After dismissing Clara, Nolanâs assistant returned to his side. âMr. Harris, I apologize for the inconvenience. This wonât happen again. As for the commercial shoot, Iâll arrange for a replacement promptly.â
âThe commercial can wait,â Nolan said with a sly grin. âThereâs something else I need you to take care of first,â he instructed, his gaze piercing.
Clara and her assistant, now ousted from the Harris Group, found themselves in the back of a chauffeured SUV. Clara was seething, âItâs all Ivyâs fault! I wonât let her get away with this! Not a chance!â
Her assistant, seated beside her, ventured timidly, âClara, maybe we should head to the hospital first. If we donât, your face might scarâ¦â
âWhat were you doing just now?â
Clara glared, her eyes blazing with fury as she redirected her anger towards her assistant. She slapped her hard across the face, âI asked, where were you doing? If youâd been there, Ivy wouldnât have been able to hurt me so easily!â
Already frightened, the assistant burst into tears after the slap. âClara, you had me go get your mug from upstairs. By the time I came down, you two were already fighting.â
Clara wasnât in the mood for excuses. She slapped her assistant on her other cheek, âItâs all your fault!
Youâre useless! What do I even keep you around for?â
Having vented her rage, Clara turned to stare out the window, her eyes swirling with malice. âIvy, you dare cross me? Weâll see about that!â
After leaving the Harris Group, Ivy walked aimlessly. She felt downhearted but there was nothing she could do. She could only go back to the Howard residence. Finding a new job would have to wait.
She made her way to the bus stop.
Sitting there, Ivy rubbed her hand. Striking Clara had taken all her strength, and her hand throbbed with the effort. Though she had given Clara a taste of her own medicine, it didnât ease her conscience.
She could tell that the interviewers at the Harris Group didnât wholly believe Claraâs allegations, but they hadnât dared to take a chance on hiring her either. She had lost this hard-earned opportunity, and now she didnât know what to doâ¦.
âIvy.â
The bus pulled to a halt, and Ivy heard someone call her name. She looked up to see a middle-aged woman in a business suit.
Ivy wracked her brain but didnât recognize her. âIâm sorry, who are you?â
âHello, Ivy. Iâm with the Harris Group. Our CEO sent me to find you. Heâd like to have a word with you, if youâre willing The woman explained her purpose.
Hearing that she was from the Harris Group, Ivy quickly stood up. âMay I ask what the CEO âants with me?â
âIâm not sure of the details, the woman replied. âPlease come with me to the office. The CEO will explain everything in person.â Ivy looked at her, her eyes filled with suspicion.