It looked like he wouldn’t have to confront Dave directly.
The next day, at the Phoenix Alliance Group headquarters.
As soon as Dave sat down at his desk, he noticed a white envelope sitting on top of the stack of folders, as usual. The envelope had two words written on it: resignation letter.
He opened the letter and found that it was signed by Justin.
‘What was going on?’
He examined the letter closely. Justin expressed a sincere desire to leave the company, and the tone was firm, leaving no room for refusal.
Frowning, he picked up the phone on his desk.
A minute later, Justin pushed the door open and walked in front of him.
With a Band-Aid on his face, Justin looked tired and defeated, a sharp contrast to his usually spirited and lively self. The weariness in his eyes hinted at silent struggles.
As Justin entered, Dave glanced up briefly before going back to check and approve the documents. He asked indifferently, “What happened to your face?”
Justin struggled to find the right words, his hesitation showing the internal battle he was fighting.
He stood across from Dave, and the air was thick with silent tension. Minutes passed in silence.
“Such audacity, and yet you’re quiet when I ask you a question?”
Suddenly, Dave’s hand, which had been approving the documents, stopped. He pressed the golden pen down on the desk and raised his eyes to focus on Justin.
Justin lowered his head respectfully and talked coldly. “Mr. Evans, I’ve submitted my resignation letter and sent an email. I kindly request your approval.”
He didn’t even use Dave’s name, indicating a change in their usual relationship.
Dave felt an inexplicable anger rising in him and said coldly, “I need a proper explanation. Otherwise, I won’t approve this resignation.”
Justin pursed his lips and replied, “The reason is explained in the letter itself…”
“Liar!” Dave said, his voice firm and his stares were cold. “Tell me what happened.”
Justin froze, feeling the weight of his decision press down on him as he took a deep breath.
“I’m just tired of it. I don’t want to work anymore. I’ve had enough of the pressure at Phoenix Alliance Group!” Justin finally said, expressing his feelings.
Dave watched him silently, his hands crossed on the desk, calm despite the storm brewing around them. “If the pressure is too much, take a week off. If your salary isn’t enough, just say so. Quitting suddenly isn’t like you. What’s going on? Did someone threaten you?”
Dave had known Justin for a long time; how could he not understand him?
Despite the weariness and challenges he faced, Justin had never complained. He was a composed and reliable person who could handle any task without a word of discontent, which made him well-liked by Dave.
They had faced the difficulties at Phoenix Alliance Group together, and to Dave, Justin was more than just an employee; their bond went beyond the professional.
Justin’s sudden resignation made Dave anxious.
Justin clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. “Mr. Evans, I’ve always seen you as a trusted friend. I’ve never asked for special treatment, but today… No matter the reasons for my resignation, I’m asking you to approve it.”
Dave’s frown deepened as he sensed there was more to the story.
Choosing to calm Justin down for now, Dave picked up the pen and resumed working on the documents. He spoke softly, “Just continue your work for now. I’ll think about the situation.”
Even though Justin wanted to say more, Dave’s lack of attention made him bow deeply and leave the office.
Once Justin was gone, Dave raised his head, a cold stare in his eyes. He called Zane immediately as he could barely hold back his anger. “Look into Justin’s recent activities and who he’s been with. Check his call log. I want a thorough investigation!”
Zane showed Dave the footage of Justin being pulled over by a vehicle the night before.
The people in the video skillfully avoided the camera, making sure their license plate wasn’t visible. But the car’s unique style caught Dave’s attention. He had seen it several times near his grandpa’s villa.
A troubling thought crossed his mind. Did Lucas do something to force Justin to quit? A sinking feeling settled in his chest.
If Justin’s resignation was connected to Lucas, Dave believed he must be involved as well.
He leaned back in his seat, rubbing his temples to ease the tension.
Over the years, Dave had heard a lot about Justin’s story, and he knew that Justin hadn’t done anything wrong.
What could have happened?
Feeling anxious, he told Zane to get the car.
Once in the car, Bianca’s call broke into his thoughts. He forced a smile and answered.
“Are you still busy?” Her voice was soft and a bit sleepy.
Bianca had been buried in work lately, and today, after finishing up, she found herself dozing off at her desk. She had meant to take a quick nap, but when she woke up, it was already a bit dark. She called him because she was exhausted and missed him so much.
His heart raced at her words, and he couldn’t help but smile. “Do you miss me?”
“You’re either home late or sleeping at the office. We haven’t had dinner together in ages. Remember the last time you asked what I wanted? Well, today, I’m really craving your tomato and beef brisket!” Her gentle, almost sad tone warmed his heart. He loved feeling needed by her.
He wished he could teleport home right now and wrap her in a hug.
“Today…” Zane paused for a moment, then glanced at him in the rearview mirror, clearly waiting to see if they would head to Evans Villa or go get Bianca.
Dave shook his head, signaling Zane to keep driving.
He understood what was important.
“My boss just landed a huge project, and it’s a lot of work. I’ve been putting in overtime every day.” Not wanting to let her down, he added, “Today maybe I can do it. If I finish early, I’ll come home and make that tomato and beef brisket for you!”
Bianca sighed on the other end. She wasn’t the clingy type, so when she heard Dave’s explanation, she accepted it without complaint.
Meanwhile, guilt nagged at Dave for not being there with her. “If you get hungry, don’t wait for me. Late dinners can be hard on your stomach, okay?”
Bianca’s heart fluttered at his words, feeling contented and happy.
“Okay. Just come back early when you’re done…”
Dave agreed and ended the call with a smile.