บท 2: Villainous CEO's Wrath.
Mr. Cao's apprehensive gaze darted around, his mind buzzing with an urgent question, 'What should I do?'
Arms crossed firmly over her chest, Hailey continued, her tone measured yet laden with disappointment, "Well, let me tell you, Director Cao. I am very disappointed in you."
"Ms. Gao... I... it's not..." Before he could elaborate, Hailey swiftly interjected, "No need to explain. I saw and heard everything, thanks to Rebecca."
Turning his gaze towards Rebecca, Mr. Cao found her smiling as she removed her glasses, discarded the brown wig, unveiling her black hair in a chic bob-style that cascaded over her shoulders.
"Rebecca was never a new employee; she's a rising actress who's also a friend of mine," Hailey explained, punctuating her words with a thumbs-up to Rebecca, who reciprocated with a confident smile.
Everyone in the room collectively gasped at this unexpected revelation.
"Everything you've done so far is captured here in my phone, and you know this could tarnish your reputation, potentially jeopardizing any future job prospects... that's if I choose to publish this video."
With each uttered sentence, Mr. Cao's countenance transformed from concern to sheer terror, as he gazed at Hailey as if she had sprouted horns and fangs from her head and teeth. His anxiety manifested in a hard gulp, and he stammered, "It isn't what it seemed... Ms. Gao, please, you have to understand. I will change, I promise. Please don't fire me."
Taking a menacing step forward, Hailey elevated her voice, delivering venom-laced words filled with malice and anger. "You know I'm not one to forgive. After all, you tagged me as the villainous CEO of Gao Glamour Groups. Although I kinda like that title, you shouldn't talk behind your boss's back."
Hailey Gao, an influential figure in the business world, has garnered several Best CEO awards as the head of Gao Radiant Beauty Lab, a prominent entity within Gao Glamour Groups. Widely known by nicknames like the Cunning Witch, Villainous CEO, Unstoppable Force, Tyrant/Villainous Heiress, and the Evil Queen of the fashion world, she embraced this array of titles with pride.
Turning her attention to the two men accompanying her, Hailey instructed, "Drag him out. He is not needed in this establishment."
One of the men seized Mr. Cao's left arm, while the other forcefully escorted him outside through the door. The struggling Mr. Cao, in a desperate attempt, continued to apologize.
As the door closed, the remaining staff members hesitantly returned to their respective stations, still processing the unexpected turn of events.
Hailey and Rebecca exited the room shortly after, stepping into the corridor that seemed to regain its calm ambiance.
"Where do you always find such rude employees?" Rebecca inquired, a puzzled expression on her face.
"I swear I have no idea, but from now on, I would test each and every interviewee thoroughly," Hailey declared, a sinister grin playing on her face as they strolled down the corridor. She turned back to Rebecca and offered a warm smile before adding, "Thanks for helping me out, and don't worry; I've already sent you your pay."
"You are evil, you know... asking for pay for such a mundane task," Hailey playfully remarked.
Rebecca's eyes widened, and she responded, "Mundane? I was pretty sure that guy was about to smack me right in the face."
Hailey chuckled, shook her head, and Rebecca continued, "By the way, are you going to post that video to the public?"
"Yes," Hailey stated matter-of-factly. Rebecca looked at her in disbelief, "Really? You don't think this is too much? He might never get a job again, and what about your company's reputation, I mean-"
"I have my ways, so don't worry," Hailey interjected with pride, grinning widely.
"And you say I'm the evil one," Rebecca commented with a teasing tone.
"Yes, you are, that was fun, wasn't it? ," Hailey giggled as they reached the elevator.
Rebecca raised an eyebrow and asked, "what was fun?"
Hailey pressed the button, and as they waited for the doors to open , she looked at Rebecca and said, "Deceiving people with your acting skills."
Rebecca scoffed as a strained smile formed on her lips.
"You know you can never fool me." Hailey said.
"I will most definitely deceive you one day." Rebecca replied and the doors parted, they stepped into the elevator, enveloped in a momentary silence.
They patiently waited for the elevator to descend to the first floor.
The elevator stopped, the doors opened and Hailey and Rebecca stepped out into the building's lobby. As they emerged , Julie, Hailey's assistant, was already in position, ready to address their next engagement.
Upon spotting them, Julie approached promptly and expressed, "Ma'am, we were supposed to be at Lux Veritas boutique by now; we are running late."
Hailey nonchalantly nodded, and remarked, "I couldn't care less about arriving late, but whatever."
Turning to Rebecca, she inquired, "I'm off, you called your chauffeur, right?"
"Yes, I did. He should be here soon," Rebecca confirmed.
"Alright, we will talk later. Ms. Han, let's go," Hailey instructed as she and Julie gracefully exited the building.
Heading towards Hailey's parked car, they both climbed in. Julie settled into the front passenger seat, while Hailey occupied the back seat, her gaze fixed straight ahead. The chauffeur initiated the car, seamlessly merging into the flow of the bustling street.
***
The sleek contours of Hailey's car gracefully glided to a stop, positioning itself in front of the extravagant boutique adorned with the name "Lux Veritas." The boutique's title, written in exquisite italicized font, glowed softly, enhancing the opulence of the surroundings.
With the car door opening smoothly, Hailey and Julie emerged, stepping onto the pavement with an air of sophistication.
Hailey turned to Julie, and asked, "Ms. Han, what's next on my schedule?"
Julie, with the day's agenda firmly in mind, contemplated before she responded, "After this, you have the entire afternoon off. We could grab something to drink later."
