"Good morning, Mrs. Peters," they shook hands.
"Good morning. It's been so long since we've seen each other, Mr. Jasper. I didn't think you'd come to our meeting, especially after the last time's misunderstanding."
"I hadn't planned on attending, but I wanted to show my assistant how things are done," he said in a tone so terse and indifferent, it took me by surprise.
Keyla grinned with her back teeth. This man could insult someone's mother nonchalantly, and no one would confront or react to him.
"This is Nichole, my new assistant."
"A pleasure. It's odd to see someone like you around these parts," she said with a forced smile that I could spot immediately.
"What's she like?" Jasper asked, awaiting her response.
"Different," she looked at Jasper, who remained stoic.
"Of course, she's different; she wouldn't look like Karina."
"Why do we always have to end up on the same topic, Mr. Jasper?"
"Because it's thanks to you that woman tried to drug me."
"That's not true."
"I don't care whether it's true or not; all I know is I'm not interested in mentioning that floozy any further. Let's proceed to the work at hand; you're making my assistant uncomfortable," he said. She looked at me, then smiled again.
"I apologize, Miss Nichole," she said, the strain in her voice evident.
I felt out of place, especially with their exchange. It was obvious how uncomfortable I felt. We walked to the catwalk and stood watching the same women Jasper had talked to a few minutes earlier. He stared at them intently, and Keyla did the same.
"Something tells me Norma is having issues. Are you checking her diet?" Jasper asked.
"Yes, all is in order with her."
"Miss Nichole, I want you to go backstage with the girls once they're done to weigh them. Record each of their weights in the notepad, then bring it to me."
"Yes, Mr. Jasper."
"Don't smudge the notepad," I didn’t understand why he would request that, but I agreed nonetheless.
While Jasper spoke with Keyla, a tall woman with fair skin, wavy hair, and blonde, approached Jasper.
"What a surprise! I didn't think I'd see you here, mother."
"The feeling is mutual. What are you doing here on a day like this?" asked his mother.
"I'm here with Miss Nichole, my new assistant," he motioned for me to come closer, and I stood by his side.
"Pleased to meet you, ma'am," I said politely.
She remained silent, glancing me up and down. I could tell by her expression that I didn't appeal to her.
"This is Cindy, my dear and kind mother," Jasper announced.
His sarcasm was evident immediately. I felt so awkward, I didn't know where to put my face.
"Go with the girls; I'll look for you shortly," he ordered.
"Yes, Mr. Jasper."
I went behind the catwalk where two girls were waiting.
"And what are you doing here?" the blonde with blue eyes asked.
"I'm here on Mr. Jasper's orders. I need to weigh you. Shall we start with you?"
"It's weird they let just anyone come back here."
I saw the scale and stood beside it, deliberately ignoring her comment.
"Orders are orders. Shall we start?" I disregarded both of their snide remarks and went on.
Jasper
"Can you tell me, what in the world is wrong with you, mother? Weren't you taught to be polite?"
"Watch your tone with me, Jasper."
"If you're still upset about what happened with Karina, that's not my problem, but don't take it out on my assistant."
"That's what you call an assistant? Karina was the ideal woman to be your assistant. She had all the right qualities, physical and professional."
"Sure, and she tried to drug me for some unknown reason. Brilliant assistant! Don't make me say it twice; I don't appreciate you taking out your ridiculous thoughts on others," he said, raising his hand as if to slap me, but I caught it in the air. "The time for hitting me ended many years ago, so lower that hand and don't try it again, or I won't hold back."
"You're very defiant since you've become what I see before me."
"Like it or not, this is who I am."
"I want you to get another assistant. If you don't want Karina, fine, but at least find someone who doesn't cause so much talk."
"That woman has a name, and I thought I made it clear. Moreover, that's my problem, not yours. I'll say this only once; do not interfere in my affairs, mother."
Nichole
"You're quite clumsy for an assistant. Have you really done this before?" the blonde with blue eyes asked.
"It's not rocket science to jot down a weight."
"I doubt you weigh yourself often; you'd risk breaking the scale," the girls laughed, but I managed a smile.
"If weight measured fat alone, you'd have a lot to worry about. But if it counted botox and silicone, you might be overweight too."
"Did you hear that, Raiza?" the girls mocked her and, in her fury, she pushed me.
"And who do you think you are? You think just because you're Jasper's assistant, you can do whatever you want around here? You're in the wrong place, whale."
Losing my patience could cost me my job. I tried my best to ignore her.
"Whatever you say. Now get on the scale; I don't have all day."
She glared at me but stepped on the scale. I ignored her demeanor and kept on. After finishing up with all of them, I bade my farewell and descended the catwalk stairs when I felt a strong push from behind, sending me to the ground. Thankfully, it was on the last step, or the fall could have been much worse. My ankle was slightly hurt because of the heels. Only I would think of wearing these to work. Looking towards the stairs, I saw three of them, arms crossed, watching me. I reached out for the notepad and pen, but Jasper picked them up for me.
"What's going on here? Why are you on the floor?" he helped me stand as I tried to rise.
"I tripped, Mr. Jasper. I'm so sorry you had to see me in such an embarrassing moment," I replied, wanting to avoid any trouble.
"And I was born yesterday," he retorted sarcastically and glared at the girls on the stairs. "Come with me."
I grabbed my purse and followed Jasper back up. My ankle was protesting the climb at his pace. Once I caught up, I stood beside him, and he lined all the girls up.
"Who did it?" he asked with a firm and irritated tone. His voice sent shivers down my spine.
They looked at each other, and he walked slowly, eyeing each one.
"Seems like no one intends to speak up. If you want to play, then allow me to join as well. Get outside and run 50 laps around the convention center in heels. Move it, now!" he commanded.
His drastic and exacting punishment left me speechless. Despite witnessing those three on the stairs, I wasn't certain who was responsible, and I couldn't blame Raiza, who wasn't among them.
"Am I included in that punishment?" I asked nervously.
"Do you wish to join them?"
"No, but if I must, I will."
He smiled and shook his head.
"Don't hide things that happen to you. I dislike secrets. I'm letting it slide just for today, alright?"
"I apologize, it won't happen again, Mr. Jasper."
"Let's go outside. I need to ensure they run the laps."
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