As an agent, Ariana relished the freedom of flexible working hours, often venturing away from the office for extended periods on external assignments.
Consequently, her daily presence at the office was unnecessary.
Donna had never dared to intervene before.
Clearly, Donna had learned about Theodoreâs demise, and those under Jasperâs command believed the matter was settled, ready to openly suppress her, the bereaved widow.
However, it made little sense for Ariana, who had recently lost her husband, to hastily return to the company solely based on Donnaâs command.
Nevertheless, Ariana anticipated that Donna wouldnât relinquish her grasp easily.
As expected, Donna promptly dialed again, bellowing on the other end, âYouâve got some nerve! Let me make it crystal clear: whatever flimsy excuses you have, I expect your physical presence in the office today! Otherwise, pack your belongings and make a hasty exit!â
Donna forcefully terminated the call, sparing Ariana the need to respond.
Thus, Ariana rose from her sickbed, devoid of any makeup or tidiness, and made her way to the company, her face worn and pallid.
Given Donnaâs insistence, Ariana decided to return to the company and see the true intentions of those individuals.
Reaching the office, Ariana unexpectedly bumped into Sarah at the entrance.
Caught off guard for a moment, Sarah appeared astonished to see Ariana at that hour.
Approaching with concern, she inquired, âWhy arenât you at the hospital? Are you feeling better? Why didnât you rest a while longer? If you were heading to the office, you could have at Least informed me, and I would have picked you up.
â
Even in Sarahâs presence, Ariana had to feign excessive grief while attempting to maintain composure.
It wasnât that she mistrusted Sarah; rather, she was uncertain if someone was monitoring her.
Ariana forced a smile and replied, âWhat brought you here? Shouldnât you be putting your new album on record?â
Hearing Arianaâs words, a fleeting stiffness crossed Sarahâs expression, but she swiftly regained composure, and she avoided making direct eye contact.
âItâs nothing⦠I just happened to pass by and thought of visiting the office.
No need to worry.
â
âCurious why sheâs here? Well, she hit a snag.
Her new album has been canceled!â a smug voice interjected.
Ariana glanced up to find Donna smirking down at her, triumphant, with Jasper in tow.
Arianaâs annoyance instantly surged, and she questioned indignantly, âWho bestowed upon you the authority to do that? After all the preparations we made, youâre claiming itâs canceled? Why is that?â
Jasper snorted and casually tossed a document at Ariana.
The papers scattered all over the floor.
Ariana clenched her teeth as she stooped down to collect them.
Looking at them, she realized they were the meticulously prepared planning and budget sheets for Sarahâs new album.
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âHow did this exceed the budget?â Ariana made a face.
âBecause I said so!â Jasper sneered, his tone dripping with indifference.
Raising an eyebrow, he continued, âYou always received special treatment when Theodore was around.
But I call the shots around here now! !â
Special treatment? Ariana tightened her grip on the budget sheet, biting her lip.
Throughout her tenure at the company, she had never exploited her relationship with Theodore for personal gain.
Jasperâs unfounded accusations were nothing but bullying.
Suppressing her urge to engage in an argument with Jasper, she inquired, âNevertheless, the company should still be capable of affording this amount, correct?â
âOf course.
That sum of money means zilch to the company.
However, our funds naturally have more pressing purposes than squandering them on this stupidity!â
Ariana was on the verge of snapping, but before she could retort, Sarah also couldnât hold herself back any longer and confronted Jasper, pointing at him and shouting, âArianaâs reports are impeccable! Stop spouting nonsense!â