn't let him speak. “Thorn, do you know him? He claimed you gave him a discount.” Ethan inquired with raised brows, sending the manager a suspicious gaze.. “Of course not.” The manager replied immediately and glared at Becca's man. Now that he knew Ethan was the new owner of the hotel, he didn't want to ruin his chances since a boss wouldn't like to hear about unnecessary discounts. “I do not know him and I didn't give out discounts. In fact, The Star Hotel has made a name for itself and we don't give out freebies to get customers.” He emphasized his words so loud that everyone could hear.. “So, he lied!” the other guests said, looking at Becca’s man with disdain. Becca and her friends stepped quietly away from him and the man noticed. He couldn't lose face at this point, so he moved closer to the manager. “Manager Thorn, I am Ray Bastien, son of Carlo Bastien. We own the Bast Corps.” He said with so much pride. There was no one there who did not know who the Bastien family were and Ray was sure that he wouldn't lose face. “Ohh…” Thorn let out and Ethan raised a brow in question wondering if Ray was that big of a person. “Not to worry, Mr. Ethan. I do not know him. His father, Carlo, is a usual guest here and that is all. This man here is just a small fry, basking in his family's past glory.” Thorn replied, sending subtle jabs at Ray. The guests around burst into peals of mocking laughter and even the receptionist couldn't hide her smile. Even though everyone knew Bast Corps, they knew they were going bankrupt soon. “Is that so?” Ethan asked, letting out a mocking laugh. He turned away and asked the receptionist to lead the way, knowing he didn't have to involve himself with small fries any longer. He had not even taken a few steps when he halted again. “Stop right there!” A shrill voice resounded in the lobby and Ethan turned around, looking displeased. “Where do you think you are going? Do you not think you have some explanation to do?”