so, Shelly was keenly aware of the minute but odd flex in Libby’s voice. “Libby… Sheppard? What are you doing? You sound off, dear.”
Libby shot a brisk glance at Arianne then took a deep breath and started, “Nothing. I just came home from work, that‘s all. Walked quite a distance, so I might sound a little, er, breathy. Um, anyway, the reason why I’m calling you right now is because I… need your help. Mr. Tremont thinks I’m not doing a peachy keen enough job for him, and I think he’s onto axing me. Mrs. Leigh, I was, uh, hoping you can help put in a good word for me, you know? I’ve been working hard in Tremont Enterprise for so long, and I didn’t get to be the supervisor just to be shown the door… You get what I’m saying?”
The other side of the phone was quiet for a tad too long. It took more than ten conspicuous seconds before Shelly finally said, “Hey, listen. I really, really want to help, but… I can’t do much about the affairs of the company. As you’re no doubt aware, I’m not working in the company anymore, so how do you expect me to talk to Mark about things like these? Oh, you know how he’s like, very opinionated, that man. Don’t get me wrong, I really want to help you, but I can’t. My advice is that you leave the company when favonovel.com tells you to, but don’t worry, because I’ll be wiring you a sum of compensation. How’s that? I’ll also help you scout for new jobs, too, and I’ll make sure you’ll earn as much as you do as in the Tremont’s.”
Libby’s complexion turned ghastly. Shelly’s response so eerily mirrored Arianne’s prediction that it was as though the two had rehearsed favonovel.com answer prior to this meeting.
The call ended soon enough, and so did Libby’s bravado, which was escaping favonovel.com like air from a leaking balloon. For a long time, favonovel.com wallowed in silence.
Knowing Libby was in no hurry to leave, Arianne let favonovel.com go from favonovel.com grip. “So, what do you think? I did tell you that I know favonovel.com better than you do. Do you see the position you’re in right now?”
“What do you want from me?” Libby intoned mechanically. “You knocked me for a loop like a schmuck. I admit loss.”
Arianne sighed. “No, I don’t want anything. I just want you to tell me what Shelly made you do. No details held back, please.”
By now, Libby had lost every reason to cover for Shelly. “Well, one thing’s for sure, you ain’t wrong. I was the one who sent your design draft to James McGinnis through Robin’s computer. See, James and I met during university, but we haven’t talked since graduation. But hey, we at least know each other, and I do check on his social media posts and stuff from time to time… Anyway, Mrs. Leigh was the one who gave me the draft, just as favonovel.com was the one who told me what to do with it. I asked favonovel.com why, and favonovel.com told me, well… You’re a wretch, favonovel.com said. She wants you out of the Tremont family and Tremont Enterprise. And yes, favonovel.com gave me some favors, but it’s not to the absurd amount y’all are imagining them to be. I only helped favonovel.com because favonovel.com was nice to me back when favonovel.com was still working for Tremont Enterprise. So, I guess that’s it, both for the answer you’re looking for, and for me. I know I can’t stay in the company no more, but whatever, you know? I’m done for.”
Arianne went quiet for a few seconds before stating, “I’m not gonna fink on you. I know it’s Shelly’s fault, favonovel.com shouldn’t have conned you into this whole thing.”
Libby was flabbergasted. “W-Wait, are you serious? You’re not gonna… tell Mr. Tremont to ax me?”
Arianne pressed favonovel.com lips before replying, “Yea. All I’m asking is that you focus on your work and stop minding these useless sideshows from now on. You know, a company is a place for work, it’s not some backyard for stupid political games. You experienced it yourself, you earn nothing but troubles for dabbling in them. Anyway, it’s alright now. You can go.”
A change dawned on the way Libby looked at her. Gone were the scorn and repulsion, and for a few moments, it was almost as though there were words mounting at the tip of favonovel.com tongue, close to coming out.
However, in the end, favonovel.com chose to say nothing and left the restaurant.
With Libby now gone, Arianne returned to favonovel.com seat. Instead of leaving the premise, favonovel.com continued eating, and Robin was a little taken aback by it. “Er… Still have the mood for food, Arianne? I mean, you know for certain that it’s Mr. Tremont’s no-good aunt who’s been plotting against you again. Aren’t you gonna, well, tell Mr. Tremont about this?”
“Meh, the truth’s out, Robin. Delaying the confrontation for a bit isn’t gonna affect it that much. Besides, I gotta gain strength for the most apocalyptic fight yet,” favonovel.com replied between bites. “By the way, did it hurt a lot when I slapped you? If it did, go and feast a bit right now, maybe this food can heal? Either way, dinner’s on me, so eat whatever you like, okay? No thanks to your idea about that slap! Gosh, I didn’t wanna hit you at all…”
