Episode 8

"I see you're very much on top of everything, Mr. Kim. If I agreed to come to this absurd interview, it was to talk about my agency and new projects, not to delve into personal matters, especially not family-related ones," Jasper sternly stated.

"That's my job. There's no need for such agitation. It was a simple question; we could have just moved on," Mr. Kim replied calmly.

"You say that as if you're unaware of your own interviewing style. If we're not going to discuss relevant matters, let's consider this meeting over," Jasper retorted, exasperation evident in his voice.

"I won't ask those types of questions again. Don't get worked up, I meant no harm. Let's proceed with the interview."

The interview went on, but Jasper still seemed half-annoyed. It was apparent from a distance. I wonder if his father is really unwell. I took quite a liking to him. I believe he's one of the nicest and coolest people I've met in a long time. I felt comfortable and at ease with him. As soon as the interview was over, Jasper stood up and firmly shook Mr. Kim's hand.

"We'll meet another time. If you need anything else, feel free to contact my assistant. Good day." With that, he walked off, and I followed him out, not allowing Mr. Kim to say another word.

Reaching the car, Jasper hit the tire, and I didn't dare speak up. I didn't want to be his next target. I waited for him to calm down and for him to break the silence voluntarily. I looked at him with apprehension and stepped back a bit, just in case.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

"Nothing, sir," I replied.

"I'm very sorry you had to witness that; people like him are what I despise the most. They’re all pathetic in the same way. They always seem to sniff out even the smallest problem to blow it up into some sensational crap to attract the attention of miserable people," he smiled and sighed. "I apologize, I just spoke ill in front of a lady. I meant to set a good example as your boss, and I'm failing to do so, but I needed to get that off my chest."

"There's no need to apologize. We all say those kinds of words at some point. I do that often, but of course, outside of work. Besides, I agree with you. You must be feeling a lot of pressure with all this. I want you to know you can vent to me, confidently."

"Oh, really? That's very kind of you; I truly appreciate your concern and the offer. Rest assured, I'll keep it in mind. We should get going."

"I'll drive this time, please. I won't waste any time; I'll start the car properly."

Jasper laughed and cleared his throat.

"Alright."

He handed me the keys and got in.

"Take me to the agency; I need to pick up some documents from my office for the meeting this afternoon."

I drove him to the agency, and he asked me to wait in the car, so I had no choice but to do so. I stayed, browsing his agenda, and realized he had several appointments lined up for the day. In three days, he was supposed to travel to Los Angeles, and I hadn't noticed until now. What could be the purpose of that trip?

Jasper

"Mr. Jasper," the receptionist called out breathlessly, rushing to me before I could open the door to my office.

"This isn't an amusement park; there's no running here," I chided.

"I'm sorry, it's just that I wanted to let you know that Miss Karina is in your office."

"And who in the devil's name let her through?"

"Your mother came personally with her and then left."

"I've made it clear that no one is to be in my office while I’m away. She has no authority here. This is my agency, and she is like any other ordinary person."

"She was very insistent and ordered us all to let her see you, but when we told her you weren't in, she ended up leaving Karina there alone."

"Get back to work."

I reluctantly opened the office door. The irritation from the interview and now this had brought my blood to a boil. There she was, sitting down, rising as soon as she heard the door.

"What the devil are you doing here?"

"Hello, Mr. Jasper. How have you been?" she greeted.

"Skip the unnecessary questions and answer mine. What are you doing here?"

"I've come because I want to work with you again."

"You're wasting your time. I earnestly request that you leave."

"You fired me unjustly. I never drugged you, and you never allowed me to explain what happened that night."

"What happened is of little importance now. My decision remains the same; I do not want you in my agency, period. Tell my mother to stop sending you and coming to the agency as if she owns the place, as it doesn't belong to her, nor will she be welcome. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do." I walked to my desk and rummaged through the drawer for the documents I needed, then tried to leave the office, but she stepped in my way.

"I always gave my all in this job and sought to meet your expectations. It's not fair that you fired me without letting me clarify things. I would never do anything to harm you. I'm asking for a chance, I swear you won't regret it."

"I don’t backtrack on decisions, and you know that perfectly well, Miss Karina. Whether or not it was you is now too late to clarify. I have a new assistant and don't require your services, so don't make me repeat myself—leave."

I opened the door to exit, and she grabbed my arm.

"Don't touch me!" I snapped, removing her hand with annoyance. "It seems I'll have to call security to have you removed."

"You're attractive to me, Mr. Jasper, and you know it," she raised her voice slightly.

I didn't want to hear any more and left the office, only to come face-to-face with Nichole. What is she doing here? I asked her to stay in the car.

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