Chapter 624:

Jayden placed two fingers under Elyse's chin, lifting her face with a teasing smile. "Tell me," he said, "how does it feel to be here? Is it as you expected?"

Before Elyse could answer, the office door swung open. A woman, impeccably dressed in a professional ensemble that accentuated her shapely curves and sheer black stockings, strode confidently into the room.

"Eva Prescott! Have you lost your manners? How dare you barge in like that?" Jayden barked disdainfully.

Elyse studied Eva, who was now regarding Jayden with a seductive pout. Her form-fitting blouse and pencil skirt hinted at a clear agenda. Elyse suspected Eva was trying to seduce Jayden, but she kept her thoughts to herself, asking innocently, "Who is she?"

"Just an intern secretary," Jayden replied coldly.

Eva's face fell. "Mr. Owen," she protested, her lip trembling, "why are you treating me so coldly? I'm only here to deliver some documents."

Jayden sneered, pulled out his phone, and sent a message.

Moments later, Mia Fuller, the head secretary, rushed in and locked eyes with Eva. Mia was vexed by Eva's apparent vulnerability, but she controlled her emotions, bowing deferentially to Jayden. "My apologies, Mr. Owen," she said. "I must have failed to adequately supervise the interns. I accept responsibility."

Jayden, without relaxing his gaze, scoffed. "I'm not the one you should be apologizing to," he retorted, glancing at Elyse.

Instantly, Mia and Eva turned their attention to Elyse. Mia, having learned from other executives that Elyse was Jayden's wife, understood the situation. Jayden's reaction clearly showed he wasn't merely angry about the incident; he was establishing his wife's authority within the firm. Elyse, therefore, would determine Eva's fate.

Bowing slightly, Mia quickly apologized to Elyse. "This is entirely my fault. This new intern is still very green and has much to learn. Please forgive her, and I promise to get her up to speed immediately."

Elyse remained silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on Mia. Jayden, concerned, asked, "Are you upset?"

Shaking her head, Elyse widened her eyes and turned to Mia. "I don't understand why you are apologizing. You're her superior, not her parent. She should be the one to apologize."

Mia was stunned into silence.

Elyse's gaze shifted to Eva, who had retreated to the background. With a faint smile and a subtle challenge in her voice, Elyse continued, "The one at fault should apologize, wouldn't you agree?"

Eva frowned. She saw nothing wrong with her actions and felt no need to apologize. However, Elyse clearly intended to press the matter.

Clenching her fists, Eva shook her head. "I don't know what you want me to apologize for. I simply delivered a document."

Jayden glanced at Eva, then instructed, "Get HR to come here immediately."

Mia, momentarily surprised, quickly messaged the HR manager.

Soon, Kash Ellsworth, the HR manager, arrived, panting. He bowed slightly to Jayden. "Mr. Owen, what can I do for you?"

Jayden pointed at Eva. "I'm sure you handled this intern's hiring. Did you conduct a thorough evaluation of her suitability during the interview process?"

Kash mentally retraced his steps. "We conducted a thorough evaluation, and upon finding her suitable, extended an offer."

Jayden raised an eyebrow. "Then how could someone you judged so positively be so unaware of her mistakes? Did you make a poor hiring decision?"

Kash began to sweat, realizing Eva had done something seriously wrong. He tried to respond but couldn't, his frustration growing. He turned his anger on Eva.

Just as Eva was about to speak, Kash snapped, "If you're tired of working here, gather your belongings and leave! We don't tolerate people who can't acknowledge their mistakes!"

Seeing Eva's refusal to back down, Jayden turned to Mia. "Summon Lewis to my office."

Mia sent a message to Lewis, emphasizing the urgency.

Lewis Schmidt, a department head, entered, puzzled. "Mr. Owen, is something wrong? I thought our meeting was concluded. Do you need something urgently?" He was further bewildered by the presence of Mia and Kash.

...