Clarissa stayed in Matthew’s office for quite a while. By the time Matthew threw himself into work, Damian was still fast asleep.
Feeling rather bored, she decided to head downstairs to her studio instead of lingering around Matthew although the latter would appreciate her presence very much.
The elevator that she took stopped on one of the floors and Avery walked in. Clarissa put on a blank face and ignored her.
I can’t stop her from behaving the way she wants, but I can choose to let it go.
Though I pretend to get jealous in front of Matthew sometimes, I can’t deny the fact that there will always be various women surrounding him, including some very outstanding individuals.
From his former schoolmates to the group of talented staff that he has, and the long list of socialites in his circle, Avery is nothing compared to them.
Although Matthew was married, it was almost impossible to stop those women with ulterior motives from getting near him because he was such a great guy. Hence, Clarissa could only be vigilant about it and tried to be on her toes all the time. In the end, the success of their marriage would depend on the man’s character and integrity.
If Matthew wanted to cheat on Clarissa, she would not be able to find out.
Therefore, she was not bothered about Avery’s existence.
Meanwhile, Avery’s expression darkened at the sight of Clarissa. She felt so uncomfortable being around the latter.
I guess she must be scheming something. She’s probably better at this than Helen.
Clarissa did not even take a glance at Avery. Her eyes were glued to her phone, waiting for the elevator to go down.
Ring!
Clarissa lifted her head and strode out of the elevator.
Right then, Avery called out to her, “Ms. Quigley.”
Clarissa turned around, only to find Avery holding her bag tightly, her pale fingernails dug deep into the strap.
How strong is her grip?
Remaining emotionless, she asked, “What is it, Ms. Alston?”
“Ms. Quigley, I… I don’t have any ill intentions. Like all the majority of the women who have a crush on the president, I’ll only admire him from afar.”
Clarissa did not respond to her, neither did she show her any expression.
“Ms. Quigley, I think you can understand where I’m coming from. I’m not asking for anything. I was employed because of my capabilities and strengths. I didn’t rely on despicable means to attain any career opportunities.”
Clarissa remained silent.
“Ms. Quigley, I’d like to apologize for rejecting your request previously. I did that for my own sake, not because of work restrictions. As far as official business matters are concerned, your request will indeed not be approved by the management. I do uphold a high level of professionalism at work.”
Clarissa was perplexed at Avery’s sudden confession.
After her long sharing, Avery gazed at Clarissa, anticipating a response.
Clarissa cut to the chase, “Ms. Alston, why are you telling me all these?”
“I just want to express my stance and share my thoughts with you, Ms. Quigley.”
“Oh, okay. And then what? Are you hoping that I won’t take revenge on you by asking Matthew to fire you?”
Avery’s eyes glinted. Yet, she spoke with pride, “I don’t think that Mr. Tyson will ever fire a person hastily.”
“I see. What are you implying then?”
“I…”
Before Avery could defend herself, Clarissa interrupted her, “Ms. Alston, why did you tell me so much? Do you think that I’m a fool? Are you treating me like one?”
Clarissa’s tone was calm, but her words still managed to send a cold chill down Avery’s spine, making the latter’s face turn pale.
“Based on your expression, you must be thinking that a gorgeous woman like me has no brains. Thus, you approached me and babbled on. Firstly, you justified your actions by stating the mere fact that most women have a crush on my husband. But does that make you innocent or give you any right to carry on coveting other people’s husbands? Does it also mean that I should allow you to do so? Secondly, you indirectly praised yourself for scoring a job at Tyson Corporation. Are you trying to imply that you’re more intelligent than I am? Thirdly, you firmly asserted that you rejected my request on a professional ground. So, if I were to hold any grudges against you and take any act of revenge on you, I’d be seen as the ungracious and cruel one. Right?”
The color drained out of Avery’s face rapidly. She seemed a little scared and intimidated. Yet, her ego would not allow her to admit that Clarissa was right about her.
“Ms. Quigley…”
“Ms. Alston, I believe that everyone here knows I’m Matthew’s wife. But look at how pretentious you are, still addressing me as Ms. Quigley.” Clarissa spoke harshly.
Anyone without a hidden agenda would gladly call me Mrs. Tyson. Avery is indeed a smart girl, but she’s too smart for her own good, thinking that everyone else is a fool!
At that instant, Avery’s words fell dead on her lips.
Clarissa smirked coldly. Without saying a word, she turned away and left for her studio.
She could not care less about Avery.
As soon as she opened the door to her studio, she saw Mandy and a few others eavesdropping by the wall, giving her a sly grin.
