Chapter 8
574words
Mom also told me that Fabian had been pushing for Felix to intern at the company, but she'd turned him down with various excuses every time.
"No matter what, I wouldn't hand the family business over to an outsider."
I agreed. More than anything, I agreed because of Dad.
Dad had worked hard for this company too. Why should it end up in some outsider's hands? So right after graduation, I went to work at the company.
Jenna was there too. We both started from the bottom and worked our way up to where we were now. Mom knew about Jenna because I'd mentioned her before.
I'd planned to surprise Jenna when Mom revealed my identity. I never expected it would turn into a shock instead.
Mom's eyes dimmed. She sighed. "This is my fault."
How was it her fault? Jenna was the one who'd chased opportunity and forgotten loyalty.
I looked away, suddenly remembering what Felix had said. Mom thought Jenna resembled her younger self.
Now that I thought about it, he was right. Both had terrible judgment.
The next day, I went to work as usual. They clearly knew my identity now.
Compared to before, people were warmer, though being workplace professionals, they struck exactly the right balance with their enthusiasm. It didn't make me uncomfortable.
When Mark and Tony learned who I was, they both came running to complain that I'd made them worry for nothing. I laughed and bought them each a gaming console. They forgave me instantly, saying, "You're the best, Hunter."
But Mark's nosiness got the better of him. At lunch, he sidled up to me. "If you're the heir, then what the hell is Felix?"
I didn't hide anything and gave him a simple explanation.
"No way!" His expression turned dramatic as he slapped his thigh.
"So, he's a fake? A fake acting all high and mighty. That's fucking disgusting."
"Hunter, can I tell other people about this? I really want everyone to know what a fraud he is. He's so fake."
I raised an eyebrow casually. "It's not exactly a secret. Tell whoever you want."
Sure enough, within an hour, the whole company knew. Felix was riding on someone else's coattails.
I ran into Felix again when I passed by the finance department.
The finance director threw a report back at Felix, frowning. "The company doesn't reimburse personal items. Buying yourself a phone is your own business.
"And next time, check the report carefully before submitting it. Don't just add whatever you want. I'm nearsighted, not blind."
Felix's expression darkened. When he came out and spotted me, he assumed I'd deliberately arranged for someone to humiliate him. He glared at me viciously.
I found it childish.
After Mom publicly revealed my identity, I moved to a core position. The senior director position was still temporarily managed remotely by Mr. Henderson, and Jenna remained in her original role.
As for my old position, they brought in a new senior manager as an interim replacement. I didn't know if it was my imagination, but after that, Jenna and Felix seemed to be avoiding me.
I didn't give it much thought, though. They were irrelevant people. But apparently, not everyone thought so.
When I went to wash my lunch container, I ran into Felix. More accurately, he blocked my path.
