Her Suspected Billionaire

Chapter 31

Edith looked up in surprise from her computer as she saw Alice walk in dressed like she just got back from the gym. She had on a pair of joggers and a black hoodie over a white tank top. Her hair was packed into two like a young school girl.

“Alice!” she exclaimed. Not only was she super late to work, but she showing up like that was crazy, even to Edith.

“Hello, Edith. Sorry I didn’t tell you. I actually just came to get my stuff from the office. Mr. Sterling fired me yesterday,” Alice explained.

“What? Why?” Edith asked in shock. Evan had said nothing of that sort to her. If Alice were fired, Evan would have asked her to clear out her office and inform the security not to let Alice into the building.

“Yup. Last night,” Alice said. She didn’t look at all remorseful for whatever reason it was she got fired for. “I’m just here to get my things. I’ll be out of your hair in a jiffy.” Alice was actually in a rush to get her personal belongings from the office and leave. She wanted to meet with Steven and Derrick at Steven’s place. She had noticed her body camera had stopped working at the gym and she needed them to see if it could be repaired or if she’d have to get a new one.

“If you said he fired you, then I can’t let you in like that. Let me check with him first, please,” Edith said, standing up.

​Alice looked at her with fury as she sauntered away to Evan’s office. She thought she had built a rapport with Edith to a stage where she could ask for favours without her having to follow protocol. But apparently, Edith’s loyalty lay with Sterling Industries and as far as Alice was no longer a staff there, it meant Edith could not be her friend. Alice walked over to the waiting area and sat down on one of the chairs there. She got her phone out from her pocket and went online to check her email. She’d been sending out resumes all morning.

“Miss James,” Evan’s voice called. Alice looked up from her phone. He was looking at her with the same shock as Edith had. She scoffed as she got up. Evan and Edith were made for each other in her book. The only thing they cared about was the office. That was the only reason anyone would be shocked that she was dressed in normal outdoor clothing by past 4pm on a weekday.

“You did not come to work today,” Evan spoke. He was calmer than she expected him to be. Had he seen a therapist last night? She wondered.

“Yes, because I was fired. Remember? I just came to get my personal effects from my office and I’ll...”

“Who said you were fired, Miss James?” Evan asked, interrupting her. Alice looked sternly at her. What was it that Evan wanted before he’d know she was done working for such conceited and self centered human being?

“Mr. Sterling, with all due respect, you made it very clear to me last night that if I walked out of your office, I could consider myself fired. Fired meaning that I would no longer be seen as a member of staff in Sterling Industries,” Alice calmly replied.

“I merely said that out of anger, Miss James. I didn’t intend to relieve you of your duties. I was upset and stressed out and my anger got the better of me.”

“Really?” Alice asked, with mock shock. “You were stressed? Oh my word, I was having a fair. I’m too cool to be stressed. So you fired me because you were angry and now you say I’m not fired? Shouldn’t this be termed an injustice that would require at least an apology for starters?” She found it easier to talk to him how she was talking now because she no longer saw him as her boss. Evan remained quiet for a while before he spoke again.

“You may go on and close for the day, Edith. We’re done for today, “ Evan finally said, addressing Edith who was standing by her desk watching the impending altercation between Alice and her boss. She nodded slowly, and as Evan had instructed, she went behind her desk to shut down her computer and pack her bag. Evan just stood calmly watching Alice while Edith packed and Alice looked everywhere around the reception area than at him. Just being around him again was already upsetting her.

“See you tomorrow, Mr. Sterling,” Edith said, heading to the door that led to the hallway. After she’d gotten on to the elevator, Evan turned to Alice again.

“I am sorry, Miss James,” he said with his eyes closed. Alice burst into laughter.

“Did you really send Edith home because you wanted to apologise, Mr. Sterling?” she asked still laughing.

“You must really be one conceited soul,” she said and pushed her way past him into her office. Evan did not try to stop her. As far as he was concerned, he had already stooped low enough to offer her an apology and if she didn’t accept it, then she was the one who problems now. He watched as she came out of her office with a carton filled with supplies and a picture frame that had a photograph of her and her mum.

“Alice James?” he called. She stopped and turned to face him making a face that he knew meant he should say whatever it was he wanted to, so she could get out of here.

“You have not been fired from Sterling Industries. However, I do realize you are upset, and even though I have apologized, I see it is not enough to calm you for the time being. I will be generous enough to give you an early leave for a period of two months, so you can take the time you need to seek whatever help it is you need. If you need my assistance in anyway, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

​Alice chuckled and then hissed loudly before walking out of the reception area. She was deeply upset at this time and she couldn’t imagine that was all Evan was saying to her. She couldn’t believe he had sent Edith home because he wanted to apologize. How much more conceited could he get? He could f**k off for all she cared.