Chapter 246

My heart skipped a beat. Jasper? What could he have possibly done now?

I leaned in closer, my curiosity peaked. "Jasper? What did he do this time?"

Sarah's lips formed a tight line as she leaned in, lowering her voice. "He went to the executive committee, telling them all about your so-called ‘harmful’ work practices."

My breath caught in my throat, shock and disbelief washing over me. Jasper, that conniving asshole, resorting to deceit to tarnish my reputation? I should have expected as much. I knew better than to assume he would just take it like a grown-up, especially after trashing my office the last time,

"I don't understand. They wouldn't really believe him, right?" I exclaimed, my voice wavering slightly. It wasn’t like he had much to back up his claims, but Jasper had pulled strings before.

Sarah's expression darkened. "Jasper's uncle is one of the committee members. He's on his way here now."

Panic surged through me, and my eyes darted around the office space. The thought of Jasper's conniving tactics being backed by familial influence made my heart race with fear.

But I couldn't let my apprehension show. I had a responsibility, a batch of new interns to train today. I needed to maintain composure and ensure the office continued to function, because it wasn’t like anyone else would.

Taking a deep breath, I fought to calm my nerves. "Okay, everyone. Listen up," I called out, my voice projecting authority. "We need to stay focused and professional. No matter what happens, we do our jobs. Act natural, stay composed. Let's not give them any reason to doubt us."

Thirty minutes passed by with an excruciating slowness, tension suffusing the atmosphere as we awaited the arrival of the committee member. I busied myself with the interns, hoping the distraction would keep my me sharp.

Finally, the moment arrived. The committee member, Jasper's influential uncle, stepped into the office, his presence commanding attention. My heart pounded in my chest as I braced myself.

The atmosphere in the office turned tense as Jasper finally made his grand entrance, his uncle trailing behind him. A smug grin adorned Jasper's face, an air of self-assuredness exuding from him as they strolled around the workspace.

I squared my shoulders, steeling myself as I intercepted their path. "Jasper, what are you doing here? You have no business being in this office after what you did."

His smirk widened, the arrogance in his demeanor infuriating. "Ah, Evie, my dear. I was wrongfully terminated. I have every right to be here and stand my ground."

The audacity of his claim left me seething. "Wrongfully terminated? You were fired for your violent and irrational behavior, Jasper. You know it as well as I do."

His uncle, a man of stature with an air of authority, joined the conversation. "And who might you be, young lady?"

"Evie Sinclair," I replied firmly, refusing to falter under his gaze. "I'm in charge here, and I assure you, the decision to dismiss Jasper was justified."

Jasper's uncle eyed me skeptically. "You seem quite young to be in such a position of authority."

"I earned this position through hard work and dedication," I retorted, keeping my composure. "And who might you be, sir?”

His uncle adopted a smug grin, as if relishing the opportunity to flex his authority. "Arthur Litchfield, and I’m sure you’re aware that I am part of the executive committee. I'm here to investigate certain matters concerning the company."

"Investigate all you want, but you won't find anything," I stated firmly, crossing my arms over my chest.

Mr. Litchfield leaned in, attempting to assert dominance. "We'll see about that."

Their arrogant demeanors hung thick in the air as they sauntered around the office, poking their noses into every corner as if they owned the place.

"Excuse me, what exactly are you doing?" I interjected, my voice edged with irritation as they took it upon themselves to enter people’s cubicles.

Jasper glanced at me with a smirk, a pretense of superiority etched on his face. "We're just checking things out, Evie. Nothing concerns you."

My jaw clenched at his dismissive attitude. "Actually, it does concern me. This is a place of work, and your impromptu inspection is disrupting our workflow."

Mr. Litchfield chimed in, his tone patronizing. "Ah, and the young manager continues to speak. Quite assertive, isn’t she?"

I held back a retort, maintaining a veneer of professionalism despite the bristling frustration within me. "I'm responsible for ensuring the efficiency of this office, and your presence is hindering that."

Jasper feigned innocence, his demeanor dripping with condescension. "No need to get worked up. You now, like you usually do."

Mr. Litchfield's next words were cool and calculating. "Let's not dwell on personal disputes, you two. I'd like to review the financial reports, Ms. Sinclair. As a member of the executive committee, it's within my right to ensure everything is in order."

My resolve solidified. I had nothing to hide. "Of course, Mr. Litchfield. Follow me."

Leading them to my office, I felt the weight of their scrutiny on my shoulders. I retrieved the reports, laying them out meticulously on my desk, ready for inspection.

Mr. Litchfield's eyes flickered across the documents, his scrutiny precise and methodical. Jasper, however, leaned against the wall, wearing an expression of smug satisfaction.

After what seemed like an eternity, Mr. Litchfield folded the reports and turned to me. "Impressive. Everything appears to be in order."

Jasper's smirk widened, and I sensed his delight in any potential discrepancy. "Are you satisfied now, Uncle?"

But Mr. Litchfield's gaze lingered on me, an inscrutable expression crossing his face. "Your reports may be clean, but that doesn't erase doubts about your capability, Evie. Handling such responsibilities at your age—it's unorthodox, to say the least."

“Can I help you two gentlemen with something?”

I almost sighed with relief when Sarah appeared around the corner, a cup of a coffee in one hand and a packet in the other. Jasper looked her up and down and scrunched up his nose.

“Why are you still working here? Trying to watch the place crumble from within?”

Sarah rolled her eyes. She had no problem dropping the pleasantries. “Same reason you keep coming here, Jasper. I actually like the job, and Evie.”

I couldn’t help the grin that crawled on my face when Jasper scoffed and looked at his uncle in confusion.

"Evie's leadership has been exceptional since Mr. Erickson’s departure," Sarah continued, addressing Mr. Litchfield. "We stand by her, and she's proven time and again that she's the right person to lead us."

“She sure has,” Georgia chimed in as she emerged from her desk and stood beside Sarah. "Everyone’s been so much more productive with her around, and happier too.”

"Evie's dedication to this team is unparalleled," another coworker affirmed from afar.

Jasper kissed his teeth. “How much did she pay you to say that?”

"Not a cent," Sarah asserted, her gaze unwavering as she faced Jasper and his uncle.

Mr. Litchfield shook his head, then turned to Jasper with a scowl. “Is there actually a problem here?”

“There is!” Jasper clung to his uncle’s arm like a desperate child. “Those are just her little friends. We haven’t met her enemies.”

“The only enemy I had got fired,” I said briskly.

With a grunt, Mr. Litchfield turned away and shook Jasper off his arm. “I’ve seen enough here. Thank you for wasting my time with yet another one of your petty disputes, nephew.”

“Wait!” Jasper started to chase after his uncle as he made his way back through the double doors. He paused to glare at me, then said, “Don’t think this is over!"

I stood my ground and gave him a dramatic wave. "Bye, Jasper."

Their visit was brief, but the tension lingered in the air long after they departed. I couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that it wouldn't be the last time I'd have to face Jasper's underhanded tactics.