Chapter 110: Were You Not Beaten Up?

"Why are you all chatting instead of working during office hours? Do you want a pay cut?" Zayne roared at the sales representatives, emerging from his office.

Everyone scurried back to their desks. One representative said, "Mr. Carlson, Jared went to collect Dexter Murphy's debt."

Zayne was momentarily stunned, then gloated. "He risks his life to show off, huh? If he collects the debt, I'll drink the toilet water!"

Seconds later, Troy returned, sweat dripping, carrying a black bag. Maria demanded urgently, "Troy, where's Hilda?"

Troy grabbed a bottle of water from the table and downed it in one gulp. After a deep breath, he recounted the events.

Upon hearing the bag contained a million dollars in arrears, everyone was astonished. Zayne, disbelieving, tore open the bag, scattering bills across the floor. His face darkened. He'd thought Jared would fail, even declaring he'd drink toilet water if Jared succeeded—a statement that now stung.

"Hilda's smitten with him! I don't understand what's so great about Jared!" Lydia grumbled, perplexed that Hilda waited for Jared.

Maria worried about Hilda; no one seemed concerned about Jared. But then, Jared returned with Hilda. Seeing he was unharmed, everyone was surprised.

"Were you not beaten up, Jared?" Zayne asked incredulously.

"It's only right to repay debts. Why would they beat me? It should be the other way around!" Jared sneered.

Maria approached Hilda. "Are you okay, Hilda? You look unwell. Don't go with him again."

"I'm fine, Maria," Hilda smiled.

Seizing the opportunity, Zayne declared, "Jared, since you're so skilled at collecting arrears, you'll handle all future arrears. That's your new job."

Jared didn't refuse; he would have done it anyway. It was his money. Zayne's surprise masked his inner joy. If he collects all the arrears, I'll get a huge commission! he thought.

At noon, Xavier sat at a window table in a restaurant near Sentiment Chemical Limited, eagerly awaiting someone. Josephine soon arrived, carrying a bag. Spotting her, Xavier jumped up, waving. "Josephine, over here!"

Josephine approached, her expression indifferent. She sat down. "Why did you ask me out?"

"I haven't seen you in a while, so I wanted to treat you to a meal," he replied ingratiatingly.

"I'm leaving if this isn't important," she said, rising.

Xavier quickly stopped her. "No, no! It's important! Josephine, you know my feelings. I've never loved anyone else. Please—"

"No," Josephine interrupted. "Xavier, know your place. You're just a manager my family employs. I can dismiss you anytime! Focus on your work instead of having delusions about me!"

Her cold expression and tone visibly affected Xavier.