Chapter 118: You Are Fired

After Maria confirmed Hilda's story, everyone believed it. Zayne suddenly remembered being overtaken by a Bentley on his way to the meeting. (The sentence about finding novel chapters online is irrelevant and should be removed.)

"Jared, did you hire a private Bentley just to get ahead of me? You must have spent a fortune! Was that really necessary?" Zayne asked scornfully, desperately trying to discredit Jared.

"No, that's not it! It was Jared's friend," Hilda defended him, her dislike of others looking down on Jared evident.

"Hmph! Do you really think he has a friend who could afford a Bentley? You're too naive! I bet you're the only one who believes him," Zayne mocked. Turning to the others, he asked, "Do you guys believe Jared?"

"No way! He's so poor! There's no way he could have a rich friend."

"Yeah, he's bluffing. I could bluff too and say I have a friend who owns a private jet!"

"He can bluff all he wants, but he should know his limits! He's too poor to make such a statement."

Everyone ridiculed Jared. Despite having witnessed the Bentley herself, Maria insisted the driver wasn't Jared's friend. Hilda remained Jared's sole supporter.

Seeing Jared remain silent, Zayne, believing he had caught him out, cheerfully yelled, "Let's go in! Mr. Jennings is waiting. But first, let me be clear: anyone who upsets Mr. Jennings today is doomed."

Everyone nodded; no one dared defy Zayne, let alone Xavier.

Zayne led them to a private room Xavier had booked. Before entering, everyone fussed over their appearance, wanting to impress Xavier. However, Jared abruptly opened the door and entered, catching Zayne completely off guard and infuriating him. Fortunately, Xavier hadn't yet arrived.

"Jared! Are you crazy? How could you just open the door like that? You're lucky Mr. Jennings isn't here, or he'd be furious!" Zayne roared.

The others echoed his anger, fearing trouble.

Unfazed, Jared retorted sarcastically, "So? How else should I have entered? Was I supposed to beg? Were your ancestors all slaves or something?"

Jared's insulting words further enraged the group, especially Zayne, whose face flushed red.

"Jared, what gives you the right to act superior? Slaves, you say? Fine! Don't come back to work! I can fire you right now!" Zayne shouted, furious.

The others agreed, wanting Jared fired immediately. Maria glared at him angrily, implicitly questioning his ingratitude. Hilda alone tried to intercede, pleading, "Jared didn't mean it, Mr. Carlson. Please calm down." She worried about him losing his lucrative job.

"You're not capable of firing me," Jared said arrogantly. "Even Xavier wants me to stay. Do you think you can fire me at will?"

"What did you say? I'm the sales department manager! I have the final say! You're an insignificant worker! Even if Mr. Jennings wants to keep you, I can overrule him. I'm the most powerful person in this department!" Zayne raged.