Unexpected Fiancée novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Being Fair

"Sherry Alick, do you mind if I have a word with Mr. Pansy?" Jane interjected.

Monica momentarily glanced at the woman in red, Sherry Alick, before shifting her focus to Patrick.

The name Sherry Alick jogged Jane's memory.

Jane suddenly realized that Sherry was the director of the design department in a jewelry company under the Pansy Group's umbrella. Her family's connections allowed her to attain such a high position at a young age.

"I'm also discussing a matter with Mr. Pansy. Monica, don't you understand the principle of first come, first served?" Sherry voiced her dissatisfaction.

Patrick leaned back in his chair, directing a frosty gaze at Jane.

Jane had contacted him earlier, informing him of her delayed arrival at work. He wondered why she appeared so disheveled, and why Monica had pulled her into this confrontation.

"Revise it," Patrick said curtly, handing the design draft back to Sherry.

"Very well, Mr. Pansy," Sherry acknowledged, taking the design and stepping back. Patrick's expression hardened as he turned his attention to Monica and Jane.

"What's going on?" he inquired.

"Mr. Pansy, Jane arrived late to work today for no apparent reason. I don't think we can retain such a careless employee in our secretary department," Monica complained.

Rumors had it that Mike had pressured Patrick into accepting Jane as his fiancée. Patrick had no feelings for Jane and didn't seem to like her at all.

Monica believed that driving Jane away could earn her favor with Patrick, given his apparent dislike for Jane.

"She informed me of her tardiness today," Patrick stated indifferently, toying with his pen. Monica was taken aback, rendered speechless.

It was widely known that Patrick had no affection for Jane, who hailed from the countryside. Monica couldn't understand why he was defending her.

"Very well, you may leave now," Patrick said impatiently, loosening his tie.

Monica and Sherry turned towards the door.

"Wait a moment, Monica," Jane interjected, clearing her throat.

Monica paused and inquired, "What is it?"

Jane's gaze darkened.

"Aren't you going to explain what happened last night?" Jane asked.

"What exactly happened last night?" Monica replied, a hint of guilt in her eyes as she avoided Jane's gaze.

"You told me to wait at the office for a document, but no document ever arrived. You had me stay late at the office, making me think there was work to be done. Don't you think you owe me an explanation?" Jane squinted at her.

Monica hadn't anticipated that Jane would confront her about what happened the previous night in front of Patrick. Her expression changed, but she kept her composure and responded, "What are you talking about, Jane? I merely asked you to complete your work before heading home. When did I mention bringing you a document? Is there a misunderstanding on your part?"

Jane knew that Monica would deny her accusations. She took out her phone and played the recorded conversation. Monica's voice was heard clearly: "Well, the thing is I just received a call. There's another document that must be inputted into the system. I'm on my way with it. Just wait there."

Monica was unaware that Jane had recorded their conversation the previous night. She bit her lip and attempted to refute Jane's claims, "That's not how it happened, Mr. Pansy. Don't trust Jane. She-"

But Jane cut her off with a smug smile.

"Are you implying that the recording is fabricated? That I had someone create it? It's easily verified. We could have an expert analyze it to determine its authenticity."

Monica's face paled.

She had intended to accuse Jane of doctoring the recording and wronging her, but with Jane's challenge, she was left speechless. The prospect of Patrick seeking an expert to scrutinize the recording unnerved Monica.

"I-" Monica struggled to find words.

"Apologize to Jane," Patrick interjected.

Jane was taken aback.

She had not expected things to take this turn.

Monica was a senior employee at Pansy Group, and the mutual dislike between her and Jane was widely known. Patrick's interference was surprising and encouraging. It seemed that Patrick was a man who could distinguish right from wrong.