Chapter 8: Cleaning Mess

Ana pull her hand and hid it in her back. 

“ … ”

The little girl didn’t say any words to answer Oliver’s question. He assume it is Tia, Ana's Auntie who did that. Looking at the area where he put the hidden camera, a tape was seen covering it. 

‘So that was it. The area with a black record…’

Holding the lower corner of her apron, she stares at the flooring with a pale look. Ana was surprised when a  small sound was heard coming from the back door of the kitchen. 

"Ana!! Are you done washing the dishes? What took you so long! Hurry up and finish that already!!"

She didn't notice that Oliver is standing right in front of her. As soon as her eyes landed on Oliver's, she gasped and took a step backward. 

"You... you, you-"

" Yes, it is me"

The maid look so surprised as she saw the owner of that big mansion. It's been a long time since Oliver went back on his home. After all, it isn't a daily occurrence to see Oliver wandering in his home. He is always busy in his work and if he is at home, he will surely be locked up in his room.

"Master you, you are back"

Oliver didn't give any response in the maid's statement. Cold sweat can be seen rushing down from her forehead as Oliver's dark brown orbs is staring at her with a frightening look. 

"Let me explain. This is just a misunderstanding. I will explain everything-"

A dark red light turns to a bright one. It was an alarm that Oliver made to call the attention and inform  all of the guards in his mansion. Why did that light turns on? That is because Oliver push the trigger to let the alarm start. It was also part of his billion worth high technology device planted in his room. Soon after, all the guards are standing in front of the yard. A police cars can be seen rushing to the direction of Oliver’s mansion. 

"I will make sure to not let any of you escape"

His words are cold and threatening but for the young little girl he seems like a prince, a hero, a savior that will protect her.

The little girl is hiding behind Oliver's back as her auntie try to beg for what she did to Oliver. The Tia that Anna is pertaining to was none other than the head maid that is managing the whole mansion. 

 It is her who is handling all the matters in

Oliver's residence. The person who holds the biggest responsibility in the whole mansion. 

The police soon enter the house.  It was a good thing that Oliver readied the matters to attend to when this thing happens. 

‘No wonder, people are turning crazy just to get such money. Money is power. Power can make people’s life easier’

“Mr. Lau- Oliver, what’s the matter? What happened?”

The police chief was worried for he almost called Oliver, Mr. Laurent. 

‘Thank goodness I didn’t call him with that name or else… I’m doomed’

“Please Master I will not do this again!”

Oliver didn’t waste any second just to look at the head maid. Standing firmly, he speak without any hesitations.

“Capture everyone whose names are list in here. Make sure to put them in jail”

The police chief confusedly look at him. Oliver gave his phone that shows all the evidences he gathered and compiled. 

“All of them?”

The police chief started to scroll in the unending list of names.

“Yes. All of them”

***

A number of 1 maid, 1 gardener, 1 chef and 2 guards are the person left after the police had taken all the people that Oliver pointed. Some are absent  that is why not all the suspects are caught and jailed. 

‘A total of 5, the number left is much greater that what I expected. I never thought that despite of being the youngest CEO, Oliver still feel and experience such things. I know that what I did today will also be the actions of the real Oliver. I can feel it in here. That some thing deep inside me feels contented about what I did. Although… that is something I can’t explain why I am feeling’

“Master…”

The little girl slightly tap Oliver’s hand. He then realize that the 5 people left was kneeling in front of him. He narrow his eyes making the 5 people lower their gazes. 

“I-im sorry sir. I have the chance to stop them but I never did. I am afraid of loosing my job and… and… feared that the moment I disobey them, they will kick me out and…”

‘Looking at her, she seems to be older than Ana but younger than me. Maybe she is somewhat near Herald’s age'

“Please forgive me too. I stay still even if I know they are stealing your things… I will humbly accept your punishment  for what I have done”

The old man said as he offer his humble apology for what he did. ‘With his outfit, I assume he is the chef…’

“Please don’t kick us out. I badly need this job, dear sir"

The gardener also bow his head and join the others who is begging for Oliver’s forgiveness. The 2 guards look at each other as they don’t know whether they would apologize or not. Oliver look at them which makes them slightly bow their head.

“We have no idea about what happened not commit any stealing inside your mansion, sir. Still, we apologize for not being worthy enough to guard and ensure the safety of your mansion. We lack in that part as a guard”

A short period of time passed by yet Oliver didn’t say any words. The 5, as well as Ana, the little girl, started to feel worried. 

“All of you who are present today…”

They all look at Oliver and patiently wait for his response.  

“You all lack in fulfilling your jobs. With that, I decided to give you a punishment”

They all bow their heads and silently wait for the punishment that Oliver will be given to them. What they did is indeed wrong. Even if they did not took part, it is part of their job to make Oliver’s mansion safe and clean. With that, they accept their flaws and wholeheartedly agreed in taking their punishment.  

“All of you will handle the remodeling and cleaning as well as the maintenance of this whole mansion. From inside to the outside together with the front gate and the mansion. I will give you 1 month, no, 2 weeks to finish all of those and bring back the old image of my mansion”

“Just the 5 of us? Sir?”

“Yes, just the five of you. That is your punishment”

They all took a deep breath and stand up. 

“Sir yes sir!”

‘I wonder if what I did was right. I was thinking of saying things like--- You will all be loyal to me as if your life is depending on me --- something like that but I find it weird to say such things. That doesn’t suit Oliver’s image. Still… getting few loyal servants would be nice. I hope this mansion will soon be a place I can call home. Ah. Wait a minute… the problem about the servants are all settled but… what should I do about this little girl?’

His sight then landed to Ana's direction. 

‘What should I do? I am not good in handling a child… I never taken care of one before…’

She blinks her eyes and then tilt her head. With a cute look on her face, Oliver put his palm on his head.