83|Blessing or Curse

[Otis]

I knew they were the secretaries of other directors. They attended the meeting on Monday. Nicole pushed them to make room and entered with Camari. I frowned at their entrance.

I placed my hands on the table, trying to be formal. “What's going on?” I asked.

“Forgive my presumptuousness,” Nicole said politely. "These two ladies have been gossiping in the restroom. Mrs. Haworth has warned them against it twice, but they don't care. I brought them here because they have insulted your father."

“Is that true?” I looked at the two women.

“I—” the woman on the left said.

“Tell the truth!” Nicole scolded. "You were talking loudly in the restroom. Why the sudden nervousness?"

"I-I'm sorry, Mr. Haworth. I admit I was wrong,” the woman on the right confessed. "Please give me one last chance. I won't do it again."

“What did you say about my father that upset Nicole?” I asked again.

They exchanged glances and elbowed each other, urging the other to answer my question. Seeing their faces turn