Novel Square
Chapter 37
Horace smiled politely, ignoring the sarcasm in his tone, and went on. “It’s simple professional etiquette. It's good that lvan went out of his way to explain things to the management. According to him, he canceled the shoot because the model spoke ill of his designs and refused to act according to his suggestions. He said that he can’t work with such an arrogant and difficult person. Although he wanted to terminate the deal completely, he decided to continue cooperating with SJ Entertainment on the condition that the key model must be changed. And it’s all thanks to Ms. Edwards’ timely intervention.”
The onlookers began to murmur as soon as they heard this statement. Their opinions of Ariana changed.
Brielle’s face darkened. How dare Horace tear her down in the presence of all these people? She was so angry, but she decided to clear her name before things turned sour for her.
“It was just a misunderstanding. | didn’t speak ill of the designs, nor did | go against him arrogantly. | just made a simple observation. Ivan is Italian. Perhaps he misunderstood my words because English is not his first language. The interpreter, who was supposed to act as a bridge between us arrived late. It is all her fault!”
Horace was not surprised that Brielle was pinning the blame on someone else. “| see. Since no one wants to take the blame, | will report this incident to the boss.”
Brielle looked horrified. She didn’t expect things to get out of hand. She dreaded having to face dire consequences should the matter be tabled by the higher-ups.
She shot a glare at Ariana and stormed out angrily. Her assistants and bodyguards followed her out. The studio became empty all of a sudden Jasper’s face was gloomy. He walked toward Ariana menacingly, intending to exchange words with her. But Horace stepped between them.
“Mr. Jasper Anderson, your father is waiting for you in his office. | think you should go now.”
Jasper snorted and stared daggers at him. “Mr. Silence, can you remind me when you were made my boss? If my memory serves me right, you are just my brother’s assistant. Why are you interfering in my work?”
Horace just gave him a professional smile.
Jasper’s brows twitched as he restrained his anger. The most disgusting set of people in his books were overzealous employees like Horace. This lad was cunning and loyal to a fault.
After the staring contest, Jasper had no choice but to leave. Donna wanted to follow him out like a loyal chick would. However, Horace stopped her.
“Wait a minute, Ms. Scott. You are Ms. Edwards’ superior. You fired her without carrying out the required investigation on the matter. Don’t you have some explaining to do concerning your actions?”
Donna halted and turned around slowly with an embarrassed smile. “Mr. Silence, it was just a minor misunderstanding.”
“You call that a minor misunderstanding?” Horace sauntered toward her with his hands behind his back. In a flat tone, he continued, “Even someone with half a brain would be able to tell it wasn’t minor. Had | not stepped in at the time | did, Ms. Edwards here would have been kicked out of the company. You made a terrible mistake. Since you were unprofessional in dealing with the matter, your monthly bonus will be docked. You also have to apologize to Ms. Edwards.
Donna rubbed her hands awkwardly, and her shrewd eyes were filled with unwillingness. “I accept the punishment, but you want me to apologize to... Ariana... Isn’t that too much? I’m a department manager after all.” “No, it’s not too much. It’s actually the barest minimum you can do. Managers must lead by example. If you don’t want to
apologize for your wrongdoing, | can have you replaced,” Horace uttered in a cold tone. His words dripped with all seriousness.
Donna knew that he was a man of his word. She couldn't lose her position because of her subordinate. She swallowed hard and walked to Ariana reluctantly. Lowering her head, she said vaguely, “I’m sorry...”Original from NôvelDrama.Org.
Her voice was so low, unlike how it was a few moments ago. Ariana’s lips curved in a sneer.
“There’s no point apologizing since you don’t mean it. All | ask is for you to be fair. | was supposed to work here as an agent, but you assigned me to the warehouse to do menial jobs. You are yet to give me an official assignment. Don’t you think that’s unfair? Why are you doing this to me? Do you harbor a grudge against me? Or did someone else put you up to this?”
The someone else Ariana had in mind now was Jasper.