Jason's POV
Mistakes happen all the time.
Even if we realize them later, it's often too late. The damage is already done. I've always known I've made a mistake when that unsettling feeling creeps inâthe sense of losing focus and trying to figure out what I could have possibly done wrong.
The same feeling hit me right after those words left my mouth:
"You're fired."
The words echoed louder in my head, agitating me with the realization that I'd made a big mistake. From one perspective, I was only doing what any boss would do when an employee disrespects a friend of his in an unfriendly manner. But deep down, I couldn't shake the sense that I had overreacted.
I'll admit, I was intrigued by her from the beginning. When she asked me out in the elevator the other day, I was surprised by her boldness. I masked my disappointment when I realized her real intent wasn't what I thought.
Honestly, this pandemic seems to have emboldened women to pursue whatever they wantâa change I admire. I've always respected women and their equal rights, and I find independent, confident women undeniably attractive.
My phone buzzed, breaking my thoughts. Chase's name flashed on the screen. I leaned back in my chair and answered.
"Hey."
"For the first time in forever, I've received a complaint about you firing our best company secretaryâthirty minutes ago, no less," Chase said.
I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose with my thumb and forefinger as I closed my eyes. Of course, word traveled fast.
"Yes, I did. Jaliyah Keng came to discuss investing in her new hotel, but instead, I found her arguing outside my office. According to her, she was only talking to Sylvia, my P.A., but Miss Kellen intervened instead of minding her business. She spoke rudely to Jaliyah, and when I asked her to apologize, she refused. I had no choice but to fire her. I can't have someone like that representing the company."
"Miss Kellen?" Chase sounded confused, which annoyed me.
"Yes. Miss Kellenâthe company secretary I just fired. Were you even paying attention?"
"I was, until you mentioned a different name. Morris didn't bother sharing her name earlier. What's her full name again?"
"Shay Kellen."
There was silence on the other end. I frowned and checked my phone to confirm the call hadn't disconnected.
"Chase, you there?"
"Yeah... still here," he said, clearing his throat. "Shay Kellen, huh? From the Department of Registrar of Companies? Blonde? Tall? Pretty? Is that her?"
I was surprised by how easily he described her. Curiosity stirred within me.
"Yes. And how exactly do you know her?"
"I met her once," he replied, curtly.
"Where?"
He sighed, clearly bored with the questioning.
"Doesn't matter. It's good you got rid of her, though."
I frowned. "Why is that a good thing?"
"You'll find out someday. Anyway, I've got a golf thing with Dad. Oh, and make sure to find a replacement. The Department of Registrar of Companies can't function without a secretary, remember?"
Before I could respond, Sylvia walked in, looking uncomfortable.
"Yeah, I'll handle it," I muttered, ending the call.
I turned my attention to Sylvia, gesturing for her to sit.
"About earlier..." she began hesitantly. "It was my fault. I'm the one you should fire, not Shay. I should've handled the situation instead of letting her intervene. I'm sorry."
I studied her expression, trying to discern if she was being honest or simply trying to save her cousin's job.
"It's okay, Miss Falcon. Jaliyah doesn't have an issue with you. Miss Kellen, however, reacted unprofessionally. Firing her was the right decision. Her behavior today showed me she could act the same way with other clients or employees in the future, and I can't allow that."
Sylvia bit her lip, her expression anxious.
"She was trying to help me."
"Did you need help?"
"No, butâ"
"Exactly. Maintaining professionalism when dealing with clients is a rule I expect everyone to follow. Miss Kellen failed to uphold that standard."
Sylvia nodded reluctantly, her face a mix of guilt and resignation.
"I understand. But I'd still like to apologize to Miss Keng. I even got her a gift as a gesture of goodwill. Could you give me her address, sir?"
I glanced at the Pandora bag in her lap, knowing Jaliyah's penchant for luxury.
"Sure. But I'm coming with you."
Sylvia looked surprised as I grabbed my jacket and phone. The only reason I wanted to go was to ensure Jaliyah didn't rethink our deal after what happened earlier.
OoO
I rang the doorbell to Jaliyah's apartment and waited. It took about a minute for her to open the door. Her smile slipped the moment her eyes landed on Sylvia, standing awkwardly beside me.
"Oh god, what now?" she asked bitterly.
I cleared my throat to draw her attention, and when her gaze shifted to me, her demeanor instantly softened, her lips curling into a warm smile.
"Hey, Jaliyah."
"Hello, Jason."
"Miss Falcon here wanted to stop by," I said, gesturing toward Sylvia. "She has something to say to you and... something to offer as well."
We both turned to Sylvia, who looked visibly nervous. She forced a small smile, fidgeting slightly before speaking.
"Um, yes. I just... wanted to apologize again for what happened earlier at work," she said softly. "I'm also apologizing on behalf of my cousin. I'm sure she's feeling just as bad about it as I am. I hope this can make up for everything we said."
Sylvia extended the Pandora bag toward Jaliyah. After a brief pause, Jaliyah took it, her narrowed eyes filled with suspicion. One peek inside the bag, however, and her face lit up with a dazzling smile that could have easily been mistaken for a toothpaste commercial.
"Of course I forgive you!" she exclaimed, practically glowing. "I'd almost forgotten about what happened today, so don't worry, darling. No hard feelings for you or your cousin. We're cool."
Sylvia's face broke into a wide grin, and she glanced back at me as if seeking approval. I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck.
"So, we're still good about what we discussed earlier?" I asked.
Jaliyah's grin turned playful as she winked at me.
"Duh! I'll take care of the paperwork and let you know when it's ready."
With that, Sylvia and I left her apartment building. On the drive back to work, I mulled over a thought that had been nagging at me. With Sylvia sitting next to me and no distractions, I decided to bring it up.
"I'm curious about something."
"About what?" she replied cautiously, her voice tentative.
I glanced at her, catching her gaze already fixed on me.
"You said you're related to Shay Kellen, right?"
She nodded quickly, her expression guarded.
"Yes. I remember saying that."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "From whose side?"
She hesitated, looking away before lowering her gaze to her hands resting in her lap.
"Um, my mom's."
I nodded thoughtfully, leaning back against the seat.
"Well, that explains the different last names. If your dads were related, she'd also be a Falcon, right?"
Her body went rigid for a moment before she forced an awkward chuckle, her lips stretching into an uneasy smile.
"Yeah, right. Honestly, I'm glad she's not a Falcon like me. It'd be a total disaster if she were."
She laughed nervously and quickly turned her face toward the window, avoiding further eye contact.
I watched her for a moment, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. Her answer didn't sound convincing at all, and now I wanted to know why.