"Let's learn from each other," Troy said hastily. Jared, sensing Troy's inexperience, asked, "You seem afraid of me?"

Puzzled, Troy shook his head, avoiding eye contact. "N-No, not at all!"

Jared suspected Troy's fear stemmed from knowledge of his past. Hesitantly, Troy nodded and asked, "Why did you go to prison? You don't seem like a villain."

Jared laughed. Ah, so Troy knew about his prison sentence! He explained his past, quickly putting Troy at ease. Their initial apprehension vanished, replaced by camaraderie.

"That was really bad luck, Jared! But now you're free, you should work hard. However however" Troy stammered.

"What is it?" Jared asked.

"However," Troy sighed, "we probably won't be here long, working together."

Jared was astonished. "Why would you say that?"

Troy opened a document on the computer. "Jared, these are the debts we have to collect. The previous sales representative resigned, so we have to do it. We'll be fired if we don't settle everything this month."

Jared frowned at the overwhelming figures. "I didn't know so many people owed my wife money!"

Troy froze. "What did you say?"

Jared quickly corrected himself. "Oh, I meant the company's money."

"Right," Troy sighed. "These are the difficult clients. We probably won't collect from them."

Jared finally understood the hushed laughter he'd encountered upon being paired with Troy. "Don't worry. We'll collect everything," he reassured Troy, patting his shoulder. "This company belongs to Josephine, so these debts are owed to her—and therefore, to me. I won't let anyone get away with it!"

"All right. Let's work hard together!" Troy nodded resolutely.

Jared began reviewing the arrears, determined to collect everything. The day flew by. Stretching, he muttered, "There are too many arrears. What's the general manager doing?"

Troy whispered frantically, "Shh! Don't say that! Someone might report you!"

Jared was surprised by Troy's fear. "It's just the general manager. He doesn't own the place!"

He hadn't expected such fear of Xavier, a mere manager hired by the Sullivan family. Josephine's infrequent presence and lack of involvement, however, had given Xavier considerable power.

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