Chapter 15 Jared's Late Arrival

The next day at Sentiment Chemical Limited, Zayne gathered the sales department for a meeting. Jared was absent.

"Where's Jared?" Zayne asked, glancing around. He directed the question to Hilda, expecting her to know Jared's whereabouts.

Hilda, however, had no idea. She was growing increasingly nervous, fearing something had happened to him. What if he got into trouble last night? Maybe he lied to me to avoid worrying me! she thought.

"He should be here soon," Hilda blurted, pulling out her phone to call him.

"I'll make a note of this. He's only been here a few days, and he's already late!" Zayne said coldly. He was eager to find fault with Jared.

"Mr. Carlson, perhaps he realized he was overconfident promising the Cosmic Chemical contract and is too embarrassed to show his face!" Lydia sneered, laughing derisively.

"Could be," Zayne agreed.

The others joined in the mockery. Securing the contract was notoriously difficult; Zayne and Maria had failed repeatedly, making Jared's success seem highly improbable.

"That's not it! Jared will be here," Hilda defended him.

"It's late. I bet he's too embarrassed to come," Lydia snickered.

"Besides boasting, Jared's good for nothing," Maria added, her resentment of Jared growing.

Hilda anxiously continued calling Jared. He finally answered as he entered the office, explaining he was late because he'd over-slept after a late night of spiritual cultivation.

"You're finally here! I was worried!" Hilda exclaimed, relieved.

"I'm fine. I just couldn't wake up on time," Jared smiled.

"Jared, you're an employee! You should be punctual. You're fined five hundred," Zayne yelled angrily. The fine was substantial for someone who had only been working a few days.

"Mr. Carlson, five hundred is excessive! Please give him another chance; it's his first offense," Hilda pleaded.

"Company rules. The amount is in the policy," Zayne smirked.

"Fine," Jared replied unconcernedly, taking his seat.

Zayne was furious at Jared's nonchalance, but his anger subsided as he considered the possibility of Jared resigning. His mood brightened at that thought.

"Jared, Yolanda told me an ex-classmate works at Cosmic Chemical—an office administrator. I could put in a good word for you; he might be helpful," Hilda offered.