BOUND BY SECRETS

《3》

Coraline's POV

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Jace’s glare pins me in place, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe. My fingers tighten around the door handle, but I don’t turn it—I can’t. Now I understand why characters in movies pray for the earth to open up and swallow them whole.My pulse still races from the heated confrontation, and my thoughts swirl like a storm cloud.

"I… I I uhm..." I stutter with fear coursing through my veins. If looks could kill, I would probably be dead by now because I can feel Jace's burning glare on me. I look at Miss Lyla hoping she'll chirp in a word or two to save me, but she says nothing. Oh God, I'm screwed.

Jace suddenly chokes out a bitter laugh. My eyes dart towards his direction, and he laughs hysterically. His laugh is so nice that you'll almost think he is innocent. Meanwhile, he has some evil plan he is plotting in his head.

"Did you come to my office just so you could insult me?" He speaks up, raising both his brows at me.

Okay firstly, no. I never intended to insult him. I wanted to beg for my job back, but then he got on my nerves when I found out he fired me in the worst way ever. I sneak a glare at the brown envelope in Lyla's hands. Curse that brown envelope, stupid thing.

"I demand an answer, Caroline." His voice has gotten harsher and louder. I gulp, why is he addressing me casually? Is that a good thing or is it a bad thing? Or could it be because I no longer work for him? Should I address him as Jace then? No, Caroline! That will only make matters worse than they already are.

Jace rises to his feet, slams the desk loudly and mutters a curse under his breath.

"Bullshit! You are so f*****g hilarious Caroline. You called my attitude rude, but what do you think is the right word for yours? We were supposed to have a meeting with some other companies by 9 am, and you showed up by 10 am with a f*****g attitude. Do you know how you embarrassed me by your lateness?" His words are laced with anger and bitterness.

Way too much bitterness coming from him. It's unusual. I know Jace hates the idea of lateness, and he hates embarrassment as well, but this bitterness is just too much. Did someone else piss him off?

"Calm down Jace." Lyla attempts to caress his broad shoulders, but he flings her hand off.

"Stay out of this, Lyla." He mumbles.

"I'm sorry Sir, you're right. Totally right. I deserve every bitter word that comes from your mouth. I'm incompetent, and I do not deserve to work here. I'll pack my pieces of stuff and leave the company by the end of the day." I say, releasing a heavy sigh. Sadly, I'm not joking. If it is what Jace wants, then so be it. Who am I to argue or throw tantrums when his father clearly owns the company?

Just as I prepare to retreat, the door swings open, and in walks Mr. Rogers…Mr. Rogers strides in, his cane tapping against the marble floor, eyes sharp as a hawk’s despite his years.

"Good morning, everyone!"

My stomach drops. Of all days for Mr. Rogers to visit, it had to be today.

We all bow our heads as a way of respect to the Chairperson. I sneak a glance at Jace and I can see a look of anxiety written on his face, and it makes me wonder why. I mean, unlike every other wealthy CEO who is either arrogant, rude, too serious or proud, Mr Rogers is the opposite. He is warm-hearted, which makes me wonder why Jace is anxious to see his dad.

"Dad," Lyla mumbles with a surprised look on her face. What is the special occasion though? Why is Mr Rogers here? I mean he barely ever comes to check the company because he believes his son has it in control.

"Why are you surprised to see me?" Mr Rogers asks his daughter. He clears his throat and groans loudly.

"Dad, please sit," Lyla says, gesturing to the couches in the office. Mr Rogers had an accident a while ago that caused his left leg to hurt. He uses a walking stick as support and most times he is limping without the stick.

Mr Rogers nods his head slowly, he hands the walking stick to one of the bodyguards behind him. The old man throws himself on the couch and releases a heavy sigh.

"That's more like it." He mumbles comfortably to himself.

"What are you doing here Dad?" Mr President questions his dad with a frown on his face.

"This is my company, you brat, I can come here whenever I like." Mr Rogers snaps at Mr President and that shuts him up.

Everyone becomes silent, the atmosphere is choking on me, so I take it as my queue to leave. I'm about to take a step forward, but Mr Rogers calls my name out loud.

"Caroline! Apologies for not acknowledging your presence dear." Mr Rogers says. Ever since I started working at Highland Investments, Mr Rogers has done nothing but be extremely nice to me. He treats me like his own daughter because he sees how hardworking I am. He often asks me questions like how I'm able to cope with Mr President and his son's behavior.

"It is no problem at all, Sir. I was already leaving’’. I say, forcing a smile on my face.

"Dad, you won't believe it. Jace just fired Caroline this morning." Lyla blurts out. I freeze in my steps and turn to glare at Lyla with my eyes wide open. Why is she prolonging this? I appreciate her support, but Jace’s decision is final.

"Why won't everyone just mind their f*****g business?" Jace groans lowly in frustration. He walks towards the couch facing his dad and throws himself on it. He crosses his legs and rests his head comfortably.

"That had better be a rumor, Jason." Mr Rogers speaks sternly, yet with so much authority can be heard from his voice.

"It is not Dad. It is the truth. Just because Caroline came late for a meeting, Jace fired her." Lyla says. Mr President turns towards her direction and shoots dagger glares at his sister.

"Speak for yourself, young man. Is everything your sister is saying true?" Mr Rogers snaps at his son.

"Dad, I'm the President of the company and she is my secretary. I get to do whatever I want to with her and that includes firing her." Jace says in a calm tone. I hope I do not cause a fight between Mr President and his dad.

"She has stood by you for the past five years. You can not just fire her for a petty reason, especially if she has been hard-working during those five years," Mr Rogers says.

"That's correct Dad. She has been hard working for the past five years, and it is the only reason I have kept her by my side for that long, but what I will not agree with you is the fact that you tag coming late for a meeting as a petty reason to fire an employee." Jace says, looking at me, Immediately our eyes meet, and he darts his glare away from my direction.

"Well, I can not let you fire her, Jace. She is effective to the company," Mr Rogers says.

"Dad!" Jace raises his voice, rising to his feet.

"Caroline, let me have a minute with Jace. Please excuse us, you can go back to your duties," Mr Rogers says.

Jace’s jaw tightens, and for a second, I swear I see his fingers twitch like he’s itching to punch something—or someone. His sharp exhale is controlled, but the way he clenches and unclenches his fists on the desk tells me he’s holding back a storm of anger.

"Dad," he grits out, his voice lower but edged with frustration, "you can’t just override my decisions like this."

Mr. Rogers doesn’t even look up. "Watch me."

Jace lets out a bitter scoff, running a hand through his hair before turning to glare at me. The way his cold, hazel eyes burn into mine makes my throat tighten.

"You heard him," he mutters. "You get to stay. Congratulations, Caroline." His voice drips with sarcasm, and before I can even react, he grabs his suit jacket from the chair and storms past me, his shoulder barely missing mine.

The door slams shut behind him.