TJ Corp stands as the world's premier corporate behemoth, trailed by the Allansky Group holding second place, followed by the Tan Group in third.
Here is where Renata finds herself, precisely within the lobby of TJ Corp.
The moment her foot crossed the entrance threshold, Renata was met with a flurry of astonished stares and whispers from the employees gathered in the lobby. It seemed they made it a point to whisper loudly enough to be overheard.
"Isn't that Angel?"
"Seriously? Why has she become so beautiful?"
"Where's the heavy makeup and the flashy clothes she usually wears?"
"I can't believe Angel the home-wrecker looks that stunning."
"Has she had an epiphany after the accident?"
"That's good then, she's more beautiful than Mr. Alvaro's wife."
"Shh, don't talk like that, do you want to be fired by Mr. Alvaro?"
"Besides, beauty is pointless if you have a rotten heart."
"You may be right. Home-wreckers do seem to have rotten hearts."
"Just look, she dares to come to the office after trying to kill Mr. Alvaro's wife."
"Complete witch."
"As if any bachelor would want her. Why chase after someone else's husband?"
This is a sample of the whispers Renata heard, her ears practically ringing with them. She was tempted to silence those mouths, akin to leaking water pipes.
"Angel?"
Renata halted as a girl blocked her path. She recognized her. It was Anya—the sole friend of Angel.
"You're Angel?" Anya's face reflected disbelief, "Why... Why do you look like this? No makeup? And you didn't wear the outfit I recommended?"
Gotcha!
A foe disguised as a friend. Why did Renata have to deal with someone like Anya? Once, she had also had a friend similar to this girl.
It was Anya who turned Angel into a figure resembling a lady of the night. Suggesting heavy makeup and provocative clothing. Angel trusted Anya, who claimed she could help her usurp Alvaro from Sanaya.
But, there were ulterior motives at play.
Anya also harbored feelings for Alvaro, playing Angel all the while, and secretly sharpening her claws. She had liked Alvaro even when he was dating Angel.
Renata knew because it was all detailed in the novel. Anya was the number two antagonist.
"I just feel more comfortable this way," Renata replied then, "And from now on, call me Renata."
"What?"
Renata walked on, ignoring Anya's baffled expression. Prolonged contact with the girl could prove allergenic.
*Thump*
Anya grasped her shoulder which Renata had bumped rather firmly.
"What's her problem? Does she think too highly of herself now because she's a bit prettier?" Anya muttered, eyeing Renata's retreating back with disdain.
"Anya, are you alright?" inquired another girl approaching Anya.
"Oh, I'm fine," Anya replied with a smile.
"I told you, you shouldn't be friends with Angel. She just uses you."
"No worries, Angel and I have been friends since school. I'm used to her selfish ways," said Anya, her smile never leaving her crimson-lipped mouth.
"Oh, Anya, you're too kind, really angelic at heart."
"No, not at all. I'm not that good."
She was evidently making an effort to showcase a polished image to the other employees.
"Hey, clear the way! Mr. J is coming through!" bellowed a bald man dressed all in black.
"We need to move," said the girl conversing with Anya.
Employee heads bowed in unison to greet Mr. J—CEO of TJ Corp and the eldest son of the Tjong family.
A man with gleaming black dress shoes approached, his stride broad, his eagle-sharp gaze ignoring the surroundings as he walked with his head tilted slightly upwards, chest puffed out arrogantly.
Meanwhile, Renata stood by the elevator, waiting.
*Buzz*
Suddenly her phone rang.
Who could it be calling? Zayn perhaps?
Renata rummaged through her bag for her phone.
"Ah, here it is," she muttered.
But before she could check it, the black-dressed bald man shoved her aside.
"Move, don't block the way, Mr. J!"
*Crash*
"Ouch!"
Renata fell ungracefully, her phone flying from her grasp.
*Crack*
She glared as her phone was crushed underfoot.
"My phone…" Renata's face fell instantly, Zayn had just fixed it.
Ding
Without a hint of remorse, the culprit marched into the elevator meant for the CEO. Yes, it was Mr. J who had stepped on Renata's phone.
Renata quickly got to her feet to chase the man turning his back, "Wa-wait!"
She had to demand accountability.
Before Renata could reach him, several men in black barred her path, the personal bodyguards of Mr. J.
"Hey, you need to take responsibility!” Renata shouted.
Her cry echoed across the entire lobby. All the employees were shocked at her bold rebuke to Mr. J.
So was Mr. J himself.
He turned to look at the girl who had yelled at him, but the elevator doors were closing slowly.
Before they shut completely, Renata's brown eyes locked with Mr. J's black ones.
*Thump*
Renata's heart pounded ferociously.
"Je-Jefra?"
That couldn't be right, could it?
**
TJ Corp Staff Room.
"Have you lost your mind? How could you curse at Mr. J?" Anya said to Renata, sitting beside her.
Renata snapped out of her reverie, haunted by the morning's events, particularly the memory of the man who reminded her of her husband.
"Mr. J? You mean the man who wrecked my phone?” Renata, unfamiliar with Mr. J, inquired.
The novel bore no character named J, and Angel had no memory of a J. It was natural for Renata to be unaware.
"Mr. J is the CEO of this company," Anya explained, clearly frustrated.
It made sense that Angel, in her lifetime, had not known Mr. J, as her focus was solely on Alvaro, the youngest son of the Tjong family, younger brother to Mr. J.
"I'm finished," Renata mumbled in sudden panic, not realizing the magnitude of Mr. J's standing.
"Yes, you're bound to be in trouble, Angelica Renata Tan," declared a bespectacled woman who appeared out of nowhere beside Renata's desk—Salvina, the Assist to the Head Manager.
Her glare suggested she harbored no fondness for Renata. Naturally, the novel's antagonist was universally disliked. This, Renata would have to come to terms with.
"What do you mean?" Renata asked, masking her agitation with a calm demeanor.
But her composure did not last, faltering as Salvina continued.
"You're summoned to the CEO's office. Perhaps you'll be dismissed on the spot."
To Be Continued
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