Xo Novel
Chapter 28
With a sudden burst of courage, Ariana flung open the cubicle door, startling the cackling duo. The laughter was suddenly silenced as the women gaped at Ariana in disbelief.
As Donna’s subordinates, they had long been accustomed to following her lead. Taking their cue from Donna’s disdainful attitude, they too decided to taunt and harass the hapless newcomer, Ariana.
But being caught red-handed by the person they were gossiping about, they still felt a bit embarrassed.
As if unfazed by the rude and belittling remarks, Ariana approached the sink to clean her hands, but not before retaliating with a sharp comeback. “Why don’t you continue? You're right, | did land this job because of my connections. | am, in fact, the paramour of a leader.”
Her words hung in the air, leaving the two women speechless.
Smirking slyly, Ariana turned off the faucet and uttered in a tone loaded with insinuation, “But let’s not guess too lowly. | suggest you guess someone with more clout. Perhaps | am the wife of the CEO himself.”
Despite the convincing delivery, Ariana’s bold claim was met with ridicule and laughter.
“Ha! The very idea of you and Mr. Theodore Anderson together is a complete joke,” sneered one woman. “If you really were with him, how come you were sent to the storage room?”
“Don’t waste your time chasing after a cripple. Theodore’s position is precarious. Why not aim higher and set your sights on someone like Hiram Watts?” The other woman chortled.
The fiery indignation roiling within Ariana was about to boil over. They even dared to belittle their boss.
Ariana’s voice turned frosty as she spoke. “Mr. Anderson was recently in a car accident and is still recovering. Yet, you two find it fitting to start spreading rumors. Do you not fear your words may reach his ears? After all, Theodore is the eldest son of the Anderson family. Who do you think you are to gossip about him?”
One of the women, still unconvinced, retorted, “So what if he’s an Anderson? He’s just disabled. With Mr. Jasper Anderson entering SJ Entertainment, Theodore will soon be ousted.”
Ariana couldn't help but let out a chuckle. “Jasper? That buffoon is no match for Theodore. If he ever takes over the company, he'll run it into the ground.”
The two women stared at Ariana in disbelief. “Are you insane? How could you say something like that about Mr. Jasper Anderson?”
“Believe it or not.” Ariana didn’t want to waste any more breath on them. She quickly washed her hands and made a hasty exit from the restroom.
At night, the Anderson family’s mansion was brightly lit.
Theodore sat at his desk scrutinizing documents with a pen in hand. A massive screen perched on the wall in front of him displayed a video call in progress. Horace’s face flickered on the screen as he reported work.
With a frown on his face, Horace hesitated, as if he had something more to say.
When Theodore glanced up, he caught sight of the uncertain fook on Horace’s face and understood there was more to be discussed.
Theodore hurled the pen away, pinching his nose, and asked, “What's on your mind? Speak up.”
Horace took a deep breath and gingerly stated, “Everyone in the office is murmuring about your accident and disability. They are spreading rumors behind your back.”
Theodore, unfazed, took a sip of water and replied in an indifferent voice, “Let them. Gossip is just that, no more.” Horace didn’t stop there. “And, Ms. Edwards spoke in your favor today,” he revealed.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
Curiosity piqued, Theodore leaned forward. “Really? What did she say?” he asked, his eyes glistening with interest.