Xo Novel
Chapter 24
He spoke with a sneer. “Do you even know what you’re talking about, Jasper? Ariana studied at a prestigious foreign university and is fluent in several languages. Her performances won her numerous awards, and even before graduation, she received a multitude of job offers from renowned companies. She interned in several international firms, and her resume alone outshines yours, Jasper. “
Jasper’s heart sank at the sound of those forceful words, leaving him defeated and unable to utter a single syllable. After all, it was because of Ariana’s excellence that he had a crush on her back then and tried his best to woo her.
Ariana looked at Theodore in complete astonishment, wondering how he could be so familiar with her educational background and work experience. It was as if he had read her entire resume and knew everything about her!
However, despite her surprise, Ariana couldn’t help but feel a warm sense of approval from Theodore. Knowing that he had her back in front of everyone meant everything to her.
The tension in the air was palpable, and it seemed as if no one knew what to say. Just when it seemed like the silence would never break, Darian stepped in to mediate the situation. “It’s not impossible for Ariana to work in the company,” he said. “I'll make sure to arrange an easy position for her later on.
That way, she can go to work and take care of Theodore at the same time.”
Everyone present knew that Darian’s words were merely a formality, an attempt to brush the issue under the rug and avoid any further conflict.
Theodore’s face was a picture of ease as he let the words flow from his lips. “All right then,” he said, a glint in his eye. “The seat of the executive director for SJ Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Anderson Group, is now available, and Ariana just so happens to be the perfect fit for the job. Although it’s a director position, it perfectly aligns with Ariana’s area of expertise. | have no doubt that she'll be able to take it in her stride.”
“No way!” Jasper’s reaction was explosive; he rejected the proposal with a loud voice that bordered on the edge of a curse.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
It was no surprise, given that the executive director position for SJ Entertainment was the exact position Jasper had been working toward, the very thing he had been waiting for.
SJ Entertainment had become the cash cow for the Anderson Group, and the executive directorship was the pinnacle of power and wealth. With this position, he would have the power to not only lead the company, but also make a great deal of money. It was the best starting point for him to enter the Anderson Group, and a position he could easily be promoted from in a matter of years.
How dare Theodore offer Ariana such a lofty position!
Darian was not pleased with this decision and expressed his disapproval. “Theodore, have you thought this through? Ariana may be excellent, but she lacks the experience and expertise to handle such a pivotal role in the company.”
Theodore was quick to retort, “And Jasper is experienced?” His words were laced with sarcasm, causing Darian to fall silent.
As for Ariana, the sudden proposal was enough to induce a panic attack. How could she, with limited experience, be appointed as a director? Was Theodore setting her up for failure?
In a last-ditch effort to communicate her thoughts to Theodore, Ariana discreetly winked at him, imploring him to consider the consequences.)
But Theodore remained indifferent to their reactions and proposed a bet. “Let’s see who performs better. Ariana and Jasper will start as agents in SJ Entertainment, and whoever generates a profit of 5 million dollars first will become the director. The loser will be banished from the Anderson Group forever.”
Darian and Jasper burst into laughter as soon as they heard that proposition.
“Oh, Theodore! You are far too confident in your wife,” Jasper commented, his words dripping with undeniable contempt. “What do you say?” Theodore asked again, this time with a mischievous smile.
Jasper glanced at his father before saying, “I can accept the bet, but on the condition that Ariana mustn’t tell anyone that she’s your wife. Also, you mustn't help her no matter what happens. We should play fair. Do we have a deal?”
Ariana badly wanted to chew Jasper out. She bit her lower lip to restrain herself.
She found him repulsively shameless. Everyone knew that he was the second son of the Anderson family. He would use it to his advantage, but he wanted her to keep her identity under wraps. How was that fair? Only a fool would agree to such a condition.