Chapter 19: Claptrap

Unlike the others, Jared snorted in response. Zayne was furious.

"What's with you, Jared?" Zayne asked irritably.

"Oh, nothing. I'm just amazed that someone with your puny departmental manager position would dare to form cliques in the company." Contempt was etched on Jared's face.

"Okay, you're right. I'm only a departmental manager. But too bad for you, I'm still your superior. Now, I'm firing you!" Zayne smirked coldly. "Xavier wanted to keep you around to humiliate you, but now that he's gone, I have no reason to keep you."

"You have no right to fire me," Jared replied flatly.

"I have the absolute right! I'm your superior! My word is final in the sales department. No one can stop me from firing you. Don't you have a mansion already? What are you still doing here? Leave now!" Zayne thundered. "I must get rid of you. You're a ticking time bomb! You disrupt my department."

Maria jumped to Jared's defense. "Zayne, Jared just secured a contract with Cosmic Chemical. Must you—"

"Shut up!" Zayne cut her off. "Are you into him? Why are you defending him? Because of him, you bailed on our dinner. We didn't even discuss our marriage! You're into him, aren't you?"

Maria was overwhelmed by awkwardness.

"W-What nonsense? Jared was in trouble that day. I only informed his parents. Why would you think otherwise?" she explained hastily.

"Cut the crap! No one can stop me from firing him!" Zayne glared fiercely at Jared, his eyes wide.

Jared realized the truth. So, you're in a terrible mood because Maria bailed on dinner for me?

The sales department stood silent. No one defended Jared, not even Troy.

Lydia gloated inwardly. It wasn't Jared's firing; she was glad to see Zayne and Maria fighting. If they break up, I can finally get together with Zayne!

Zayne had repeatedly cheated on Maria with Lydia, Lydia always initiating the affairs. She'd even befriended Maria to spend more time with Zayne. She was ecstatic about the rift between Zayne and Maria.

"Mr. Carlson, why would you—" Hilda attempted to defend Jared.

"Shut your mouth! Get lost if you want to quit!" Zayne angrily cut her off.

With an emotionless gaze, Jared said, "You have no right to fire me. If anyone's getting fired, it's you!"

"What are you talking about?" Zayne burst into laughter. "Jared, stop being so full of yourself! I'm the head of the department. I'm your superior. I can fire whoever I wish! Who's going to fire me? You? Know your place!"

"I know my place. You're the one who doesn't. You'll soon find out which of us is getting the boot." Jared returned to his desk.

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