Chapter 21 Why Didn’t You Fight Back

The knee-length, long-sleeve, red dress Alexia wore cost her over 300 dollars. Even though it was nowhere near as extravagant as the other secretaries’ gowns, she didn’t think it was a bad dress.

There was nothing wrong with being more modest, was there?

“Of course there’s something wrong with it!” the secretary said in a sarcastic tone. “As Mr. Lancaster’s secretary, you represent the image of the company. To dress like this for the President’s welcome party is not only a disgrace to our secretaries but also to Mr. Lancaster and the company. Why don’t you think about any of this?”

“Disgrace?” Alexia said, frowning. “I don’t think I’m ashamed. In fact, I think you…”

Alexia trailed off, her gaze falling on the cleavages of the three secretaries. They really were dressed to impress, exuding confidence and elegance.

“What are you looking at!” the secretary shrieked, covering her chest with her hands as she glared at Alexia.

Looking back up at the secretary, Alexia smiled slightly. “If I remember correctly, Mr. Lancaster mentioned female employees had to dress appropriately. Are you purposely disobeying the President’s orders?”

At that, the three secretaries’ faces stiffened, and Alexia silently congratulated herself.

Straightening her sleeve the secretary wrinkled, Alexia continued, “As you said, we secretaries represent the company’s image. What will other guests think of your revealing dresses? Maybe they’ll think we only hire vulgar women?”

“Alexia, how dare you talk to us like that?”

“You brought this upon yourselves.”

“You…”

They were furious. They’d never expected someone like Alexia, seemingly as harmless as a bunny, to fight back.

“Alexia, you’re really something! It would be a shame if something happened.” The secretary in the middle suddenly splashed red wine in her hand towards Alexia.

Alexia couldn’t dodge the wine, and it drenched her. The dress soaked up the wine immediately; the material clinging to her body uncomfortably and making her shake in rage.

“You’re too much!” Alexia bit her lip and glared at them.

“Huh!” The secretary handed the empty glass to the woman beside her, crossing her arms and smirking. “There are more lessons waiting for you.”

Alexia dug her nails into her palms. “What have I done to offend you?”

“You really don’t know?” The secretary scoffed. “From the day you became Mr. Lancaster’s secretary, you’ve offended us. Why will an ordinary university graduate like you be on an equal footing with us?”

So, it was because of jealousy. Feeling more uncomfortable, Alexia said in a no-nonsense manner.

“You should ask Mr. Lancaster that question. What’s the use of asking me?”

Alexia also wanted to know why Chaim chose her as his secretary. The only thing she was sure of was that it had nothing to do with her being his wife.

“Maybe you used some dirty means.”

The secretary sneered. Alexia took a deep breath and suppressed her anger, “It really is a waste of time talking with you. Get out of my way.”

She shoved the secretary in front of her aside and headed for the washroom.

The secretary almost fell, but caught herself on one of the other secretaries. After stabilizing herself, she stomped her foot in anger.

“Damn it! Let’s teach her a lesson!”

After they left, Nathaniel stepped out of the shadows with his mobile phone.

“What an interesting scene. I can’t wait to see what Chaim will do when he sees it.”

The thought made him snicker as he headed for the lounge.

As soon as Nathaniel entered the door, he waved his phone and yelled, “Chaim, guess what I just saw?”

Chaim only glanced up at Nathaniel before continuing to sip his drink. “Not interested.”

Nathaniel pretended to hear him and continued. “I saw your wife being bullied.”

“Alexia?” Chaim’s eyes twitched slightly.

“Is there another woman I don’t know about?” Nathaniel’s eyes widened in mock surprise.

Ignoring Nathaniel’s jest, Chaim frowned, “She was being bullied?”

“Are you not interested?” Nathaniel picked up an apple and took a bite, looking at Chaim with interest.

Chaim’s face instantly darkened, anger flickering in his eyes.

“Hold on!” Knowing Chaim’s anger, Nathaniel set the apple down and moved closer to Chaim to play the video, “Here, just watch this”

Chaim took the phone and glared at the screen. Before the video finished, anger already clouded Chaim’s face. ‘How dare they!’

Chaim clenched both fists so tight that his knuckles turned white. “Wood!”

Assistant Chiao hurried in through the door. “Yes?”

“Bring up those gift boxes from my car.” Chaim ordered as he got up.

“Okay.” Assistant Chiao hurriedly did as he was told.

Throwing the phone back to Nathaniel, Chaim stepped toward the door.

“Chaim, are you going be the hero and save the damsel in distress?”

Chaim paused only for a moment, “Regardless of anything else, she’s still my wife.”

“It seems you care about her quite a lot.” Nathaniel stroked his chin.

“You’re thinking too much!” With that, Chaim left the room.

How could he possibly care about Alexia?

Nathaniel bit into the apple again, chuckling softly to himself, “Am I overthinking, or do you refuse to admit it…”

*****

As Chaim approached the washroom, he saw Alexia being grabbed by her hair and a woman about to slap her.

His heart tightened and expression instantly darkened as he growled. “What are you doing?”

With that, everyone there froze and their faces turned pale with fear.

“Mr.… Mr. Lancaster…”

Why was he here?

Alexia blinked in surprise. Chaim walked over and glanced over her with a dark face.

Making sure the only thing still injured was her dress, his face relaxed slightly before turning his attention to the three secretaries. “What were you doing?”

The three women looked at each other and stammered for words.

“Nothing to say for yourselves?” Chaim narrowed his eyes coldly. “Since that’s the case, go back to the office and write your resignation. The company can’t afford the risk of reputation because of you.”

Upon hearing they were being fired, the three secretaries scrambled to explain in panic, “Mr. Lancaster, please don’t! We…”

“Too late.” Chaim interrupted them impatiently, “Now get out of here. I don’t want to say it again.”

The three wailed as they ran away immediately.

Watching everything transpire in a dethatched way, Alexia regained her composure after a while and gained the courage to ask, “Chaim, are you really going to dismiss them?”

“I don’t need such small-minded secretaries.” Chaim pressed his lips together to form a thin line, “Why didn’t you fight back?”

If he had been a step later, she must have been slapped.

Alexia smoothed out her messy hair with a bitter smile, “How could I? It was three against one. It’s better to take it so they tire of me more quickly.”

“Such a philosopher.” Chaim said sarcastically.

A self-deprecating smile on her face, Alexia didn’t answer. What could she have done anyway? Since she was little, so many people had bullied her and there was never anyone around to save her.

Because of that, she was used to swallowing the humiliation.

“Follow me.” Chaim suddenly spoke.

“Where are we going?” Alexia asked in confusion.