Edith's heart raced with panic.
Had Jasper recognized this woman? Would he expose Edith's lies and hold her accountable?
Edith’s face turned pale. Her entire body stiffened as she looked at the woman before her, Willow Nason.
Her lips trembled as she attempted to speak, but she was utterly speechless. Amidst the turmoil of shock, fear, resentment, and regret, her emotions were tortuously drawn out like a slow execution.
"Miss, did I disturb you just now? I'm really sorry. I'll get back to work right away! I won't make any noise again," Willow said. She bowed apologetically to the secretary.
During Willow’s interview, the HR department had warned her that the employees on the top floor were all important figures. She should be quiet and cautious while carrying out her cleaning duties, and to never disturb or provoke the top-level staff. Otherwise, she would bear the consequences.
She had just been arguing with Samantha and tussling with Jasper moments ago—it must have disturbed the secretary. That's why the secretary rushed out in a fluster.
After that apology, Willow left with a mop in hand.
Edith didn't stop Willow. She didn't know the current situation, so she was unsure of how to face Jasper.
Her voice was gentle as she called Jasper carefully. "Mr. Hughes, good morning."
"Hmm," Jasper hummed back. It was difficult to tell his mood.
However, his eyes grew chillingly cold. It sent a shiver down Edith's spine.
Edith treaded carefully, her heart pounding. She was mentally prepared for Jasper to confront her in the next second, questioning her deceit and demanding answers.
Willow, who was hastening toward the utility room, heard the way the secretary addressed the man. A jolt of electricity ran down her spine, causing her to freeze instantly.
Damn it!
Why hadn't she realized that this guy was the CEO of Hughes Corporation?
The nightclub manager had referred to him as a big shot.
She had bumped into him in the top floor restroom yesterday, too.
And today, she had seen him at the elevator.
Then, she recalled that her son Julian had mentioned apologizing to Jasper yesterday. At that time, she listened casually and didn’t pay much attention to the name.
Why didn't it occur to her that the big shot addressed as "Mr. Jasper" was Hughes Corporation's CEO?
She berated herself for her slow wit, and hit her head in frustration.
She had provoked him twice on his own turf. No wonder he had misunderstood her intentions, and thought she was deliberately getting close to him!
What a huge misunderstanding!
Willow slipped into the utility room quickly, like she was fleeing death. She vowed to avoid Jasper from now on, and not to stir up any trouble.
Jasper's indifferent gaze followed her fleeing figure. He then withdrew his gaze, turning coldly toward Edith.
Seeing his cold eyes, Edith's already guilty heart trembled.
"As I’ve said yesterday, don't allow random people onto this floor anymore. Why wasn't that carried out?" Jasper's low and magnetic voice was commanding and filled with oppression. Being in a high position, he was accustomed to speaking that way.
Edith was momentarily stunned. She realized he wasn't referring to her deception. She hurriedly replied, "I’ll improve our management, sir. It won't happen again in the future."
"Won't happen again? That woman, Lara, just walked right past you. Why didn't you handle it?" Jasper's tone was filled with displeasure. After that, he walked swiftly to his office.
Lara?
Hearing this name, Edith felt a mix of shock and relief.
So, Jasper hadn't recognized the woman from that night as his past lover. Instead, he believed her name to be Lara.
Edith's heart, which had been pounding in fear, finally eased a little.
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