CHAPTER 49
ARIA’S POV
“Lusually d
usually do this all the time with everyone here and they never object. If you don’t like, then I won’t.”
The audacity of this old man! He must have tried it on the juniors and they will not dare speak against him, but I know my place on the organization chart. If he is a project manager then I am the general manager.
It is actually fun to see how they are behaving with me because they do not know that Lam Neal’s sister. If they had known,
perhaps they would have been bootlickers–from what I observed.
“The office needs some rules and regulations in place I guess.”
As my statement reverberated through the room, I could sense the shock rippling through the assembled individuals.This
brother’s company and anyone creating issues around here won’t be spared.
is is my
my
With a firm resolve, I made it clear that any further disruptions or challenges would not be tolerated. This was not simply a matter of personal pride or ego–it was a matter of upholding the integrity and professionalism of the company that my brother
had worked so hard to build.
By issuing this warning. I hoped to send a clear message to all those present; that I was prepared to defend the interests of the
company and its employees, and that any attempts to undermine or disrupt its operations would be met with swift and decisive
action.
“Is this the only project you’re handling?”
Uncle Sam glances at me, then looks at Suzanne, who has turned red with anger.
“For now, this is the only one assigned.”
Then Uncle Sam tells me that we can speak about the project over lunch and that since I am new, I am being given a treat at the hotel restaurant that sponsors our company. Well, I agree to leave with both Suzanne and Sam, because I want to get to know
these snakes and see what they are up to.
As we arrive at the hotel restaurant, in a private dining room, I feel ill at ease. Uncle Sam tells me that he is our partner from the Whistle Company, handling a very important and lucrative project. Instantly, I sense something unsettling about him.
I wonder what lucrative business he has to offer us.
“We have not done a proper introduction. We forgot to shake hands.”
He extends his hand and when I extend my hand for a handshake, Uncle Sam’s grip is far too tight, and his touch lingers longer than necessary. It’s clear that his intentions are anything but professional, and I feel a wave of discomfort wash over me as I struggle to extricate my hand from his grasp.
Though I maintain a composed exterior, inwardly I am seething with indignation at his brazen behavior. It’s a stark reminder of
+15 Bonus
the challenges women face in male–dominated industries, where even the most basic interactions can be fraught with unwelcome advances and boundary violations.
Although the urge to confront him and demand an explanation for his actions, I resist the temptation, knowing that such confrontations are rarely productive. Instead, I make a mental note to steer clear of him and remain vigilant against any further
attempts at inappropriate behavior.
From the looks of it, it seems that this meeting has been planned by our dear Suzanne at such a short notice and that I need to be vigilant about my surroundings and every one’s move.
Once we are seated, they order for drinks and mind you, they order for alcoholic drinks, while I request to the waiter for a non-
alcohol cocktail. When the two idiots started talking about supposedly new prospects, I made as if I was paying attention to them.
However, to my astonishment, I spot Suzanne spiking my drink. So it is her plan all along. She wants to get me laid by Uncle Sam
and then tarnish my reputation in order for me to get fired. Uncle Sam smirks as he seems to know what just happened.
The funniest part is that they think that I did not notice anything. However, I decide to play with them. Hence, I excuse myself to
go to the restroom. As I am heading there, I am caught by Adam
“Adam?!”
Adam catching me by the arm and forcing me to face him is not something I was prepared for.
“Listen, Aria… I saw that lady spiking your drink.”
Oh, so he saw that too and he thinks he is here to warn me.
“I already know!”
Adam is appalled. He is even more shock when I release my arm from his grip. He can’t be thinking
leaving this restaurant together.
kine that any t
turn will lead to us
“Then why don’t you leave? Let’s get out of here.”
I giggle sarcastically at his suggestion. Adam looks upset and to my utter astonishment, he requests me to come back home with
him.
Was he high? Didn’t he know that we were already divorced? Without saying a word, I stare at him with contempt and leave
without looking back.
As I get to the private dining room, I take a seat and then while they are busy talking. It looks like Uncle Sam had too many drinks in a row and he was blabbering a lot. Therefore, I seize this opportunity and I swap my drink quickly with Suzanne’s cocktail
drink which looks exactly like mine. She sips it all up.
