Chapter three

Currently, Xavier was having a tantrum in his office, angrily throwing the planning proposal he held directly at the person standing in front of him. "Useless, all of you are useless. Are you all brainless without Miss Kathy?!"

Mr. Eugene, one of the employees, didn't dare utter a word despite being hit and in pain. Over the past two days, Xavier had been like a time bomb, displeasing anyone who approached him. He had no choice but to take on this responsibility since it was Miss Kathy who had originally handled it, and now that she was absent, he had to step up.

Xavier's anger further intensified when he noticed Eugene's silence. "The plan needs to be redone, right now, immediately. If you can't do it, then leave and go home."

"Yes, Mr. Xavier." Mr. Eugene swiftly picked up the planning proposal from the floor and hurriedly left the room.

 

Just two days had passed, yet the entire company was already in a state of chaos. Xavier glanced at his phone once again, but there was still no call or message from Kathy. His brow furrowed slightly. In the past, Kathy wouldn't have been able to resist for even a day before returning to him, begging for forgiveness. However, it had already been two days.

The old Kathy used to be sensible and considerate, never doing anything to make his life difficult. However, this time, she had taken away other key members of the company, which only intensified Xavier's disgust towards her. He despised women who lacked sensibility, especially those who jeopardized his future.

"Xavier, look what I have for you," came the sweet voice of Alexia at that moment. Playful and pretty, she peeked her head in from behind the door.

Xavier's expression softened a little. Women should be charming and considerate like Alexia. Kathy's excessive jealousy had inevitably become irritating. 

"Alexia."

 

"Xavier, look, I've prepared some food for you. I noticed you've lost weight these past few days, and it breaks my heart," Alexia said, entering the room with a thermos and a caring expression on her face.

Xavier took hold of Alexia's hand and noticed several small red marks on it, caused by the heat. His brow furrowed slightly, and he asked with concern, "Cooking can be quite difficult sometimes. Please don't do it again if you don't want to."

Blushing, Alexia smiled and leaned into Xavier's arms. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help you, no matter how difficult it may be."

Xavier was deeply moved, recalling how Alexia used to be like a delicate princess back in college, never getting her hands dirty with chores or cooking.Now, she was willing to risk burning her delicate hands for him.

However, Xavier had forgotten that Alexia had been making him lunch for the past two years without ever receiving a word of praise from him.

In other news, Kathy, the formidable assistant of Xavier’s company, had resigned.

 

The news quickly spread, attracting the attention of the media who were always on the lookout for sensational stories. Xavier, a young and promising figure, was a favorite subject for the media to report on, and they couldn't afford to miss such a significant development.

As Xavier's trusted right-hand man, Kathy's sudden resignation sparked immense curiosity within the industry. Many spectators were eager to uncover the truth behind her departure. Soon enough, various clues began to surface.

On the front page of the newspaper, a photograph captured Xavier with his head slightly lowered, his gaze deep and gentle, while an unidentified woman stood on tiptoe, lifting her head slightly. They appeared to be in a moment of intimacy, resembling a kiss. Unfortunately, the woman's face was obscured by an intentional blur, leaving her identity unknown. However, her figure clearly indicated that she was not Kathy.

 

In recent years, Xavier has garnered extensive media exposure and has been consistently praised as a young prodigy and a devoted partner, elevating his fame and drawing attention to Harvard Company. Xavier willingly utilizes his popularity to promote Harvard Company without any charge.

The originator of the rumors regarding Kathy's meager monthly salary of just over a few thousand talents at Harvard Company remains unknown. Initially, many individuals were skeptical of such rumors. However, screenshots of Kathy's salary statement began circulating within industry circles, leaving many people astounded.

According to the salary statement, Kathy's monthly earnings amounted to a mere twelve thousand talents, which falls below the average income level of ordinary individuals.

Consequently, Xavier earned the unflattering moniker of the "unreliable figure", and Harvard Company became a firm that numerous young talents started to avoid.

 

At Henderson Corp headquarters, Dominic instinctively grasped the newspaper and cast a sympathetic glance at Kathy. He affixed his signature to the latest proposal she had submitted and then spoke slowly, reassuring her, "Rest assured, our company offers excellent benefits. In addition to the base salary, there are additional commissions and bonuses available."

"Thank you, Mr. CEO," Kathy responded, her smile faint. It appeared that the media had been quite helpful this time, and she felt content with the coverage.

