Jasper locked himself in his office, twirling a pen between his fingers as he pondered over everything.
If Cristelle got to know about the truth, Dean would be his scapegoat. But things would be too easy for the two little bastards if it ended up that way.
He hated the babies. Even if he couldn’t get Cristelle Friesley in the end, he still didn’t want to see the babies alive and kicking.
He would destroy those little bastards. So Cristelle would live in hell. So she would feel his pain.
****
“Have you finished the job yet?” Linford asked Alfred in his office.
Alfred put a folder on his boss’s desk, “The real boss of Cristelle’s studio was Diego Barnett. If we cancel the contract right now, Cristelle will pay at least 60 million for breaking the terms. And… it’s not a wise deal if she throws away all the shares right now. The studio will have a show during fashion week this year. After that, the value of the studio will definitely soar.”
Linford was completely disgusted as he heard the boss of the studio was actually Diego Barnett.
But things would also be easier that way, “Diego Barnett needs money right now. You go talk with the Barnett family and tell them that we want to purchase that studio.”
Alfred turned away. And then, he suddenly recalled something, “Sir… I… just sent a copy of the file to Cristelle.”
Linford’s face fell, “Are you serious, Alfred? You don’t need to come to the company tomorrow.”
Alfred tried to explain, “I didn’t mean to send it. Cristelle asked for it. I thought she knew the truth. I thought she knew you were gonna interfere, so she asked for the file from me.”
“Interfere?” Linford was so pissed off, “I don’t want to see your face anymore, Alfred. You’re fired.”
Alfred tried to fight for the last chance for himself, “You don’t even have a replacement if you fire me right now. Who’s gonna do this job for you?”
“I can do it! Leave it to me!” A small figure dashed in as the door swung open, “I can take care of it.”
“Sorry, sir. I tried to stop this lady, but…” The secretary followed, explaining worriedly.
Linford waved his hand, and the secretary left.
“What the heck are you doing here, Lana?” Linford was so speechless.
Lana was in a suit dress. She looked like a proper office lady today, “I’m here to find a job. You just fired Alfred, right? Lemme be your assistant. You know I can do this job.”
“Nonsense!” Linford snapped.
Alfred just stood there awkwardly. Lana clung onto Linford’s arm, “Pretty please… You know how scary my nanny is. I promised her that I’d get a job in your company. I really don’t want to go back and face her. You’re the only one who can save me.”
Linford tried to push her face away.
Lana pretended to cry, “If Clyde were here, he would definitely give that job to me, boo-hoo.”
Linford faltered.
It took him a couple of seconds to finally nod, “Fine. You can have Alfred’s position for now. Remember, you only have a one-month internship. If you dare to mess things up, I’ll grab your scruff and throw you out of my company.”
“Yay!”
And that was how Alfred lost his job.
When Cristelle returned home, Alfred sat sadly on the couch, surrounded by Pop, Lily, and Jack.
“Welcome home, Cristelle,” Pop smiled warmly.
Cristelle nodded as she walked over, “Why’s Alfred here? What happened?”
Alfred smiled bitterly, “I’m here to say goodbye.”
“Huh? Why?” Cristelle was startled, “What happened?”
Alfred dropped his gaze, “Boss fired me. I’m planning a trip to Europe.”
“Why did he fire you? You’re doing great,” Cristelle couldn’t understand.
Alfred felt sad, “He’s the boss. He doesn’t need a reason when he wants to fire someone.”
Cristelle blinked. Was it because Alfred sent her those files?
“I’m so sorry to hear this,” Cristelle murmured, feeling guilty.
Alfred was here to talk about Lana with Franco. And then, he asked Franco and Jack to make Linford change his decision.
Alfred chatted for a couple of minutes and then stood up from the couch, “I’m leaving the city tomorrow. I’ll bring you guys gifts when I come back.”
Cristelle hurried to say, “You can stay for dinner, it’s gonna be ready soon.”
“No. That’s really sweet of you, Cristelle. But I’ve asked someone out tonight,” Alfred didn’t want to stay. Things would be awkward if he saw his boss here again, “Pop, Jack, Lily, really gonna go. See you guys soon.”
Franco nodded, smiling, “Have a happy journey, son. Take some time to relax before coming back to work. I’ll talk to Linford about this soon.”
Alfred smiled, “Thank you, sir.” Alfred was pretty smart. He knew Linford would hire him back sooner or later. He was just here to tell Pop about the presence of Lana.
After Alfred left, Cristelle received a phone call from Linford, asking her to come out so they could pick the babies up together.
Cristelle went downstairs immediately. She also wanted to ask Linford not to fire Alfred.
She saw Linford’s car from a distance. Before she could approach it, a slim figure suddenly dashed toward Linford, circling her arms around Linford’s waist, “Linford, just let me go with you. Please! I really want to see the babies.”
Cristelle looked away awkwardly. She didn’t know if she should see this.
Linford pushed that girl away abruptly. “Can you stand up straight like a decent human? Who asked you to be here?”
Lana pouted, “I came here myself. I… I just want to see your babies. See? I brought gifts for them.”
Linford turned her down directly, “Absolutely not. You can’t see them today.”
“I don’t care. I’m gonna go,” Lana shook Linford’s arm.
Cristelle cleared her throat as she approached them. Linford pushed the girl away as he walked forth. He looked quite nervous, “Cristelle.”
Cristelle nodded before she looked at the girl. She didn’t know what she should call her.
Lana took a step forward, “It’s good to see you, Mrs. Bradley. I’m Lana, Lana White. I’m Linford’s friend.”
Mrs. Bradley?
Cristelle frowned, “We… We haven’t married yet.”
“Sheesh, it doesn’t matter. You two are gonna get married sooner or later. You’re gonna become Mrs. Bradley soon. Am I right, Linford?” Lana winked at Linford.
Lana was the youngest one among the groupies Linford had when he was a teenager. He had always treated her as a sister. Linford nodded.
Cristelle blushed.