Shaking her head at the suggestion, Hailey pressed further, "What about my meeting with JXJ Entertainment today?" She arched an eyebrow in curiosity, heading towards the entrance of the Lux Veritas boutique, her heels resonating with each purposeful step, Julie following closely.
Julie sighed and replied, "Don't you know?"
Hailey halted, turned, and narrowed her eyes. "Know what?" she questioned, then turned around and resumed her walk.
Realizing her boss was unaware, Julie admitted, "Oh right, I'm yet to tell you. They canceled because you were late the last time."
Hailey, seemingly unfazed by the revelation, maintained her composure, came to a halt, "Well, that's their loss," she remarked casually, "If they ever ask for a collaboration, cancel it immediately. I already told them we should reschedule. What's with this attitude they're showcasing?" she expressed in exasperation.
Julie, accustomed to Hailey's resilient attitude, nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, ma'am, I will do just that."
Hailey nodded and gracefully walked toward the front double glass doors of the boutique. The sleek design of the entrance seemed to complement Hailey's purposeful stride, and as the doors opened.
Stepping into the boutique, they were greeted by a man in his late twenties, exuding casual charm with messy blonde curls. He approached Hailey with a welcoming smile and expressed, "Hello, Miss Hailey Gao. I'm so glad you could make it."
The interior of the boutique was a symphony of luxury, adorned with extravagant displays that showcased a diverse collection. From luxurious silk dresses and suits to designer brands, cosmetics, vintage pieces, and contemporary styles, the curated selection created an opulent atmosphere that mirrored Hailey's formidable presence.
Hailey reciprocated Felix's greeting with a feigned smile, and said, "Hello, Felix. It has been a while." As she extended her hand, Felix shook it warmly.
"Indeed, how was your trip?" Felix inquired, squeezing her hand in a friendly manner, clearly excited about the presence of such an influential figure in his boutique.
Pulling her hand away, Hailey cut to the chase, "You know why I am here."
Felix nodded in understanding and gestured, "Ah, why yes. Please follow me."
As they strolled through the meticulously arranged displays, Felix eagerly explained the strategic placement of Hailey's brand. "I have placed your brand in the most exclusive spot in my boutique," he boasted, exuding pride in the curated selection.
"Good," Hailey commented, a slightly genuine smile appearing on her lips.
Guiding Hailey and Julie through the lavish array of cosmetics in his boutique, Felix showcased an extensive line of luxurious beauty products. Engaging with his assistants, Felix shared insights into the curated selection, creating an immersive experience for his esteemed guests.
As Hailey perused the cosmetic brands, her expression shifted, revealing a heightened sense of displeasure, even surpassing her encounter with Mr. Cao.
Felix, keenly attuned to her reactions, noticed the change and approached with concern. "Is there anything I can get for you, Ms. Gao?" he inquired.
Turning her head to meet his gaze, Hailey's tone carried an edge as she asked, "Where are my cosmetic brands?"
Felix, attempting to address her concerns, assured, "Oh, your brand is right here," leading her to the last section of cosmetics. He picked up a lip gloss, and expressed, "This is my favorite, I-." However, before he could continue, Hailey interrupted sternly, "Stop talking."
Felix fell silent, sensing the gravity of the situation. Hailey moved closer, her eyes reflecting a mix of disappointment and anger, as she questioned, "Are my brands a joke to you?"
Confused by the sudden change, Felix replied, "Of course not. Your brands are exquisite and worshipped by all, just like they worship you."
Hailey, dismissing his words, sarcastically laughed and declared, "Well then, let today be the end of our business partnership. I can't have my brand sold in a place where it is not appreciated." Turning to Julie, who had been observing the exchange, she gestured for a folder she carried.
"Here is the contract," Julie announced, handing it to Hailey with a professional demeanor. Hailey, resolute in her decision, accepted the folder and prepared to sever ties with the boutique.
As Felix processed the unexpected turn of events, his thoughts raced. 'Is this bitch out of her mind? Isn't she escalating the situation unnecessarily?' he pondered, bewildered by the abrupt end to a partnership that had only recently begun.
Stammering, he tried to reason, "Hold on, Miss Gao. I explained before that this is an exclusive spot in my boutique. Also, we can't end a partnership that just began; it hasn't been more than a year."
Hailey's expression tightened in disapproval, and she directed a stern question at Felix, "Didn't I order you to shut it?" Responding to her command, Felix nodded silently and chose to remain in compliance.
Thoroughly examining the contract, Hailey pointed out, "It states here that my brand was meant to be showcased in an exclusive section, not merely among other brands. I explicitly desired a dedicated space solely for my brand." She clarified her expectations to Felix, who received the information with a small, tight-lipped smile.
"I provided you with sufficient funds for this purpose. What did you use my money for? Did you think I was attempting to bribe you like others?" Her voice carried a growing intensity, causing both Felix and Julie to shiver involuntarily.
Felix, wide-eyed and nervous, stammered, "That isn't true! I would never."
Hailey emitted a dry, humorless laugh at his denial and retorted, "Oh, my dear Felix, you don't comprehend the gravity of the trouble you're in. You've breached our contract, and that, my friend, makes you an asshole." She took a deep breath, turning her attention to Julie with a direct question, "What should I do now? Should I take legal action and sue him?"
Julie, caught in the crossfire of Hailey's intense gaze, found herself temporarily speechless. Inwardly, she acknowledged, 'She's reached the peak of her anger; there's nothing I could say that would change her mind.' As Hailey's eyes shifted to Felix's assistants, she directed another inquiry, "Should I sue your boss? Or do you have a plausible explanation for this breach of contract?"
The assistants, caught in an uncomfortable situation, exchanged uncertain glances but remained silent, unsure of how to respond.
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