Chapter 18 You’re Fired
+8 Pearls
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Helen pulled a bank card from her pocket and pressed it into Caroline’s hand. “Uncle Liam gave me several thousand dollars. Just take it. I hope it will help you cool down and stop blowing up at your colleagues in the workshop. It’s affecting production.”
Helen’s sincerity and dedication to the company appeared genuine, but Caroline knew the malicious intent behind that facade. Hearing those words now made her feel sick..
“Don’t think everyone is a fool,” Caroline said, gently pushing Helen’s hand away
To her surprise, Helen dramatically collapsed to the floor, tears welling up instantly in her eyes. She looked utterly aggrieved.
“Aunt Caroline, if you don’t want Uncle Liam’s money, that’s fine, but why push me?”
Liam immediately rose from his office chair and hurried over to lift Helen. “Are you okay?”
Helen wiped the corner of her eye with her sleeve. “Uncle Liam, I’m alright,” she said, coughing softly.
This only made Liam even more sympathetic.
“Helen, go sit in the office chair and drink some water,” he said gently. Then he turned to Caroline, his expression sharp. “Helen was kind to you, so why did you push her? Have you lost all sense of decency?”
Liam felt Caroline had been growing worse by the day–unreasonable, malicious, and morally bankrupt.
If this kept up, who knew what kind of trouble she might cause next? He resolved to investigate which man had led her astray and teach him a lesson.
In the face of his questioning, Caroline simply smiled. She picked up a cup of tea from the table and splashed it into Liam’s
face.
Liam was stunned by her sudden move, frozen for a few seconds before wiping the tea leaves from his face, his anger boiling
over.
“Caroline, do you know what you’re doing?”
Caroline looked at his pathetic demeanor, a smirk playing on her lips. Her tone was nonchalant “Of course, I do! Your eyesight must be bad, so I thought I’d help you wash your eyes.”
When she had lightly pushed Helen, it was obvious that Helen’s fall was faked. Anyone with half a brain could see through it.
But Helen had put on a show, continuing to cough weakly–a performance only Liam failed to see through. Or perhaps het didn’t bother to look, assuming it had to be Caroline’s fault.
Liam, seething with rage at her mocking tone, couldn’t stand it anymore.
“You’re fired. Reflect on this at home. This is my final decision, and don’t even think about begging. When you’ve truly reflected and written a report, I’ll consider letting you join the factory again based on your behavior.
Caroline agreed readily. “Fine by me!”
Liam hadn’t expected her to accept so quickly, and he felt a strange discomfort. He hesitated for a moment. “I hope you won’t regret this!
Caroline hadn’t been to college and lacking any skills, would have nowhere else to go but their family’s clothing factory. He was certain she would come crawling back.
“I’ll say the same to you,” Caroline replied, her dark eyes narrowing as she gave him a strange smile and walked out with flair.
Chapter 18 You’re Fired
+8 Pearts
Caroline had nothing of importance at the company except a water cup in the pantry. She fetched her cup and left the office without a backward glance.
Unfortunately, as she walked to the bus stop, it began to drizzle. By the time she arrived, the rain had turned heavy, soaking through her clothes and chilling her to the bone, though still not as cold as her heart.
She scanned the sparse traffic, looking for her bus
“Get in.”
A smooth, low voice pulled her out of her thoughts. She turned to see a car parked in front of her.
Blake was sitting in the driver’s seat, the window rolled down, looking at her.
With no bus in sight and the rain pouring down, Caroline didn’t hesitate. She opened the car door and got in quickly.
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Blake handed her a tissue. “Here, dry off.”
“Thank you,” Caroline said, smiling after a moment’s pause, as she wiped the water from her face. “Dr. Sherwood, what brings you here?”
This industrial area rarely saw much traffic, and she was puzzled by his
presence.
“Just passing through, Blake replied, his eyes deep and intense. “Where are you headed! IT give you a ride.”
Caroline quickly waved her hand. “No need, really. Just drop me at the bus stop ahead with some shelter, and I’ll catch a cab
from there.”
Waterford Gardens was over 10 miles away, and since she didn’t know Blake well, she felt awkward accepting such a favor.
“I have the time. Where do you live? I’ll take you.”
As Blake spoke, a car behind them honked, urging them to move. Blake, however, made no motion to drive off, his eyes still
on her.
Caroline had no choice but to accept his offer. “I live in Waterford Gardens. Thank you, Dr. Sherwood.
Blake finally turned his gaze forward, a small smile playing on his lips as he started the car.
Caroline found herself warming to him. Her eyes strayed to the rearview mirror, studying his face.
He had always worn a mask at the hospital, hiding his features. Now she finally saw them clearly.
His face was as smooth and pale as jade, his features strikingly refined, especially his deeply set eyes that exuded an air of sophistication and kindness.
Are doctors these days all this handsome?
Lost in her thoughts, Caroline jumped when Blake glanced up, their eyes meeting in the mirror. Embarrassed, she quickly looked away, her cheeks heating up.
The rest of the drive was quiet, neither saying a word until they arrived at Waterford Gardens.
Thank you for the ride. Dr. Sherwood, Caroline said as she stepped out of the car. “I’ll be going now.”
The rain was still coming down in gentle sprays. Caroline hurried toward the entrance of her complex.
After a few steps, she realized the rain had stopped over her head..
She looked up and saw a black umbrella covering her.
Send Gifts
Chapter 18 You’re Fired
+B Pearls
The two walked together, chatting and laughing, a scene observed by Wren and Ruth sitting by their balcony, eating snacks.
Ruth’s eyes widened in shock. “Mom, is that Caroline down there?”
