Chapter 14 You Can Reprimand Me if You Wish

• Freya seethed internally while keeping her gaze low, too anxious to meet the man's eyes.
• The anticipated rebuke never came. Freya cautiously raised her eyes and encountered his intense, penetrating stare, which was cold and piercing.
• Oh, sh*t ...
• To her surprise, Henry remained impassive. He walked past without a word, as if he hadn't noticed them at all.
• "Phew, thank goodness Mr. Jackman didn't catch wind of that. We would've been in hot water," Zoe sighed with relief, visibly thankful.
• As the elevator doors closed, Freya's eyes reflected a blend of emotions. She couldn't shake the suspicion that Henry might have overheard ... Oh well, since I didn't say anything, I might as well act as though nothing had happened.
• Having completed her tasks, Freya checked the time. There was still half an hour before the end of the workday.
• I wonder how Jasmine is doing ... Will her fever return?
• Thoughts of Jasmine made Freya eager to head home. What used to feel like a swift thirty minutes now dragged on like several hours.
• Seeing Zoe, who was on her way to print documents, Freya couldn't resist asking, "Ms. Fisher, I've finished my work. Can I leave early?"
• "Finished?" Zoe glanced at her computer screen and then at the clock in the bottom right corner. "But company policy stipulates that you can't leave early without valid reasons."
• "I know, but I've completed everything. There's an urgent matter at home," Freya explained sweetly, hoping for Zoe's understanding.
• She just hoped there wouldn't be some unexpected overtime request later, forcing her to face that man again.
• Having a good impression of Freya lately, Zoe readily agreed to let her leave early. "Well, in that case, go ahead."
• "Thank you, Ms. Fisher."
• Freya smiled gratefully, packed her belongings, and departed. Since it was early, the elevator was empty, providing a smooth descent.
• Finally, something is going my way!
• Thinking so, Freya's spirits lifted, and she walked briskly. Suddenly, she halted in her tracks, her joyful expression fading as she gazed at the tall, imposing figure ahead.
• I was too quick to celebrate ...
• "Ms. Lambert."
• Leo, sharp-eyed, spotted Freya behind him and called out. Simultaneously, Henry turned around, his icy gaze fixed on her, evoking a sense of guilt in her. She felt like she had been caught in the act.
• But then she wondered, What is there to feel guilty about?
• "Mr. Jackman, Mr. Howard." Freya's delicate face brightened with a cheerful smile as she approached them, waving in greeting.
• Leo nodded slightly.
• However, Henry regarded her with an expressionless face, his cold, deep black eyes hinting at scrutiny, as though trying to peer through her.
• Freya suddenly felt uneasy, regretting inwardly. I should have hidden when I saw them earlier. Leaving the office early was a mistake! Leaving the office early was a mistake!
• Both sides fell into an uncomfortable silence. Unable to resist, Freya asked tentatively, "Mr. Jackman, are you heading out for a social engagement?"
• Silent, Henry gave her a frosty glance.
• Freya's smile froze, her hands clenched nervously.
• I knew it! I shouldn't have said anything or left early! I shouldn't have engaged with Henry, jeopardising our professional relationship! Look, the big boss doesn't even care; what a waste of time!
• Today is really an unlucky day. Every encounter with Henry would end badly. I had better slip away quickly.
• Just then, a casual, indifferent voice interrupted Freya's racing thoughts. "Ms. Lambert ... is there nothing you wish to clarify?"
• Clarify ... what?
• Freya was puzzled, her clear eyes fixed on the man before her. Suddenly, a hint of surprise flickered in her eyes, and her heart skipped a beat.
• The fading sunlight cast a perfect outline of the man's profile, highlighting his finely carved features and deep, dark eyes that resembled bottomless pools, shimmering with profound intensity.
• Under the evening glow, his cold demeanour seemed to soften, emitting a subtle warmth. His dignified and distant figure stood poised, captivating anyone in his presence.
• Freya suddenly understood why countless women fell head over heels over him. He was extremely good looking, and his status was the cherry on top.
• Abruptly, Henry's voice pierced the silence, cool and distant.
• "Ms. Lambert, you seem somewhat forgetful."
• Freya snapped out of her trance, silently chastising herself for being mesmerised by his appearance. Regaining her composure, she quickly replied, "I'm not sure what I've done wrong. Please clarify, Mr. Jackman."
• His icy stare met hers, and Henry's lips curved slightly as he casually remarked, "Have you forgotten your comments about me in the secretary's office?"
• Freya's heart raced. Panic flashed across her face, leaving her speechless. "How could I have said anything negative about you, Mr. Jackman? There must be a misunderstanding. Yes, I'm sure you misheard."
• What's up with Henry? Why is he privy of everything I do?
• "My hearing has always been sharp. I never mishear things," Henry replied, catching her off guard. His dark eyes gleamed with suspicion.
• Speechless, Freya awkwardly laughed twice. She refused to admit guilt. "Is that so? Well, Mr. Jackman, your hearing must be really good ... Haha ...
• "But this time, you might have misheard. I was discussing my school days with Ms. Fisher, mentioning a boy with a bad reputation. Perhaps you misunderstood," she hastily added.
• Henry's gaze intensified as he silently observed her. Freya felt uneasy, cursing herself inwardly.
• Why is this president so petty?
• I simply said a few words; why's he holding me accountable? Besides, I was agreeing with Zoe's remarks, and I elaborated a bit. It was nothing serious!
• "Are you denying it now?" Henry asked calmly.
• Gritting her teeth, Freya gathered her courage, meeting his gaze squarely. "There's nothing to admit ... is there?"
• Her words lacked conviction.
• "I see," Henry responded casually, fixing her with a steady gaze, delivering the verdict without hesitation.
• "Since you won't admit it, I'll deduct half a month's salary as a penalty for your dishonesty."
• "What? Mr. Jackman, you can't deduct my salary for something that never happened," Freya protested anxiously. Salary deductions were serious, especially after she had earned well this month.
• "Something that never happened?"
• Henry's tone remained cold.
• Leo understood his boss's intentions and intervened, "Ms. Lambert, confess your mistake, and we can go easy on you."
• Freya was the only one who dared to challenge the boss directly, and for that, he respected her.
• Hearing Leo's words, Freya hesitated.
• Eventually, she made a choice, bowing her head solemnly. "I apologise, Mr. Jackman! Please forgive me this time. I won't do it again! Please don't deduct my salary!"
• Her final words were filled with utmost humility.