A good choice

"What is the meaning of this?"

"Why are we suddenly fired?"

"Is it possible that what he's talking about is true? He's the new manager here."

"We're dead if it's true."

"Huss! No way. This is Mrs. Bernita's territory, how could it suddenly change hands? It's just foreigners playing tricks on us."

"Yes, that's right. We must not be swayed. This is just a meaningless bluff."

Instantly, the employees were abuzz with panic. But they still tried to deny and disbelieve what had happened. Nothing could shake their faith in Madame Bernita.

Overestimating someone to the point of forgetting themselves made them even more unable to guard their actions and words. They forgot that trusting someone too much would only cause deep wounds.

"Madam, this... what happened? Why is there a dismissal letter all of a sudden?" Manager Esme looked at Mrs. Bernita with reddened eyes. Her voice became shaky. "What should we do, madam? I don't want to be fired. Please... this is my only job."

"Shut up! Can't you shut up?" Finally, the anger that had disappeared earlier came back and exploded. "This is all because of you! Where have you been until you came, huh? You're a useless manager! If you had done your job properly, this madman wouldn't have come to my place! It's all because of you, Esme!"

"Madam, you... I'm sorry, Madam. I'm sorry." Manager Esme, who was about to turn her frustration on Madam Bernita, instantly turned regretful. Her head lowered. The food bag she was carrying had been removed, so both hands were in front of her. "I was wrong. But please, don't fire me. I promise I won't repeat the same mistake. I will work even harder and become a manager that makes you proud."

"But unfortunately, your wish is meaningless. You've been officially fired today. So, Miss Esme, please don't waste more time and pack your things immediately." Joshua interjected firmly. His crisp voice did not hinder his authority as a manager.

He turned to look at Mrs. Celeste and continued, "Madam, please give your decision immediately. Continue with the new contract or quit. I leave all decisions to you."

Instantly, Madam Bernita staggered backward with her hands clutching her head. Alvina rushed over and embraced her. Her sweet face looked worried.

"Mom, are you okay?" she asked.

Of course, Mrs. Bernita shook her head. Her gaze looked blank. Her face became frustrated. "What should I do, Alvina?"

"What if you continue?" Alvina suggested.

"No way! That would be killing yourself! 80% of the income generated goes to them. I only get 20%. This makes no sense. The shop is so crowded, how can I only get such a small share? No! I can't accept such ridiculous terms!" exclaimed Mrs. Bernita passionately.

Alvina became confused. She glanced at Joshua and said, "But it's better than quitting."

"Then what about your grandmother?" While talking about this, Madame Bernita suddenly remembered something and straightened up. "I should ask your grandfather."

Without waiting any longer, Madame Bernita hurried away from the Velvet Vault.

Seeing that, the employees and Esme's manager panicked.

But Alvina, who was about to follow her mother, said to Joshua. "Sir, I'm sorry for interrupting your work. You can continue everything. As for the cooperation contract, I'll answer soon."

"It turns out that young Miss Celeste is very thoughtful. Thank you for your understanding," said Joshua, smiling, making Alvina momentarily stunned.

Then, the sweet girl nodded slowly and stepped away gracefully.

Joshua's gaze shifted to the employees. And just then, five similarly dressed women lined up neatly behind Joshua. Those who saw this were certainly even more frightened.

"You don't have to think about work here anymore. It's all taken care of. Please leave."

Ethan, still on the other side of the store, smiled with satisfaction. Although he couldn't hear what they were talking about, judging from Mrs. Bernita's movements, it was clear that the woman was facing a dead end.

"Your choice is very good, Ben. He's reliable," said Ethan as he walked away from the store.

"Yes. His performance is very good indeed. Grand Master Grant even praised him," Benedict smiled proudly. He felt like he was making his talented brother proud.

Ethan gave Benedict a quick glance, intrigued. "Really?"

Benedict nodded enthusiastically. "In the future, you don't have to worry about Velvet Vault anymore. He can overcome all the difficulties there."

Ethan only smiled in return.

After that, they were only graced with silence until they entered the car and drove it towards the company.

"What choice do you think Madam Celeste made?" Ethan asked then.

Benedict, sitting in the front seat beside the driver, slowly turned his body to a slight angle. "Judging from her character, she wouldn't have chosen either. But since the situation is urgent, she would choose the former."

"But I don't think so." Ethan took a slow breath and stared at the scenery outside the window.

"You mean pulling the product?"

But Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he ordered the driver to take him to the Waverly residence. That made Benedict withdraw his gaze and stay still with his eyes straight ahead.

The distance between Pasaraya and the Waverly residence was not far. So it only took 15 minutes to arrive.

"Bring the watch!" ordered Ethan before leaving the car.

Benedict quickly followed his instructions and walked steadily behind him.

The grounds of the Waverly residence were spacious, with different parking lots. So, after getting out of the car, they had to walk along the path to the big house in the middle of the yard, next to a gazebo.

Coincidentally, a security guard was walking over from the other direction. Recognizing the presence of a guest, the man who had a slightly distended stomach hurried over. "Excuse me, sir, is there anything I can help you?"

"I'd like to see the Great Master of Waverly. Can you help me summon him?" Ethan immediately stated the purpose of his visit. "Tell him that Ethan wants to meet."