Chapter 53

Chapter53 The Big Boss

Jaxton explained, "I have rhinitis. Certain perfumes trigger my allergies."

"Ah, that makes sense," Bernie replied, relief washing over his face.

Knowing Jaxton's close ties with the three bosses,Bernie grew anxious about any potential backlash.In a rush to defend himself, he pointed toward Marissa and said, "This customer has already agreed to cover the damages."

The shattered porcelain scattered across the floor made the incident impossible to deny.

Without bothering to look at him, Jaxton mnotioned for silence with a slight wave of his hand.

Then he walked straight to Marc, offering a polite smile and a respectful tone. "Mr. Curtis, please accept my apologies. Our staff clearly weren't trained well enough. I take full responsibility and hope you'll overlook this mistake."

Confusion clouded the room after Jaxton spoke,and one by one, everyone's eyes landed on Marc,drawn by the quiet allure of his refined features. That face... It was almost unreal in its perfection.

Shock flickered in Rosie's expression. Could the man who had made her pulse race actually be one of the bosses?

Instinctively, she took a few steps back, afraid Marc might misread her closeness with Bernie. Bending toward her friend, she whispered, "Miriam, how dol look? Is anything off?"

Miriam Hussain's eyes flicked toward Rosie but stayed quiet, her gaze eventually settling on Marc with a spark of recognition.

It turned out that man belonged to the Curtis family.

A glimmer of intent brightened Miriam's gaze. She had made up her mind-Marc would be hers.

"Mr. Curtis, are you all right?" Jaxton asked, his tone laced with genuine concern as he studied Marc's expression, fearful the man might hold them responsible.

Everyone in Ozreka knew the Curtis family's reach could topple businesses with a single word.

In truth, only the elusive big boss had the authority to face them without flinching.

However, that figure was rarely seen. Aside from a fleeting encounter in a virtual meeting three years ago, Jaxton could barely remember the big boss's face-only that it was a strikingly young woman.

Marc was perfectly fine.

He had been a step behind Marissa when it all happened, spared from being caught in the chaos,and hadn't even found a moment to stepo in.

However, Marissa had already regained her balance and even caught the waitress before she could fall.

Quietly, Marc said nothing, his expression unreadable.

Jaxton studied Marc's expression with growing unease, uncertain what that heavy silence truly implied.

Nervousness prickled at the back of his neck as he dabbed at the sweat forming on his forehead,wondering if it was wiser to call one of the higher-ups for guidance. Dealing with anyone from the Curtis family always left him on edge.Just then, his eyes drifted toward the woman standing beside Marc, and understanding dawned on him like a sudden jolt. He nearly smacked his own forehead for missing something so obvious-men, especially when a woman was present, cared deeply about saving face.

That realization shifted his demeanor at once. His back straightened, his tone softened, and he chose his words with delicate care. "Mr. Curtis, I hope the young lady with you wasn't hurt in the commotion..."

As Jaxton spoke, his gaze flicked briefly toward the woman in question.

But the sight caught him off guard. His polite smile faltered halfway through his sentence.

Her makeup looked far too heavy for someone her age-mascara clumped thick on her lashes, eye shadow smudged unevenly, and her lips bare of color. However, despite the mess, her beauty still demanded attention.

A teasing spark lingered in her eyes, the kind that stirred an odd sense of familiarity within him.

Then it hit him-she bore an uncanny resemblance to his big boss.

What in the world was going on?

Could this possibly be her? For a moment, Jaxton's thoughts scattered like marbles. His gaze locked on the young woman.

Even beneath that clumsy makeup, the resemblance was undeniable. Every subtle twitch of her lips, every glint in her eyes, mirrored his big boss perfectly.

Good heavens... what was she doing here?

Completely thrown off, Jaxton gawked at Marissa,lips parting slightly but unable to form a single word.

Maybe he was seeing things.

Blinking hard, he shut his eyes for a second before daring another look-and there it was, that same familiar face staring back at him.

Slowly, his gaze swept over Marissa's features, her faintly teasing smile making his pulse quicken with uncertainty. Was this really his big boss standing before him?

Forcing down his shock, Jaxton straightened and spoke in a more respectful tone than he'd used with Marc earlier. "Miss, I must apologize on behalf of our restaurant. Please forgive us."

After a pause, his voice turned careful."May.I know your name?" "Marissa."

The moment the word left her lips, Jaxton's eyes flew wide

It was her-the big boss herself!