Chapter 218: Chapter 218

The next day, Casper headed to Tycoon early in the morning with the list from Sawyer to cleanse the staff of moles.

Once all the staff showed up for work, he gathered them in the main lobby.

There was no need for pretense since he had absolute authority. Walking in front of the crowd, he looked at them condescendingly, especially those on the list.

To prevent Sawyer from sabotaging him, Casper ran the list against the results of his own investigations to determine the real traitors.

“Mr. Simpson, what is it? Are you going to teach us how to cook?”

Many chefs were impressed after he demonstrated his culinary skills in the kitchen. His generous treat to Beef Wellington, an expensive dish, also lifted their morale.

All the staff, especially the chefs, saw Casper as a kind and approachable boss who could cook really well. Hence, they dared to joke with him.

Being approachable was a good thing, but he had to maintain a boss’ dignity for the staff to respect his decisions. He made a gesture for their silence.

“Today, I want to talk about something very important. It relates to the parasites that have taken root in our hotel!” Casper raised his voice, jolting them to his attention.

Those guilty lowered their heads. However, some eyed him arrogantly.

He smiled slightly. “I had a conflict with someone and he persuaded some of you to be on his side. As salaried employees, you naturally want to get paid more.”

Casper snapped his fingers and continued, “Hence, I will offer you this one chance to step out and admit your wrongdoing. This hotel will never employ you again, but you will receive your salary together with a severance.”

He gestured to his right. “Now, you have one minute to come forward. Remember, one minute. Failure to do so will have their pay forfeited and charged with illegally leaking trade secrets!”

The employees went into an uproar. Exchanging glances with each other, they didn’t know who amongst them was an industrial spy.

“You can try your luck with me. But know this, time is ticking.”

Casper didn’t even allow them time to think. After all, he was showing the traitors mercy.

After ten seconds, no one stepped forward. Folding his arms, Casper remained indifferent.

Twenty seconds… Thirty… Still, no one came forward.

At the forty-second mark, someone suddenly stepped out, causing everyone to gasp. It was Louis who was known to be impartial.

Elena covered her mouth in unexpected shock.

When Casper first saw Louis’ name on the list, he was disappointed. He even thought Sawyer was messing with him. However, the latter replied, “One’s honesty can be the most lethal weapon. Like a clandestine threat, it could hurt another undetected.”

Casper continued the countdown. “You have twenty seconds left.”

After Louis took the lead, a few others followed suit. Eleven stepped forward when the minute was up.

Looking at them, Casper raised his hand and pointed at the group. “Ms. Schneider, note down the names that I’m about to list out. Connor Gregor, Luis Diaz, Isa Adesanya…”

In a single breath, Casper spelled out twenty-three names. There were security guards, ushers, and even chefs. Their expressions changed dramatically after their names were called.

“Have you noted them down, Ms. Schneider?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Excellent. Sue them for leaking trade secrets and deny them their pay and severance.”

Casper’s decision was met with an outcry. “You need proof to sack us? Where is it?”

With one glare, he had complete silence. “Do you really want me to show you the evidence? Your employer has forsaken all of you. Remember, never do something like this again. Since you don’t appreciate the chance, there’s no need for me to be kind. Get out! You’re no longer employees of Tycoon Hotel.”

Their knees buckled at his roar. Guilty, they fled without further protests.

Casper returned his attention to the initial eleven. He walked down the stage, circled them before stopping in front of Louis.

“Why?”

He avoided Casper’s eyes and mumbled, “Money.”

The latter nodded. Money could turn honorable men unscrupulous. Without pressing further, he said, “Get your money from the finance and leave Tycoon.”

As the eleven traitors turned to leave, one employee suddenly asked, “Mr. Leuthold, did you take the money because of your son?”

Louis stopped in his tracks. He turned to look at the familiar faces before glancing at Casper. Then he bowed respectfully and left.

“I didn’t expect him to do that. You really can’t judge a book by its cover.”

“That’s true. He has been faking it all this while.”

Having heard the snide comments, Casper looked earnestly at Louis’ silhouette and declared the meeting was over.

Elena approached him hesitantly. “Do you think Louis is experiencing difficulties?”

It didn’t escape Casper that his secretary was trying to put a good word for the man. However, he shook his head. “There are endless reasons and problems one has to face in life. If I have to question every single one of them, it will take forever. We’re not obligated to correct the others’ mistakes.”

Elena stopped at that. Depressed, Casper strode to his office and sat in his chair with his eyes closed.

Images of an earnest Louis tasting the food as the judge on the day of the culinary competition flooded his mind. The envy on the chef’s face was inexplicable. He realized he could never attain Casper’s level, no matter how hard he tried.