Mandy did not feel bad about snooping around. Conversely, she walked to Clarissa and exclaimed angrily, “Who does she think she is that she dares to pull a trick right under your nose? Clarissa, let’s just fire her! One rotten apple spoils the barrel.”
Clarissa replied nonchalantly, “You heard her. No employer will simply sack an employee without reason.”
“B-But, she’s just so full of herself! Can’t we just get her to scram already?”
“Can you?” Clarissa asked, casting a look at Mandy.
Feeling embarrassed, Mandy explained, “Of course not, only Mr. Tyson can do so.”
“Anyway, I don’t care about her and I’m not in a position to meddle in the internal matters of another company either. What I want to say is that I’m not going to interfere at all. So, how’s the hiring process coming along for our studio? Aren’t we looking for a human resource manager? Have you found anyone who makes the cut?”
Clarissa is too kind. Mandy muttered in her heart.
“I’ve identified a headhunter to help us with that. Usually, many people want to take a break during the long holidays. I’m sure things will pick up thereafter,” Mandy reported.
“Yup. I’ve seen the interior rendering ideas. There’s something I need to discuss with Charles…”
Everyone started to focus on their work again. Upon returning to her seat, Mandy initiated a quiet discussion with the gang she eavesdropped with earlier.
Enraged, she cursed, “That cunning woman should be dismissed right away! It’s just plain annoying to see her around in the company even if she does nothing. Clarissa is too sympathetic.”
“Exactly! Avery is simply despicable. I’m so furious at how she deliberately challenged Clarissa. If I were her, I’d give Avery two tight slaps on the spot just to make sure she knows who’s the boss!”
“I doubt two slaps will be enough. If Clarissa remains a softie, people will begin to think that she’s an easy target. What should we do? Shall we help her establish a revering reputation as Mrs. Tyson?”
“I think there’s a need for us to do that. Although Clarissa isn’t calculative, her inaction often makes the other party take advantage of her. If this rumor goes around, Clarissa will be regarded as a weakling that anyone can bully.”
“You’re right, I concur with your thoughts. So, how should we go about this?”
The two exchanged glances and pondered over it.
Subsequently, Mandy went through her phonebook and cautiously showed a number to her colleagues.
They all gasped in astonishment. “You have Mr. Tyson’s phone number and you didn’t even tell us all this while, Mandy? By the way, is this his WhatsApp number? I want to add him so badly…”
Mandy rolled her eyes. “Even I don’t have the guts to add him. Besides, even if you add him, will you text him? I doubt Mr. Tyson posts anything on his WhatsApp story. It might just be a business account.”
“True. Well then, why don’t you give Mr. Tyson a call and inform him that Clarissa was bullied by that woman? So that he can stand up for Clarissa.”
“Um… I don’t think I have the courage to do it…”
“Same here…”
Hesitating, the two of them stared at each other. After contemplating for a long time, they still could not muster up the courage to make the call.
The thought of starting a conversation with Matthew terrified them.
Fortunately for them, the problem was solved later in the afternoon when Matthew carried Damian to the studio.
Mandy gestured to her colleague to take action but to no avail. Suddenly, she had an idea when she saw Clarissa playing with her son.
Who says that I must complain to Mr. Tyson personally?
“Oh hey, Clarissa, can I play with Damian? Aren’t you still in a discussion with Yael? Why don’t you let me take care of the boy…”
Her colleague seemed to have caught what Mandy had in mind and followed suit.
The two of them acted like kidnappers, coaxing Damian to get inside the conference room before shutting the door behind them.
After having family dinner in the evening, Damian insisted to stick around Matthew, saying that he wanted to bring him upstairs for a private chat.
“Mommy, you’re not allowed to eavesdrop. This is my secret with Daddy.”
Clarissa was amused. Since when does the duo have a secret?
Instead of being curious, she warned, “Sure, go ahead and share any secrets you have. Matthew, don’t give him any sweets, okay?”
Damian pulled a long face at Clarissa. Then, he hugged Matthew and sat firmly on his strong arm. “I won’t snack, Mommy.”
Matthew doted on his son and they both went upstairs as planned.
I’m sure their conversations will revolve around Damian’s favorite toys or food. Perhaps they might also talk about the physical differences between them too.
Clarissa chuckled at that thought. She had given Matthew full authority to educate Damian about his body. That’s the secret between the boys which they can’t let me know. Now, it’s up to Matthew to answer the questions posted by the little fellow.
Clarissa laughed while shaking her head. Just as she was about to play some games on her phone, it chimed. It was her grandmother calling.
