"Yasmine, trust me. When the time is right, I’ll explain everything," he said with a firm yet reassuring tone before ending the call.
I held the phone in my hand, feeling a mix of confusion and concern. Mr. Zarry had been my father’s trusted comrade and had played a crucial role in managing the company during the years I was away. His unexpected decision to move to the branch was unsettling and his reluctance to explain further only added to my unease.
Despite my worries, I had to focus on my responsibilities. As I settled into my work, my mind kept drifting back to the contract I had finalized during my recent business trip. It was crucial for the upcoming negotiations and I had left it at home. With a sense of urgency, I made a mental note to retrieve it as soon as possible.
The thought of asking Chris to send the contract to me now felt impossible. The mere idea of interacting with him triggered memories of Hailey and I found myself completely unmotivated to reach out. The tension between us was too palpable and I knew it would only worsen the situation.
***
When I finally arrived home later in the day, the sounds of celebration greeted me before I even reached the door. My heart sank as I realized that the festive atmosphere was in full swing inside.
As I stepped into the foyer, I could hear the unmistakable tone of Susan’s voice, sharp and triumphant. "Congratulations to Hailey for becoming the company's vice president. I wish Hailey a bright future! Congratulations!" Her words were tinged with a forced cheerfulness, but they carried an edge that spoke volumes.
The joy in her voice was almost mocking and I felt a knot of resentment tighten in my chest.
I walked further into the house, my steps heavy with resignation. The living room was alive with animated conversation and laughter. Hailey was seated in the center, clearly basking in the glow of her new position. She looked radiant, her smile a perfect blend of pride and satisfaction.
As I approached, I caught the tail end of the conversation. Susan continued, her voice almost gloating. "I didn’t expect that Zarry would be so easy to influence. I reminded him of past events and just like that, he agreed to transfer to the branch office."
