Chapter 9 Mr Javert, You Scared Me

• Simon's secretary spoke lightly and airily as if she had just completed a trivial task. She had been genuinely terrified earlier in the office when a junior reporter had the audacity to strike the deputy director's desk. Simon had been so enraged to the point of calling his bosses and demanding Elowen's dismissal. The order was sent everywhere in the building within half an hour.
• Elowen's eyes reddened as she looked at Allison and Simon's secretary, feeling the weight of Brightvale TV pressing down on her like a mountain. She clenched her teeth.
• "Whatever! Even if you get me fired, I will still publish the footage because I want everyone to know that Valenwood Group knocked down the Elderglen Orphanage and left twenty children uncared for. You are toying with lives here."
• Elowen was determined and ready to leave, but Aric stopped her and dragged her into his embrace before she could successfully depart.
• "Elowen, how can I just let things go if you were bullied? Bullying you means bullying me, too! It's never too late for revenge, but mine would last longer."
• Aric's voice had a cold edge as he looked at Allison and Simon's secretary. If today's matter couldn't be resolved properly, it was time to replace the Brightvale TV director!
• Aric walked towards the TV station while holding Elowen, cutting between Allison and Simon's secretary when he approached them. "Move aside without blocking the way like the good dog you are."
• Allison's face immediately darkened. "Who are you calling a dog? Elowen, is this the sort of person you befriend? Insulting people right off the bat?"
• Elowen sneered. "Nah, you're not one. You're just a bootlicker."
• Elowen shoved Allison aside and headed back into the building, prepared to pursue Simon for any answers, even without Aric.
• Simon sat on the couch with an angry face in the Brightvale TV deputy director's office.
• He was threatened by a junior reporter while he was the Brightvale TV deputy director. Elowen was somewhat attractive, so he had asked her for drinks, yet she had never shown reciprocation nor took his calls. He had advised her to hold off on reporting the Valenwood Group news after the chairman, Palden, had already talked about the demolition and sent many presents, too. With everyone avoiding involvement with Valenwood Group, why would an insignificant reporter like her dare kick a hornet's nest? At least her dismissal had somewhat quelled Simon's anger.
• As Simon leaned back against the couch, a knock came on the door.
• "Go away!" Simon yelled toward it.
• It was kicked wide open, and Aric walked in while sneering at Simon.
• "Mr. Javert, what's all that fury for? Had gunpowder for breakfast?"
• Simon straightened up in his seat and eyed Aric. "Who are you? Who let you in? Out!"
• Aric walked in with Elowen and settled on the couch facing him. "Mr. Javert, many people have wanted me to leave, but all met their end…want to be next?"
• Aric raised his head with a cold smile to lock gazes with Simon, who swallowed hard but could not meet it despite being over fifty years old. Simon was forced to look away.
• "Elowen, you know the company rules. You brought someone in without approval!" Simon quickly switched topics.
• Elowen sneered, "Mr. Javert, have you forgotten that you already fired me?"
• Simon's face darkened. Indeed, he had.
• "What do you two want to achieve here? I'm warning you, the security guards are downstairs. Keep this up and I will call the cops at once!" Simon's eyebrows furrowed tightly.
• Aric grinned. "Mr. Javert, why so nervous? I'm just here to help Elowen seek justice. I heard you fired her just for trying to spill the beans on Valenwood Group. How much of their money did you accept? Do you see Palden as your sugar daddy?"
• Simon rose and pointed at him furiously. "Quiet! What is your relationship with her? Who are you to poke your nose into company matters? Elowen, I initially considered letting you come back once you've calmed down, but now you can forget about being a reporter forever!"
• Elowen's face flushed with rage, but she could not say anything. Journalism had been her dream career, but she had never thought it would be torn apart by losers like him!
• "Mr. Javert, you alright?"
• Allison rushed in anxiously together with Simon's secretary and the security guards. She sighed in relief to see everyone unharmed and approached Simon to support him.
• "Mr. Javert, you have no idea how terrified you've made me. This man came in so arrogantly and even called me a dog as an insult!"
• Simon patted Allison's waist, preferring someone as well-behaved as Allison, unlike Elowen. "Never mind. I have so many men here and will have the guards kick them to the curb. Who do they think they are by causing a ruckus here?"
• His secretary called the guards, and soon several older men in security uniforms entered. He became assured as before at having many people with him and clasped his hand behind him in authoritative manner.
• "Now, will you leave voluntarily, or should I have the security guards escort you out?"
• Elowen peeked at Aric, who gave her hand a pat and told her to remain seated and relaxed.
• "Mr. Javert, go ahead and call the cops if you wish to. If you want these old men to carry us out, then let them. Just ensure they don't strain their back muscles." He put his legs up.
• Simon was furious. He had been outnumbered, but Aric was still being arrogant even with so many people at Simon's beck and call.
• "Fine, fine! Throw them out!"
• As soon as Simon finished, a middle-aged man entered, followed by several secretaries, who looked around and eventually looked at Simon. "Mr. Javert, what's happening here?"
• Simon's previously stern expression suddenly showed a flash of fear as he headed shakily toward the man, a rare smile on his face. "Oh, Mr. Lowther, what brought you here? There's nothing wrong, just two troublemakers. The security guards have already taken care of it. Why has it alarmed you?"