Diamond went out of Vernon's office and closed the door behind her while keeping eye contact with her home girl, who stood near the secretary's desk with a worried face.
"Diamond, are you alright?" Chloe asked out of concern. "I heard a loud bang inside, and also Vernon yelling something."
"I'm alright, Gurl. Mr. Phoenix Gray is just mad at someone on the phone. You know— business stuff, it's not important," Diamond replied with a lie.
Chloe let out a relieved breath, "Thank god. I was scared that he might hurt you or something."
Diamond chuckled, "And would you do something if I got yelled at?"
"I—I mean, I will try to speak to him at home. Telling him not to abuse his power, because he is lucky to have a secretary like you!"
"Awww, gurl, no need to sacrifice yourself for me," Diamond said with a sincere smile.
"W—Why not? You're… um…." Chloe lowered her head ashamedly. She didn't know if she had the right to say this because she had never done anything worthy for Diamond.
But she wanted Diamond to know that—
"Y—You're my friend, Diamond," Chloe claimed. "So, I won't let you get hurt…."
Diamond felt warmth all over her body. She knew that Chloe was sincere with her words.
But that also saddened her because she realized Chloe had the courage to protect people she loved but didn't dare stand up for herself.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt'Now I feel guilty for doubting her. She saw me as her friend, but it took some time for her to open up,' Diamond thought. 'Be patient, Diamond. Chloe was an abuse victim. If that scum Vernon can be so patient dealing with Chloe and all her problems, you can definitely do better than him.
Diamond opened her arms in response, "Another hug?"
Chloe nodded and hugged Diamond without hesitation. Diamond gently patted her homegirl's back, "Gurl, you don't need to do anything. Just make sure to protect yourself, okay?"
Chloe knew that Diamond must've been talking about the attack that she got, and she was embarrassed to think about it.
To show that kind of scar… if Chloe was still living with Vincent, that scum would've slapped her for showing it to someone else.
She nodded reluctantly, "I—I will try."
While they were still in a tight hug, Diamond heard a notification from the phone. She separated herself from Chloe and checked the text.
-
From: Mr Phoenix Gray
I've found the solution. Don't worry. I won't hurt the kids.
But I will make sure she will be scarred for life.
And also,
I want you to start investigating her family. Just ask around, don't let them know that they're being watched, understand?
-
Diamond's heartbeat skipped for a second. She lifted her gaze and looked at Chloe instinctively.
"Ah— it's nothing, Gurl. I was just shocked by the new work that I have to do," Diamond replied hurriedly.
"New work? From Vernon?"
"Y—Yeah, I'll be busy after lunch. Why don't you serve his lunch first and then we can go to a nearby restaurant to grab ours?" Diamond suggested.
"Oh, yes, I need to serve this food or Vernon will start complaining."
Chloe turned around and grabbed the lunch bag she had prepared for Vernon.
Diamond stared at her homegirl's back and bowed slightly out of respect and guilt.
Because she would be spying on her homegirl's family without her consent, and her boss— Vernon, said he found a solution that wouldn't hurt the kids.
But Diamond knew her boss wasn't an angel that would punish Chloe's attacker fairly.
Vernon would definitely hurt her somehow, just to make sure it would scar her for life.
'I'm sorry, gurl. But this time, I also want that bitch to get a consequence of her action. I'm not as kind and forgiving as you,' Diamond said in her heart.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm'So I will let the devil do cruel justice. I have to trust him that he will not hurt the kids, surely he's smart enough to think of a way, right?'
**
Diamond helped Chloe by opening the door, so she could deliver a tray full of food for Vernon.
When Chloe came in, she saw Vernon was so engrossed texting someone on his phone that he didn't notice Chloe coming in. He had a thin smile while texting. Chloe got the image that Vernon was a teenage boy texting his crush.
'Ah, is this the woman from last night? She has a sharp tongue, but if she is his type, I guess I have to support him in any way!' Chloe thought. 'Though, I shouldn't pester him too much, I don't want to be called weird for being overly nosey.'
Chloe was happy that Vernon finally found someone that could replace the woman in his heart.
After all, it wasn't good to dawdle in the past for too long. Maybe that woman had moved on by now.
Chloe hadn't been able to watch over Vernon as he grew up in high school, which was always her worry.
She was always thinking about little Vernon during the first few years of her marriage, even when she was pregnant with Mackie. She wondered if little Vernon still remembered that he had a family here, in New York.
So this would be the best time to support Vernon in all of his chase because Chloe really wanted Vernon to settle down and have a happy family.
Chloe put up a light smile and put the food on the long table.
"Vernon, it's time for lunch."
Vernon finally stopped texting and put his phone down once he heard the gentle voice reminding him to eat.
He looked straight and saw Big sis Chloe smiling at him, she had prepared everything, and Vernon's eyes lit up as he stared at the food on the table.
"About time! I'm starving already!"