Chapter 11: Watch Your Tongue

Baffled, Jared returned to his table and continued eating. Shortly after the lunch break, he dealt with the outstanding payments. He planned to send the information to Tommy, letting him handle it. If Tommy couldn't manage it, Jared would personally visit the debtors; otherwise, it would be a waste of time.

Just then, a commotion erupted in the sales department. Everyone’s gaze turned toward the office, and whispers filled the air.

Jared’s curiosity piqued. He approached Maria and asked, "What happened?"

Glancing at him, Maria replied coldly, "Go back to your desk. Ms. Sullivan has arrived. No one knows why she's here, but she's gone into the office. Be careful; don't offend her—you'll get me in trouble!"

Jared frowned slightly. "Ms. Sullivan? Josephine is here?"

Everyone instantly looked at him. Maria glared and snarled, "Are you trying to get us fired? You can't address Ms. Sullivan by her first name! Don't cause trouble!"

The others distanced themselves, fearing involvement in any conflict Jared might cause.

"Get back to work, Jared! Stop talking nonsense!" Hilda steered him back to his desk.

Meanwhile, Zayne was in his office, eyes closed, planning a nap after lunch wine. He heard the office door click but didn't open his eyes; only his subordinates would enter at this time. Maria was the only one who dared to enter without knocking; anyone else would be reprimanded.

"Good timing, Maria," he murmured, eyes still closed. "Come massage my temples; I have a headache."

Josephine's arrival silenced him. "Are you asking me to massage your temples?"

Zayne's eyes snapped open. Seeing Josephine's icy stare, his expression changed instantly.

Thud!

He leaped to his feet, tripped, and fell. Wincing, he scrambled up and approached her ingratiatingly. "Ms. Sullivan, w-why are you here?"

"If I didn't come, were you planning to turn the office into a massage parlor?" Josephine asked icily.

"No, no! Of course not! I wouldn't dare! Please forgive me, Ms. Sullivan…" Zayne shook his head profusely, nearly kneeling.

Josephine said nothing but went to the desk. Zayne quickly pulled out a chair for her.

Once seated, she ordered, "Call Jared in."

"J-Jared?" Zayne was startled. "How does she know him?"

"Did you not hear me?" Josephine frowned.

"Yes! I'll get him immediately!"

Terrified, Zayne hurried out.

The gossiping employees quickly returned to their desks, feigning diligence, but their eyes remained fixed on Zayne. They were eager to know why Josephine had arrived.

Zayne strode to Jared's desk. "Jared, Ms. Sullivan wants to see you. Watch what you say!"

Jared went to the office. He wasn't surprised; Josephine was undoubtedly looking for him.

Whispers filled the sales department: "Why does Ms. Sullivan want to see him?" "How strange! They don't know each other. Why him?" "Could it be about Dexter Murphy's debt?" "No way! Mr. Carlson hasn't reported it; how would she know?"

Everyone wondered why Josephine had summoned Jared.