Alexa thought for a moment, then snapped her fingers, "You mentioned that you work for Clinton Groups?"
"Yes, I do."
"As what?"
"I'm with the HR department. Why, you want to get employed? I can certainly get you in."
Alexa smiled, "Actually, I was pronounced the COO of the company by my late grandfather-in-law."
"What?!" Nora cried out and almost spilled her drink, "he made you the COO? Does he want you to become the CEO?"
"No, far from that. He pronounced Aiden as the CEO and Aaron as the Vice president. Obviously, the old man wanted to put me in the forefront for his grandson."
Nora shook her head, "I doubt that."
"Why?"
"Because the Clinton Groups function on different rules. Unlike other companies that don't have both COO and Vice president because they feel it's the same, in CG, those two positions are different. As a Vice president, Aaron cannot become the CEO or the President of the company, unless he holds the highest shares. But the COO, on the other hand, has the potential to become the CEO in the future."
Alexa thought for a while, no wonder the Wilfreds and board of directors were pissed when Aaron was appointed as the Vice president.
"The old man had your good interest at heart. I'm sure he found out your true identity, otherwise, he wouldn't have given you such a big role in the company."
"Right? I thought so too. I told him I was a graduate with a year internship from Mobi Corps. Who leaves a company in the hands of an intern?"
"Indeed. He must have avoided telling you so he could continue watching you. But unfortunately, he's dead now."
"Regrettably," Alexa sighed.
Suddenly, a thunderous cry resounded from one of the rooms.
"Nora! Nora!!! Get your ass in here!!"
Alexa tilted her head, "Is that your boyfriend?" seeing Nora smile awkwardly with a nod of her head, Alexa sneered and waved her hand, "Go to him before he flies into a fit of rage."
Putting down her empty cup, she got up and announced, "I'll be right back."
Once Nora left, Alexa resumed drinking the last bit of her tea more seriously while thinking of the old man's death. Was it a blessing in disguise, or a curse? She didn't know.
Suddenly, she heard banter coming from the room Nora just entered.
"What is this message about?" the male voice yelled.
"Can't you read? Obviously, it was an impromptu message from the company, which I just finished working on less than thirty minutes ago."
"Oh please, shut up!" the male voice yelled.
"Give me my phone!"
Alexa raised her gaze to the door and sighed. Not a minute had passed, she heard Nora's voice again.
"What exactly is your problem? It's midnight, you should be sleeping, yet here you are snooping around on my phone! For fuck's sake, stop touching my phone! I had so many missed calls and messages. I was right in the living room, working on a project. Would it have killed you if you brought the phone to me instead of ignoring them all?!"
"What are you hiding?"
"I beg your pardon?" came Nora's voice again.
"Why is your chat history with Manager Klein cleared?... Has the cat got your tongue?"
"No, I'm only feeling embarrassed on your behalf. Alexa Quinn is in the living room, we've not seen each other in a long while, yet on her first time here, you decided to make yourself look stupid."
"I don't care about that little spoiled bitch! So what if she's here? She's living under my roof, so she better stay away from our business, otherwise, I'll throw her out... And as for you, Nora, I know for a fact that you've been sharing a bed with Manager Klein, don't think that I have no idea what goes on in the HR department even though I'm not there. If not that he's fucking you, would he have promoted you twice in just six months?"
"Excuse me? Are you sure you're alright?"
"Don't you dare play the gaslighting game with me, Nora! Otherwise, I will– "
"You know what, I'm not doing this tonight. Fuck yourself!"
"Nora, wait right there! Don't you dare walk out on me! Nora...!"
Alexa sighed softly. That shameless imbecile. He's still the same and would never change.
Nora shut the bedroom door with a loud bang and trotted to Alexa while apologizing. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. The big baby I'm raising probably had his ego crushed," she tried to force a smile but it got even more awkward.
"I think you should install a sound-proof door. I was growing nervous with the high-pitched banter. I was afraid he'd hit you."
Nora's face downcasted. She was extremely embarrassed by the situation. "I'm so sorry you had to hear all of that. I– "
"It's ok, I'm not offended. Being called a 'little spoiled brat' is nothing compared to having your father's company stolen by a man," she chuckled, attempting to lighten the heavy atmosphere.
Nora's eyes lit up as she lowered her butt to the couch, "You haven't told me what exactly happened. I saw the transformation you went through just for him, so I know you loved him. Lucian also seemed to be crazy about you."
"That would be a story for another time. Just make sure you don't tolerate Mike hitting you... Well... I hope he doesn't... " Alexa stretched the words as she gave her a critical stare with a brow arched.
Nora shook her head with a smile, "He's not that crazy. Mike may be anything but a woman beater."
Alexa smiled faintly without trying to refute her. She took a napkin on the table to dabble on her lips while her gaze shifted to the bedroom door.
Believing that Alexa may not believe her, Nora added, "Don't worry about him. I intend to quit the relationship once I find another man."
"It's high time for a good riddance to bad rubbish... But are you sure you can let go? I mean, you two were together from way back in university."
"I think I've had enough of him. He's gotten worse over the years, especially after I helped him get into CG. If I don't end things with him, he'll cost me my job."
Alexa nodded with a beam, "Although I'm in no position to give you relationship advice, I think he's overstayed his welcome in your life. And I fully support his departure."
"Until then, wish me luck," Nora chuckled. But within, she was hurt.
Alexa noticed the sadness underneath her chuckle and thought she must have hurt Nora's feelings. She was once in love and knew how it felt when a friend badmouthed her man. Instead of apologizing, which she believed wouldn't help the matter, she got up and said, "I need to have some sleep. I'll be returning to Clinton's mansion at dawn."
"I also have to be at the company earlier than usual tomorrow morning. Do have a goodnight... Ah," she pointed at the next door to her bedroom, "that's the guest room. Your belongings are in there."
"Thank you, Nora. I'm extremely grateful for your help. I wouldn't have known what to do without you. I promise, I won't let you down."
"Don't be like that, I'm glad to be of service to you."
The night was quite peaceful but certainly not the next morning.