“So what do you want to do?”
Jack paused.
Then he spoke quietly.
“It’s time.”
David blinked.
“Time for what?”
Jack looked at him.
“Time to reveal who I really am.”
David leaned back.
“Seriously?”
“Yes,” Jack said. “I’ve seen enough. I’ve seen the proud, the lazy, the cruel, and the good. Especially Sarah.”
David crossed his arms.
“How do you want to do it?”
Jack stood and looked out the window.
“Not suddenly. Announce that the bank owner has returned to the country and will be visiting soon.”
David grinned.
“So you want them nervous first.”
Jack smiled faintly.
“Exactly. Let’s see how they act when they think the boss is coming.”
Later that afternoon, a message went through the bank’s staff group chat and was posted on the main board.
Attention all staff. The owner of Starlight Bank has officially returned to the country. He will be visiting the bank very soon. Please remain professional and ensure all departments are in perfect condition.
At the teller station, the news hit like thunder.
Karen dropped her cup.
“Wait. The owner is coming?”
Amanda gasped.
“What? When? I need to fix my hair.”
Jessica checked her reflection on her phone.
“I need to look perfect. He has to notice me.”
Amanda grabbed her purse.
“I’m buying a new wig this evening.”
Karen straightened her uniform.
“From now on, no one plays around. The owner must see us as serious, beautiful, and hardworking.”
Suddenly, the tellers who had spent days laughing at others began acting busy. They walked quickly. They spoke softly. They smiled at customers they would have ignored the day before.
Outside near the staff entrance, Sarah and Harold stood under a small tree beside the flagpole, enjoying the evening breeze.
Jack walked up holding a water bottle.
“Have you heard?” he asked.
“Heard what?” Harold said.
“The bank owner is visiting soon.”
Harold nodded.
“That’s good. About time we see him face to face.”
Sarah looked down for a second.
“I just hope he is kind.”
Jack turned to her.
“Why do you say that?”
Sarah looked toward the building.
“Because some rich people build big places and never know what happens inside them. I hope this owner cares. I hope he handles this bank with wisdom and love.”
Harold nodded.
“She’s right. Some owners only care about money.”
Jack stood still.
Sarah had no idea she was speaking to the very owner she was worried about.
Instead of feeling insulted, he felt something warm in his chest.
She was honest.
And she was right.
He promised himself he would be different.
Then Jack disappeared for three days.
No one saw him at work. No one heard from him. Sarah stood near the staff locker area wiping her hands on her apron, looking around again and again.
She turned to Harold.
“Have you heard from Jack?”
Harold shook his head.
“No. Not a word. I’m worried too. He never misses work.”
Sarah’s face tightened.
“What if something happened? What if the tellers report him? They might deduct his salary or fire him.”
Harold frowned.
“It is strange. Three days is too long.”
Just then, Karen marched toward them, heels tapping hard against the floor.
“Where is your friend Jack?” she asked sharply.
Sarah answered quickly.
“He’s not feeling well. He told management.”
Karen narrowed her eyes.
“I hope so. The owner could arrive any day now, and Jack has been absent for three days. Tell him to return tomorrow, or he may lose this job.”
Sarah forced a small smile.
“I will.”
Karen hissed and walked away.
Sarah turned back to Harold.
“I need to speak to management before she makes trouble.”
Harold nodded.
“Go. Ask for Mr. David. He handles most staff issues.”
Later that day, Sarah knocked gently on David’s office door.
“Come in,” David called.
She stepped inside, nervous but determined.