Chapter 11

Edith's heart raced with panic. Had Jasper recognized this woman? Would he expose Edith's lies and hold her accountable? Edith’s face turned pale. Her entire body stiffened as she looked at the woman before her, Willow Nason. Her lips trembled as she attempted to speak, but she was utterly speechless. Amidst the turmoil of shock, fear, resentment, and regret, her emotions were tortuously drawn out like a slow execution. "Miss, did I disturb you just now? I'm really sorry. I'll get back to work right away! I won't make any noise again," Willow said. She bowed apologetically to the secretary. During Willow’s interview, the HR department had warned her that the employees on the top floor were all important figures. She should be quiet and cautious while carrying out her cleaning duties, and to never disturb or provoke the top-level staff. Otherwise, she would bear the consequences. She had just been arguing with Samantha and tussling with Jasper moments ago—it must have disturbed the secretary. That's why the secretary rushed out in a fluster. After that apology, Willow left with a mop in hand. Edith didn't stop Willow. She didn't know the current situation, so she was unsure of how to face Jasper. Her voice was gentle as she called Jasper carefully. "Mr. Hughes, good morning." "Hmm," Jasper hummed back. It was difficult to tell his mood. However, his eyes grew chillingly cold. It sent a shiver down Edith's spine. Edith treaded carefully, her heart pounding. She was mentally prepared for Jasper to confront her in the next second, questioning her deceit and demanding answers. Willow, who was hastening toward the utility room, heard the way the secretary addressed the man. A jolt of electricity ran down her spine, causing her to freeze instantly. Damn it! Why hadn't she realized that this guy was the CEO of Hughes Corporation? The nightclub manager had referred to him as a big shot. She had bumped into him in the top floor restroom yesterday, too. And today, she had seen him at the elevator. Then, she recalled that her son Julian had mentioned apologizing to Jasper yesterday. At that time, she listened casually and didn’t pay much attention to the name. Why didn't it occur to her that the big shot addressed as "Mr. Jasper" was Hughes Corporation's CEO? She berated herself for her slow wit, and hit her head in frustration. She had provoked him twice on his own turf. No wonder he had misunderstood her intentions, and thought she was deliberately getting close to him! What a huge misunderstanding! Willow slipped into the utility room quickly, like she was fleeing death. She vowed to avoid Jasper from now on, and not to stir up any trouble. Jasper's indifferent gaze followed her fleeing figure. He then withdrew his gaze, turning coldly toward Edith. Seeing his cold eyes, Edith's already guilty heart trembled. "As I’ve said yesterday, don't allow random people onto this floor anymore. Why wasn't that carried out?" Jasper's low and magnetic voice was commanding and filled with oppression. Being in a high position, he was accustomed to speaking that way. Edith was momentarily stunned. She realized he wasn't referring to her deception. She hurriedly replied, "I’ll improve our management, sir. It won't happen again in the future." "Won't happen again? That woman, Lara, just walked right past you. Why didn't you handle it?" Jasper's tone was filled with displeasure. After that, he walked swiftly to his office. Lara? Hearing this name, Edith felt a mix of shock and relief. So, Jasper hadn't recognized the woman from that night as his past lover. Instead, he believed her name to be Lara. Edith's heart, which had been pounding in fear, finally eased a little. "I’ll look into it immediately, sir," she said, following him into his office. After making a call, she learned the details. Willow hadn't used her real name—she used the identity of someone named Lara instead. Edith reported to Jasper, "Mr. Hughes, Lara is a new janitor hired by the HR department. Today is her first day at work, and she didn't finish cleaning before you arrived. She also offended you. I'll fire her right away." With that said, she was about to call the HR department. Jasper stopped her. "No need." She looked up curiously. "Sir? What do you mean?" "She's just a janitor. There's no need to make a big fuss." Jasper sat in his chair, already uncapping a pen and retrieving a document. "You can go now." Edith nodded, and retreated. Even as she returned to her office, she could still a sense of crisis. Her anxiety made it hard for her to sit still. That woman was Willow, the same woman she had seen five years ago in Nason Village! Edith could hardly imagine it—to think that country bumpkin from five years ago became even more beautiful, instead of degrading into an ugly middle-aged woman. What’s more, Willow was now by Jasper's side. The truth would eventually come to light; sooner or later, Jasper would find out Willow’s real name and expose all of Edith’s lies! Edith had to find a way to get Willow out of Hughes Corporation! If only she had fired Willow directly earlier. Now that Jasper knew Willow was part of the cleaning staff and had even decided not to fire her, things had become more complicated. If Edith went against his orders and dismissed Willow, it could lead to suspicion. Jasper would think she didn't take his words seriously. Her only option was to figure out how to make Willow leave on her own. Edith thought carefully. After a while, she called the security department. - Willow had been busy. After three hours, she finally finished cleaning the top floor. She headed to the tenth floor, where the janitorial department was located—an area for janitors to communicate, rest, and have meetings. The tenth-floor office was empty, devoid of anyone. Everyone was still busy, and she was the first to finish her duties and take a break. Willow was drenched in sweat, and she was exhausted. Her clothes clung to her due to the sweat, and even the hair at her temples was soaked. Her black hair framed her oval face, accentuating her pale skin. She grabbed a fan and sat down, fanning herself. A middle-aged man's voice rang out. "Miss, you're still so young. How can you bear to work as a janitor?" Willow turned, and saw a man with a plump face wearing a security uniform. He had a beer belly and an average appearance. Sporting a somewhat sinister smile, he walked toward her on stubby legs. Willow stood up, her expression calm and composed. "Do you need something?" "You looked bored here alone, so I thought I'd keep you company," the man said. He was Dale White. As he spoke, he tried getting close to her. His greasy hand nearly touched her face. His hand was chubby, glistening with oil. Just seeing it made Willow nauseous. Her stomach churned, almost causing her to retch. She quickly stepped back, avoiding his touch. Her whole body was on high alert and guarded. She glared fiercely at him. "What are you doing? If you continue, I'll report you for harassment!" "Hey, don't get so worked up. I was just joking. Why take it so seriously?" Dale dismissed her concerns casually. "I'm going to call someone to clean up the first floor. Someone vomited there, and it's quite a mess. You're the least busy in the janitorial department, so you can go clean it up," Dale said. His smile didn't fade, and his gaze still held his twisted intentions. This woman was gorgeous, with incredible charm. It had been so long since such an attractive woman appeared in the janitorial department. Willow refused. "I'm not responsible for the first floor. Talk to the supervisor!"