Chapter 7

"I'm so sorry for disrespecting you, sir. I was ignorant and made a huge mistake. Please forgive me."

The moment Austin and Hiram entered the latter's office, he hastily offered his apologies. Despite wiping his brows many times, he was still sweating profusely. Even the back of his shirt was drenched.

The orchid card was a rare one. Ordinary bank clerks did not recognize it.

Only those at the managerial level could identify the orchid card.

If those who had the orchid card went to the main branch of the bank, even the bank president would have to attend to their needs in person with the utmost courtesy.

Hiram was boggled. Why did such a big shot come over to his tiny branch?

Why did he even join the queue like everyone else to withdraw his money?

He was being rather mean to ordinary bank employees like him!

Austin calmly looked at Hiram and asked, "Are you very nervous?"

The corners of Hiram's eyes twitched as he smiled sheepishly, "N-Not at all. Allow me to make you some coffee. I am truly sorry."

Aware of what it meant when a customer had an orchid card, Hiram wanted to do his best to smooth things over. He was even willing to get on his knees if necessary.

Otherwise, even he, the bank manager, would be fired, let alone a bank clerk like Susie.

"That won't be necessary. I came here to withdraw some money," Austin said curtly.

Once again, Hiram's forehead was covered in sweat.

Was Austin's response a sign that the former did not wish to forgive him?

Hiram's expression turned grim as a wave of regret washed over him.

It had taken decades of toiling for him to get to his current position, but a single word from a customer with an orchid card could instantly make him lose everything.

Hiram fell on his knees in front of Austin and said, "Please don't hold it against me, sir. Please be magnanimous and forgive me. It was really just a misunderstanding."

Austin eyed Hiram coldly. There was no trace of arrogance on Hiram's face.

He chuckled and said, "I'm just here to withdraw my money. I don't want to discuss anything else. Kindly proceed with the transaction."

Though Hiram felt uneasy, he forced himself to smile and get back on his feet. "Yes, of course. I-I'll do it right away."

After taking the orchid card from Austin, Hiram asked, "How much would you like to withdraw, sir?"

"500 thousand dollars," Austin replied.

Judging by Hiram's attitude, he knew that the orchid card was undoubtedly no ordinary debit card.

However, his priority now was to get the money and pay off Dahlia's medical fees before finding a new place to move into.

"500 thousand dollars?" Hiram exclaimed.

Austin frowned before asking with a look of realization, "Will that be a problem? Do I need to give an advance notice when withdrawing big amounts?"

"No, no. That's not what I meant. A customer like you does not need to give advance notice," Hiram said.

Then, with a strange expression, he explained, "The minimum deposit to open an account with an orchid card is one billion dollars in cash. I was just a little taken aback by the small sum you requested."

Austin froze. He was thunderstruck.

One billion? In cash?

It was not even the customer's net worth!

Furthermore, it was merely the minimum requirement to create an account that came with an orchid card!

Was his father that rich?

Even Austin was dumbstruck.

A brief moment later, Austin composed himself and said, "I'll just withdraw 500 thousand dollars for now."

Hiram nodded and swiftly completed the transaction.

Austin found a black garbage bag in Hiram's office. After stuffing the money into the bag, he turned and left.

Hiram continued to sport a grim expression. Feeling uneasy, he wanted to plead for Austin's forgiveness once more, but after seeing that Austin was in a rush to leave, he forced himself to resist the urge.

In the end, he slumped in his chair, soaking in sweat and looking rather deflated.

With the black garbage bag in hand, Austin marched out of the bank lobby.

Having witnessed the spectacle earlier, the crowd murmured among themselves as they watched him leave.

Susie was still standing dazedly at the counter with reddened eyes.

When she saw Austin, she immediately tried to approach him and apologize.

However, Austin walked out so quickly that she could not reach him in time.

Sighing in disappointment, she went to Hiram's office.

When she saw him languishing in his chair, her heart sank. Still, she asked, "W-What happened, Mr. Beck?"

Hiram came back to his senses and responded with a bitter chuckle, "He has an orchid card. The minimum requirement to get one is a deposit of one billion dollars in cash!"

Thunderstruck, all the color drained out of Susie's face.