Chapter 116 - Pretentious Apology

"What did you say?!" The old man almost fainted in anger after hearing how ignorant his son was. No matter how much he wanted to tone down his rage, this son seemed to just not met his expectations for him.

Even those in school understood how the contract works. Yet, this man who had received proper training from their company was acting as if he was uneducated at all.

Drake remained silent as he tried to figure out the root of his father's anger. The man was still clueless. To him, his father was acting unreasonably. He did not even paid attention to his bleeding forehead.

"Son, you are wrong! That contract," the old man paused. He then extended his arms and snatched the folder from his son. "What's written in this contract is the only agreement that you have. It does not matter if they call it exclusive or not! Now, if you signed it without checking the content, it would be disastrous!"

'Disastrous!' Drake stared at his father with a confused expression.

On the other side, the old man gritted his teeth. Seeing his son's baffled face, the old man's anger surged once more. And before he could control himself, his hand flew and hit Drake's head using the folder containing the contract.

Bonk!

Bonk!

Bonk!

The folder struck at Drake's head intensifying the pain from his earlier wound in his forehead. The old man was not even satisfied with a single strike and hit him three times!

Drake hissed in silence before he took a deep breath to endure the stinging sensation from his father's attack.

"Father, quell your anger. I don't even know why you have this unprecedented temper towards me!" Drake glared at the old man. He badly wanted to retaliate however, he was also scared that it may cause his father to intensify his emotion.

"Drake, I am disappointed at how shallow you have understood how the contract works," the old man shook his head several times. Frustration was evident in his tone.

"I understand what the contract is! I have a deep understanding of how it works!" Drake insisted as he did not take the hint of his father's disappointment towards him.

"Sighs! Forget it! You could have requested for my attorney to come with you to check the documents. Now, we have suffered a great loss. If we don't compensate the company that you offended, our reputation will be tarnished!" the old man explained. He still believed that his company had a good reputation. Despite the bad rumors that had lingered around them, he chose to approach it with a blind eye.

"I don't know what you are talking about! Father, it should be us that need to sue the organizers!" Drake looked down with his brows knitted. His lips formed a thin line and his expression appeared to be in deep thought.

"If the contract did not say that the company would oblige the participants, then it is natural that they won't force them! Next time, if you signed a contract, make sure to read the content!" the old man helplessly guided his son.

"I see," Drake responded without meeting his father's gaze. This time, he was ashamed to look at him.

"Now, there is a victory party of the tournament on the Rrad Hotel. Go and apologize to Mr. Washington," his father instructed.

"I will do as what you say, father!" Drake responded dryly before he hastily left their home office.

Bad temper was not enough to describe all the emotions that were brewing in Drake's chest as he drove towards the Rrad Hotel. He had expected to have a good night, but, it would seem that Karma really hits him hard. 

Not only he was scolded by his father, but there was also a bump and small wound on his forehead.

"Tsk!!! Very good Jing Jing! It seemed that you have the luck this time!" Drake grumbled while the knuckled of his hand turned white from gripping at the steering wheel of his car.

The traffic light ahead of him flickered at the red signal and he kicked the car brake harshly. It was as if he was a kid having a tantrum and venting all his anger to the poor break. His body even jolted by the abrupt stop but he could not care of it at all.

Drake was not finished. He punched his seat until his white hand turned red.

In his mind, he blamed Jing Jing for all the misfortunes that he encountered. There was only one image in his thought that came up every time he thought of this ordeal. It was the image of Jing Jing's face mocking him.

After several minutes of driving, Drake reached the parking space of Rrad Hotel. He stayed inside his car for another minute to calm himself before he stepped out.

Drake easily located the venue of the victory party. He scanned the entire crowd until his gaze landed at Mr. Greg Washington sitting alone on a table.

He took a deep breath and strode forward with his head held high.

"Mr. Greg, hello! I'm Drake, from the FDS Press Company," Drake introduced easily.

As the man looked up, he stared at Drake for a brief second before he shook his head.

"Hello, Drake! I have a recollection of you. It had come to my attention about your misconduct with the staff of the tournament earlier. Are you here for that reason or do you have other matters to discuss?" Greg was straightforward on his word. His expression was blank as if it was void with any emotion.

Drake forced an awkward smile after realizing that the man was directly confronting him about their issue.

"Hehe, Mr. Greg, it is indeed because of my misconduct. I apologize for my behavior in the tournament, sir. I was ignorant. I hope you don't take this on our company," Drake answered forcing his expression to look remorseful in front of the man. He bent his body slightly to offer a customary bow to the man.

"You are the only heir of the FDS Press Company, correct?" Greg looked at the man from head to foot. His gaze was too sharp as if it would pierce through his soul.

"Th--that is correct, Mr. Greg. I am the only heir," Greg responded. He made a little research about the man and learned of his position. Thus, his tone was polite and respectful.

"Then, all your actions are a reflection of your company. You may not be the CEO of it right now, but once you took over that position, conduct some self-control to avoid disaster," Greg stated. His tone was too calm that his words do not mean to rebuke the man. It was more like he was giving a piece of brotherly advice to him.

"Thank you for your words of wisdom, sir," Greg blandly said. He almost rolled his eyes while replying.

"Hmm, my words are nothing. It will only have its meaning if you apply them," Greg responded. "I am not offended by your actions. However, you have offended the staff," he added with a hint for the man to take responsibility to those whom he had angered and insulted earlier.

"I know what to do," Drake mumbled and then walked towards the center of the hall where a microphone stand started.

Greg followed his figure until the man took the phone and faced the crowd.

Almost everyone was still eating when Drake stood in the center, holding the microphone in one hand. The employees in other press companies present quickly recognized him. They instantly focused their attention on the man.

Not long after, the blinding light from camera flashes was projected to the center where he stood.

Drake wave his hand and smiled generously at the camera. Giving them a perfectly charming smile.

"Ehem! Ladies and gentlemen. I am Drake, the only heir of the FDS Press Company. I am here in front of you to address my misconduct earlier during the tournament. I was ignorant and did not know better. My apologies if I made you upset. Rest assured that I will be mindful of my temper." Drake's words echoed to the entire wall.

On the side of Sofia's table, everyone had halted eating their food and listened attentively to the man.

"This man just came here to apologize? Is a party the right place to apologize?" Jing Jing stated glaring at the man. Drake has not yet noticed her but she was able to spot him the moment he entered the place.

"Ohh, this was the arrogant man that I have exchanged an argument with earlier. Something might have come up that made him own his mistake. Based on his demeanor earlier, I never expected that he would apologize," Sofia commented softly.

"Who knows? Maybe the gaming company made a formal complaint to them," Jing Jing guessed. She was aware of how the District 7 press companies make their business. If the client complains of their service, they needed to instantly release a public apology.

The sight of Drake apologizing was not unusual for her to see. But she knew this man too much and she was aware that all his politeness was just a pretense.