Her clothes were brand new, costing her over forty thousand yuan. She had bought them specifically to wear while delivering the monthly report to the director. It was the only occasion she had a chance to see him in person.
There was another meeting with around a hundred senior managers, but due to her low position, she couldn’t clearly see him. This was her only opportunity for direct interaction with the director. Moreover, she knew he had recently turned down a marriage proposal and was currently single and available. She had to seize this chance. If she could win his favor, she might become Mrs. Nelson.
Dolores was startled, and her attention slipped. It was her mistake, and she quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. It was an accident.”
“Do you think a simple apology can fix this? Do you have any idea how much these clothes cost? Can you afford to compensate me?” Candance glared at her. Her beautiful dress was now stained. How could she meet the director looking like this?
Not recognizing Dolores, she remarked, “Are you new here?”
Fearful of revealing her department, Dolores replied, “No.”
Candance’s expression grew more hostile. Apart from Helen, who had just left Matthew, there were no other women in his life. There were no female colleagues at her level, so where did Dolores come from? Could she be here to take advantage of Matthew’s recent rejection and win his affections?
Candance’s expression darkened further as she entertained this thought.
“I can hold the door for you if you want to go in.” Dolores felt guilty for spilling the water. But just as she was about to open the door, Candance grabbed her hand and forcefully flung it away. Dolores stumbled backward, causing the water in the cup to spill onto her chest and neck. Luckily, the water wasn’t hot, and it only dampened her clothes.
Wearing a satin dress, the wet fabric revealed her undergarments. She quickly covered her chest. Despite having given birth to children, she had maintained her figure well, possessing an attractive and shapely physique.
Seeing Dolores’ exposed chest, Candance was stunned and sneered, “What a slut. Who are you trying to seduce with such revealing attire?” Candance assumed Dolores was here to seduce Matthew, vying for his attention.
Engaged in a silent battle of wills, Dolores grew fired up. She had already apologized, so why was Candance continuing to make things difficult for her?
“Learn to forgive and forget. As an employee of such a prestigious company, shouldn’t you have some grace?” Dolores retorted.
“Who are you referring to?” Candance stammered.
Dolores couldn’t be bothered with her and turned to head back to the pantry. But Candance held her back and declared, “Don’t think you can leave without apologizing to me!” Candance was furious. After all, she was the finance manager at WY Group.
Dolores was merely a new employee here. Why should she be concerned about Dolores? Candance was confident she would win this encounter.
Glaring at Candance, Dolores replied, “I already apologized for spilling water on you. Now it’s your turn to apologize to me.”
“Hah! Are you even worthy of my apologies?” Candance scoffed. “I don’t think you’ll last long in this office. How dare a lowly staff member like you be so arrogant? Do you think I won’t make your life difficult here?”
Dolores was left speechless.
At that moment, the office door opened, revealing a man standing in the doorway. He glanced around, then at Dolores and the spilled water on the floor.
“Mr. Nelson, I came to deliver this monthly report to you, and this newcomer spilled water all over me. Not only did she not apologize, but she was also incredibly arrogant. Our company shouldn’t tolerate such behavior,” Candance accused, seizing the opportunity.
The first person to speak often had the upper hand in these situations. By presenting her side of the story first, Dolores would be on the defensive. Candance stroked her beautiful hair and moved closer to Matthew, adopting a pitiful expression as if seeking comfort from him. Unbeknownst to her, Matthew had overheard everything clearly from his office. Dolores had apologized right from the start, and it was Candance who had blown things out of proportion.
Matthew turned to Dolores and asked, “How do you think this should be handled?”
Before Dolores could respond, Candance looked at Matthew, her heart filled with joy. Was he asking her how to deal with Dolores? She felt like she was being pampered. Candance’s heart raced as she gazed at Matthew, his tall and imposing figure dressed in a perfectly tailored business suit. The longer she looked at him, the more her heart fluttered.
A few seconds passed in silence.
Dolores glanced at Candance, took a deep breath, and decided not to pursue the matter further. She asked Matthew, “Are you still thirsty?”
“Yes,” Matthew replied.
Dolores turned and headed back to the pantry.
Candance stood there dumbfounded for a moment. What did that mean?
Then it hit her. “Mr. Nelson wants a drink? I’ll fetch some water for you.” She rushed ahead of Dolores, eager to pour the water herself.
Matthew didn’t even spare her a glance as he stated, “You’re fired.”
Candance’s expression changed. Was he referring to her? That couldn’t be possible.
“Mr. Nelson, it wasn’t me. She’s the one with a flawed character…” Candance tried to explain.
Flustered, she wondered how things had taken such a turn. Shouldn’t it have been Dolores who was fired?
Abbott had just returned from running errands and was about to report to Matthew when he witnessed Candance pestering him. He was startled, wondering what had happened in his absence. Matthew disliked being touched by others. What had he missed?
“Mr. Nelson.” Abbott walked over, his presence commanding respect.
“Do not let me see this person in the company anymore,” Matthew declared, flinging away Candance’s hand as if it had touched something filthy.
Candance was devastated that she was the one being fired.
“Mr. Nelson…” She attempted to explain herself further and discredit Dolores, but Abbott intervened, calmly stating, “Come, you should know Mr. Nelson’s temperament. When has he ever changed his mind?”
“But it wasn’t me!” Candance persisted, refusing to accept responsibility.
Meanwhile, Dolores held a glass of water, using her other hand to cover her chest. Abbott was taken aback when he saw her. How had she returned so quickly?
“Ms. Flores,” Abbott nodded and smiled, acknowledging her presence.
Dolores responded with a gentle nod. “He’s thirsty, so I’ll bring this in first.”
“Okay,” Abbott replied.
Observing Dolores’ soaked clothes, Abbott could surmise what had occurred.
Candance stood there in shock, her eyes wide open as she looked at Abbott. “You called her Ms. Flores. Do you know her?”
“Yes,” Abbott replied, taking the document from Candance’s hands. “Give those to me. Pack up your things and leave today.”
Curiosity piqued, Candance swallowed nervously, realizing Dolores’ connection to Matthew. The way Dolores interacted with Abbott suggested a longstanding acquaintance.
“Who is she?” Candance wondered aloud, contemplating Dolores’ significance in Matthew’s life. There must be a deeper connection between them.
Back in the office, Matthew removed his suit jacket, revealing a crisp white, long-sleeved shirt. He rolled up his sleeves, baring his forearms.
Dolores placed the glass of water in front of him and said, “Here you go.”
Matthew lifted his gaze…