Chapter 61
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Doris knew Ryan was doing it on purpose, but she had no choice but to let him have the upper hand.
Suppressing her annoyance, she asked, “What do you want from me? Just say it clearly.”
“Getting impatient already?” Ryan chuckled smugly. “Doris, the fun of the game is in playing it slow. Ending it too soon would be boring. Just wait for further notice”
Failing to secure a meeting with Ryan, Doris couldn’t imagine what kind of storm her father might stir up.
After work, as expected, she saw Jimmy waiting for her at the door.
“Dad, Ryan told me to wait for his instructions,” Doris said, trying to pacify him. “He probably won’t come after you guys until I meet with him first.
“But Rupert’s unemployed at home. He can’t wait. You have to make Ryan reinstate him at Watson Group.” Jimmy demanded.
Afraid Jimmy might create a scene, Doris tried her best to soothe him. “Dad, think of it as Rupert taking a short break at home, alright? I’ll figure out a way to see Ryan.”
“Resting at home? Who’s going to pay him while he’s resting? Without a salary, what’s he going to live on? You want him to starve at home?” Jimmy’s thoughts revolved solely around his son.
“Fine. I’ll transfer him some money to get by for a few days, okay?” Doris replied, barely containing her frustration.
“How much?” said Jimmy.
“1 thousand dollars,” Doris said.
“That’s not enough. At least 2 thousand dollars. If that runs out, you’ll need to send more.” Jimmy pressed her.
Doris was about to lose her temper. She wasn’t going to let her father control her entirely, or she’d suffer endlessly in the future.
She began. “Dad, don’t push it. I work hard for my money. Do you think you can just ask for any amount, and I have to give it? That’s not happening. Giving him 1 thousand dollars is already more than generous.
“If you keep this up, I might as well quit this job and find another one. As long as I’m alive, I can earn my own money. Unlike your loser son, who can’t survive without Watson Group.”
Doris was ready to burn bridges if necessary. She wasn’t afraid.
Starting over wouldn’t scare her. She had someone to rely on until she found a new job. There was no way she’d let Jimmy have his way.
“You…” Jimmy fumed. “Watson Group is a big corporation. No one wants to lose such a great opportunity. Unless you can get Rupert a job at an even better company, like Hartman Group, I won’t say another word.”
‘Hartman Group?‘ Doris sneered inwardly. ‘You really think too highly of your dimwitted son. Even someone as tall, handsome, and well–educated as Lewis only works in their logistics department.
“That says a lot about how high their hiring standards must be. What could Rupert even do there? Sweep floors? Even then, they’d probably find him clumsy and useless.
“Dad, you sure know how to dream big.” Doris mocked.
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“If you can’t manage that, then deal with Ryan. My patience is running is 1 ward good news in three days, or we’ll see this at the hotel,” said Jimmy
Dragging her exhausted body back home, Doris opened the door to see Biscuit eagerly waiting for her. The late dog excitedly leapt at her as soon as it was hey.
Doris picked Biscuit up and headed inside. “Miss me, huh?”
She stroked Biscuirs head and placed it gently back in its bed. Then the poured some dog food into its bowl. Here, fill your belly fire. I’ll make dinner and give you a snack later?
As Biscuit munched away, Doris went to prepare her own meal Living alone, the threw together a simple plate of parts. topping it with the leftover sauce she’d brought home from work. It turned out delicious
Curting up an apple, Doris moved to the living room. Biscuit cheerfully followed and stayed close to her side. She led the dog a piece of apple.
“Biscuit, Lewis has been gone for two days, and he hasn’t even called to check on you, Doris said, half jokingly.
Biscuit enjoyed its treat in silence while Doris kept talking to herself,
“Not to mention checking on me,” she muttered.
Just as the words left her lips, her phone rang. Seeing Lewis’s name on the screen, she couldn’t help but think how uncanny the timing was. Taking a deep breath, she answered. “Hello?”
Tve been swamped these past two days and didn’t get a chance to call. Has Biscuit been behaving?” Lewis explained.
Of course, he only cares about Biscuit. Not even a hint of missing me, Doris thought bitterly.
“Biscuit’s been great, she replied, glancing at the dog. “Biscuit, bark twice for your dad.”
Switching to speakerphone, Doris coaxed Biscuit, who obediently barked twice.
“Dad?” Lewis chuckled lightly. “Does that mean it should call you Mom?*
Doris felt her cheeks flush. “It’s not even my dog.
“But you’re my wife. Lewis countered logically.
Doris had no comeback for that.
“How’ve you been these past two days?” Lewis asked, loosening his tie.
“Fine.” Doris gave a rather perfunctory reply. In truth, she was far from okay. Her father was driving her to the brink of insanity.
The crushing burden of the one–million–dollar debt and the pressure to secure a job for Ryan weighed on her like two massive boulders.
But these were family matters, and she couldn’t burden him with them.
Lewis, however, noticed the subtle shift in her tone from her weak response. “Is something bothering you? You can talk to me about it.”
Doris pressed her lips together, reluctant to respond.
“Is it family–related?” he guessed accurately, his steady voice filled with reassurance. “You don’t have to face everything
alone.”
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His words struck a chord, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness washed over her.
“If I decided to quit my job, what would you think?” she asked, already braced for the worst–case scenario.
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Doris had no intention of letting her father hold her hostage over a job. She was determined not to become another Laura.
Lewic’s tone was sincere and encouraging. “If you don’t want to work, I can support you. But I’d strongly advise against giving up your job or career because of anyone or anything.
“Having a job isn’t just about financial security. It’s also a way to grow, improve, and achieve. In your work, you’ll find opportunities to develop and shine, becoming the best version of yourself.”
He added, “I’d hate to see you stuck in the monotony of household chores and daily routines, gradually losing the spark that makes you unique. Life shouldn’t dull you into something gray and uninspired.
“If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break or even quit temporarily to reset. If this job doesn’t make you happy, find one that does. There’s always a better fit out there.
No job is perfect, but doing something you enjoy is the closest thing to happiness. Do you understand?”
Lewis had seen women give up everything for their families, only to end up miserable. He didn’t want Doris to become one of them.
“I get it,” Doris said, resonating with his perspective. She knew self–reliance was key to living with confidence.
“Is something going on at work? Feel free to tell me,” Lewis said, sensing her unease.
“I just want to change environments,” Doris evaded the truth. “Don’t worry. Oh well, I won’t make you support me.”
“I wouldn’t mind. Honestly, you’re pretty low–maintenance, not picky about food or expensive to take care of. You’d be easy to keep.” Lewis teased, earning a pout from Doris.
“Sounds like you’re talking about a pet,” she retorted.
Lewis couldn’t hold back his laughter.
After a moment of hesitation, Doris finally spoke. “By the way, does Hartman Group happen to be hiring?”
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