Chapter 105: Collecting a Debt

Just then, Hilda approached Jared, leaning close. Noticing their familiarity, Xavier asked, his brow furrowed, "Who is that woman, Mr. Carlson?"

Zayne glanced over. Realizing Xavier referred to Hilda, he quickly replied, "That's Jared's girlfriend, Mr. Jennings. Her name is Hilda Wallace, and she started working here today."

"Jared's girlfriend?" Xavier exclaimed in surprise.

Zayne nodded slowly, surprised by Xavier's reaction. "Yes, she's his girlfriend."

A sneer crossed Xavier's face. "Find an opportunity to take some intimate photos of them. Do it secretly and send them to me."

"Got it," Zayne nodded.

Xavier left in high spirits, while Zayne looked mystified. I didn't know he had that kind ofinterest.

Meanwhile, at his desk, Troy reported, pointing to a page of arrears on his computer screen, "Jared, Dexter Murphy owes our team the most money—nearly a million, unpaid for two years. Several sales reps tried to collect, but none succeeded. Some were even assaulted!"

Jared checked the time, then nodded. "Let's start with him. If we leave now, we'll be back for lunch."

"Just the two of us?" Troy exclaimed, surprised.

Jared looked startled. "Of course! Were you thinking of going as a group?"

Troy, terrified, explained hesitantly, "Jared… it's rumored Dexter was a gangster. He's supposedly reformed and started a company, but he still has associates. We'll likely get beaten up going alone. Many sales reps were injured; I even heard a female rep became pregnant."

Jared's expression hardened. "So, you're afraid?"

Troy stammered, unable to answer. He was afraid; anyone would be.

Jared said, "That's the nature of this job. If you're afraid, quit. You never know unless you try."

Jared printed Dexter's information and left.

"Jared!"

Seeing him go, Hilda pursued him. She knew Zayne had given him a debt-collection assignment and intended to accompany him, worried about his impulsiveness and the potential for a fight.

Catching up, she asked, "Are you going to collect a debt?"

"Yeah," he nodded.

"Let me see," she took the information.

Standing close, they appeared to be hugging, looking very intimate.

From his office, Zayne quickly took several photos and sent them to Xavier.

Hilda frowned, reviewing the information. "Jared, this is a bad debt—two years overdue, with multiple failed collection attempts."

"It's the largest debt; I have to try, no matter how difficult," Jared replied, smiling.

"Okay, I'll go with you," she said, nodding.

"I'm fine alone. You don't need to come," he protested, waving his hands.

"You're too impulsive; it's safer if I'm with you. Plus, women have an advantage in debt collection." She took his arm and they left.

Zayne immediately took more photos and sent them to Xavier.

As Jared and Hilda left the building, Troy ran after them. "We're a team. I can't let you take this risk alone, Jared. At worst, it's just a beating; I'll go with you."

This revised version improves grammar, punctuation, and flow, removing the unnecessary and inappropriate insertion. It also maintains the original narrative voice and tone.