Dominic paused for a moment, then added, "Put in the effort, and as long as you perform well, the company's benefits will continue to grow." While he didn't consider himself exceedingly generous, he made sure not to mistreat his employees like Xavier did. Clearly, in Dominic's eyes, Kathy was simply naive.

 

Kathy's lips curved into a smile. While she didn't seek sympathy, she certainly desired the benefits she deserved. 

"I appreciate your generosity, Mr. CEO," she expressed sincerely.

Dominic's gaze grew even more disdainful. It was just ordinary benefits that any company offered, yet it seemed to bring her such delight. Who knew what kind of deception Kathy had fallen victim to in the past?

Kathy picked up the document, already bearing Dominic's signature, and exited the room, feeling content.

"Kathy!"

As soon as Kathy stepped outside, she was met with a furious Xavier. She raised an eyebrow slightly and asked icily;

"What's the matter?"

Xavier was momentarily taken aback. This was the first time Kathy had spoken to him in such a cold tone, and he couldn't immediately react.

Then it dawned on him. She must be playing hard to get. Even if Kathy were to kneel and beg for his forgiveness, he would never grant it. 

"Are you out of your mind? Do you even realize what you're doing?"

Kathy let out a sarcastic chuckle, her lips curling upwards. 

"Mr. Xavier, I could ask you the same question. Are you out of your mind? Coming to Henderson to cause trouble."

 

Xavier's anger was so intense that he clenched his teeth. However, considering the current state of the company, he took a deep breath, attempting to control his temper.

"Alexia and I aren't what you think. It was your jealousy that caused you to push her down the stairs. Isn't it your fault? Come back with me and apologize to her this instant. I won't pursue this matter any further," Xavier stated, trying to reason with Kathy.

Suddenly, she felt as though she had been blind in her previous life. Why hadn't she seen his selfish nature before? 

"What if I refuse?" she retorted.

Xavier's face turned pale with anger. He seemed ready to lunge forward and strike someone at any second.

Just then, Dominic, who coincidentally emerged from the doorway, witnessed the scene and quickly moved to the scene. 

"Are you alright?" he inquired, concerned.

 

Kathy had a hint of surprise, but upon seeing Dominic's genuine concern, she nodded earnestly.

"I'm alright," she reassured him.

Xavier observed their interaction, his eyes welling up with anger. 

"You bitch! You've been having an affair with him, haven't you?!" He pointed an accusing finger at Dominic, his entire body trembling with fury as a profound sense of betrayal surged within him.

Kathy arched an eyebrow, a subtle curve forming on her crimson lips. Stepping forward, she ignored him and took hold of Dominic's arm, leaning against his broad shoulder and seeking solace on him.

Xavier lifted his hand, ready to strike her, but Dominic was quicker. He immediately shielded Kathy and delivered a powerful blow to Xavier's face. He staggered, unable to maintain his balance, and ended up falling to the ground, looking utterly embarrassed.

 

"You cannot behave recklessly within these premises," Dominic asserted. Once considering Xavier a rival, he now realized the pettiness that resided within him.

Upon witnessing the escalating situation, several security guards stationed at the entrance of Henderson corp swiftly rushed over. They guarded their CEO protectively and cast unfriendly glares in Xavier's direction.

Xavier wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and directed a menacing gaze towards Kathy, who stood behind Dominic. "Kathy, just wait and see!" he threatened.

Kathy responded to Xavier with a mocking smile. Xavier departed in embarrassment, and in that moment, nobody noticed the stranger on the street corner silently capturing continuous photographs.

Kathy offered an apology to Dominic, her voice filled with remorse. "I'm sorry about all this."

 

Dominic's brows furrowed as he spoke; 

"Our company's employees should not tolerate any form of bullying. I don't anticipate Xavier letting this go easily. Be cautious moving forward. If he dares to come to the company and cause trouble, just give me a call."

Kathy smiled, her perception of Dominic undergoing a significant shift. She had never expected him to possess both a stern and caring side.

In her previous life, Kathy had been subjected to Xavier's negative portrayal of Dominic, leading her to believe that Dominic was a shameless individual. They had always been at odds in the mall. Reflecting on it now, she realized how foolish she had been to wholeheartedly trust Xavier's words. If she hadn't paid a painful price later on, she wouldn't have had this enlightening realization.