Falling for my ex’s uncle novel

Chapter 41 Arriving downtown just as the evening rush hour began , I watched the endless stream of cars and hurried pedestrians , including young white collars in high heels and elaborate makeup , their steps fast .

This reminded me of when I had just graduated from university , always overwhelmed with work .

Even when I was so exhausted that all I wanted to do was lie down and rest , the sight of the bustling crowds would instantly revitalize me .

Because there were countless others in this world fighting just as hard .

Everyone had their aspirations , driving forces for life , and directions to move forward .

Back then , I wanted my own house .

Even though I knew Austin and I werent exactly a perfect match , I didnt feel any inferior to him .

I thought love was just between two people .

As long as the person I chose could be all in with me , wanting to build a home together with me , that was enough .

But looking back , I guess I asked for way too little .

The simpler and less you ask for, the rarer it truly is .

Once its gone , its never to return .

Maliyah works in that building over there .

Javier rolled down the car window , pointing toward an office tower nearby .

Seeing the unusual sparkle in Javiers eyes , I nodded .

Why not give her a call and maybe grab lunch together ? For real ? I parked the car by the office building , while Javier grabbed his phone , calling Maliyah .

The ringtone played for a while before Javier was about to hang up , but then Maliyah finally picked up .

Maliyah , come down .

Laurel and I are downstairs .

Lets grab lunch together .

Its okay .

You guys go ahead .

I gotta work through lunch .

Maliyahs voice was low .

Javier hesitated , replying somewhat reluctantly , Alright then .

I get it if an ad agency has to work weekends , but seriously , no lunch breaks ? After hanging up , Javier started ranting , his eyes full of indignation .

Maliyahs always been obedient .

Plus , shes new at the company .

Maybe shes trying to prove herself to get hired permanently ? Im just worried shes too easygoing , you know , letting others walk all over her at work .

Javier sighed , looking all sour .

We went to a nearby burger joint , ordered two burgers , grabbed two coffees , and headed straight to Maliyahs ad agency .

But the agencys door was already locked , so Javier called Maliyah again .

To our shock , the ringing reached our ears from somewhere near the elevator .

Me and Javier exchanged bewildered glances , then headed toward the source of the sound .

As I pushed open the fire escape door , there sat Maliyah on the stairs , wiping tears .

The sight of us made her tears flow again despite her struggle to stop them .

Maliyah , whats wrong ? Javier , seeing the sobbing Maliyah , urged , Did someone pick on you ? Tell me , and Ill take care of it for you .

Seeing the file box beside Maliyah , I frowned .

Did you quit your job ? Javier looked shocked upon hearing this .

No , after answering your call , HR told me not to work overtime at noon , and to go through resignation procedures , saying Im not suitable for the company .

But my probation is nearly up .

Ive been working my butt off , no extra pay for overtime , and now they just kick me out ? Maliyah explained .

Thats too much ! Javier seethed .

During probation , getting fired entitles you to a months pay compensation .

Hearing this , Maliyah shook her head , crying even harder .

My heart clenched , and I gently patted her hand , asking , Maliyah , what happened exactly ? Maliyah , wiping tears , sobbed , A contract went wrong yesterday , but not my fault , I just helped revise it .

I asked the manager and she reviewed it before agreeing to send it to the client .

Turns out theres a 300 thousand dollar difference between the quoted and agreed price .

The company blames me for the loss and wants to fire me .

1/2 58 Chapter 41 Thats the managers fault .

Why you gotta take the heat ? Javier stomped in anger .

The manager denies it , claims he personally told me to adjust the amount .

Maliyah pulled my hand , aggrieved .

Laurel , firing me is one thing , but 300 thousand dollars .

How am I getting the money ? Maliyah , dont cry .

Theyre just scaring you .

300 thousand dollars ? Shameless talk .

I held Maliyahs hand , comforting her softly , Even if you made a mistake , you do not need to bear losses during probation .

Theyre clearly framing you .

You cant prove the manager told you to do it , he , too , cant prove he told you so otherwise .

More importantly , wheres the evidence of the alleged loss ? Long story short , they knew Maliyah couldnt possibly cough up 300 thousand dollars and were just worried shed come barging back into the office again .

Plus , they were hoping to hold onto the rest of her salary .

Not just the salary , but compensation too absolutely nothing .

They could even ruin her reputation for good .

If she ever tried to intern at another company , theyd probably smear her name all over .

Talk about shamelessness these guys nailed it .

Really , a tiny ad agency stooping this low ? Wheres their conscience ? Im not to jump to conclusions , but I couldnt help but wonder if Austin was getting his revenge on me .

After all , he threatened me with Maliyah and Javier before , and now both of them are caught up in this mess .

It was looking more and more real to me that Austin was the real snake in the grass here .

Maliyah , I got this .

Dont cry anymore , I replied .

Maliyah looked up at me , her face a mix of confusion and helplessness .

Laurel , do I really not have to pay ? I nodded firmly .

Absolutely .

Dont worry .

Not only that , but Ill get you back every penny you earned .

Forget about these scummy folks .

Theres nothing worth missing .

Pack up your stuff .

Lets head home .

Maliyah looped her arm through mine and eyed the food bags in Javiers hand .

Is this for me ? she asked , wiping away her tears .

Javier nodded .

If youre not hungry , Ill finish it for you .

Who said Im not hungry ? Im going to turn my anger into appetite .

Ill eat till Im stuffed and then find a job I actually love , Maliyah retorted , grabbing the bag and taking a big bite of the beef burger .

Her gloomy mood disappeared in a flash .

She perked up , looking at me .

Laurel , my mom said you married Alex .

For real ?