A Heaven-sent Sweet Child Falls Asking for Hugs-Chapter 154: Not Letting Vivian Quincy Go on a Date

Chapter 154: Chapter 154: Not Letting Vivian Quincy Go on a Date

Vivian Quincy, who had been on the verge of an argument, snapped her head around at the sound of the voice. Everyone else turned to look in the same direction.

Wanda Quincy, who had been arrogantly mocking Vivian Quincy just a moment before, suddenly changed her expression. She resumed a poised and proper demeanor, her face wreathed in smiles. "Madam Ford, what brings you here?"

’Oh my god.’

’Madam Ford couldn’t have seen that, could she?’

’What if Madam Ford thinks I was bullying Vivian Quincy?’

Wanda Quincy panicked. To distance herself from the situation, she immediately threw Summer Jacobs under the bus and scolded her sternly, "What on earth were you just saying? Assistant Quincy is your colleague. We’re all one family here, and harmony is key to success. What you said was completely out of line. Apologize at once."

"But I was just trying to..." Summer Jacobs felt wronged and wanted to explain, but Wanda cut her off with a vicious glare. Summer Jacobs swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue and reluctantly said to Vivian Quincy, "I’m sorry. I misspoke earlier."

Wanda Quincy smiled, satisfied. She said to Vivian Quincy, "Summer Jacobs has apologized. I’m sure you won’t hold it against her. We’re all colleagues here; there’s no need to make things so unpleasant."

After a pause, Wanda patted the get-well gifts she had specifically bought for Vivian, right in front of Madam Ford. "Please accept these small gifts. Jasper is always busy with work; he’s a notorious workaholic. It’s a bit harsh of him to make you work while you’re injured. Consider these gifts compensation from me, on his behalf."

A complete departure from her previous arrogance and vitriol, Wanda Quincy’s smile now made her look the very picture of a considerate high-society lady caring for her subordinate.

And although she was ostensibly speaking on Jasper Ford’s behalf, showing no sign of wanting to take credit, this generous and forgiving demeanor was exactly what elders appreciated most. Any senior family member would see her and think what a wonderful daughter-in-law she would make.

The look in Madam Ford’s eyes as she watched Wanda Quincy softened slightly.

Vivian Quincy saw right through it. Wanda Quincy was using her as a stepping stone, trying to win Madam Ford’s favor by making a show of concern for her.

’But Vivian wasn’t about to let her.’

Vivian Quincy said politely to Wanda Quincy, "Thank you for the kind gesture, President Quincy. However, as I mentioned earlier, I’m allergic to bird’s nest. It will make me sick. Please stop insisting I take it. You should give it to someone who can actually enjoy it."

After a pause, Vivian added, "Perhaps you could offer it to Madam Ford?"

Having been brought into it, Madam Ford rebuked Wanda Quincy. "If you were sincere about giving a gift, you should have done your research. Since she’s allergic to bird’s nest, you shouldn’t be forcing it on her. Don’t you understand something so basic?"

Wanda Quincy’s expression changed dramatically. She lowered her head and hastily explained, "I’m so sorry, Madam Ford. I truly didn’t know she was allergic to bird’s nest. She never mentioned it before; in fact, she once said she’d like to have some."

"Hmph. Just take your things with you." Madam Ford clearly had no interest in Wanda Quincy’s excuses.

While Madam Ford might have her shortcomings when it came to raising her son, she was an excellent judge of character. She could tell Wanda Quincy disliked Vivian Quincy, but she never imagined Wanda would be so vicious.

’An allergy is no small matter. A severe reaction can be fatal. That girl is far too reckless!’

Having been scolded, Wanda Quincy bit her lip tightly. Looking back, she saw Vivian Quincy still sitting demurely in her office chair, looking prim and proper, the very image of a dedicated employee. The sight made Wanda want to puke.

The hand at her side clenched. Fury twisted her insides, her expression almost contorting into a snarl. But with immense self-control, she fought back the urge to lash out and forced a difficult smile. "You’re absolutely right, Madam Ford. Since Assistant Quincy doesn’t care for it, I’ll take it away and get her something even nicer."

Vivian Quincy smiled. "That won’t be necessary. It’s really too much trouble for you to visit me every day, President Quincy. This little injury of mine is not even worth mentioning. Besides, your visits are starting to affect my work."

Wanda Quincy’s heart dropped when she heard Vivian’s last sentence. She looked up and, just as she’d feared, Madam Ford’s expression had grown even more somber.

’That bitch, Vivian Quincy! She really never misses an opportunity to slander me!’

Wanda Quincy was practically seething, but she couldn’t blow up in front of Madam Ford. She was afraid of ruining the poised and magnanimous image she had cultivated in the older woman’s eyes.

She could only manage a stiff smile and say to Vivian Quincy in a wounded tone, "I’m sorry. I won’t disturb your work again."

Picking up the gifts from the desk, Wanda Quincy turned and gave them to the other employees, still claiming they were from Jasper Ford.

Once Wanda Quincy was a safe distance away, Vivian stood up. "Madam Ford, the President is in his office speaking with several managers, so you may have to wait a moment."

"That’s fine. I was just stopping by to have a look around." Madam Ford waved it off, then added, "The atmosphere in this office is a bit off."

"Really? I think it’s great. Everyone works very hard," Vivian Quincy said, shaking her head.

Madam Ford said, "Never mind. If you don’t see it, you don’t see it. Where’s Caden Chandler?"

"He’s on leave today," Vivian Quincy answered.

Madam Ford said, "Have him come in to work. Your injury hasn’t healed, so go home and rest. Oh, and while you’re at it, go see Hayden. His injuries are quite serious."

"Me...?" Vivian Quincy pointed to herself, incredulous. She never expected Madam Ford to say that to her.

Madam Ford didn’t try to hide it. "Hayden called me this morning specifically. He wants to see you. I figured since his injuries are more serious than yours, it would be better for you to go to him."

"But the President..." Vivian Quincy trailed off, hesitating.

"I’ll speak with him," Madam Ford stated.

"Okay." Vivian Quincy nodded. She actually wanted to see Hayden Kaye, too. The memory of him covered in blood the day before made her stomach churn.

But when she brought it up with Jasper Ford, his response was swift and decisive. "No."

Madam Ford said, "I’ve already called Caden Chandler to come in and cover for her. Why not?"

"Only Vivian Quincy can handle my work, so she can’t leave the company," Jasper Ford replied authoritatively.

Madam Ford laughed. "Caden Chandler has been with you for seven or eight years, while Vivian Quincy has been here for less than two months. How did you manage before she came along?"

"Mom, this is my company’s business. Stay out of it." Jasper Ford’s expression was stern, and he exuded a powerful, intimidating aura, refusing to yield an inch.

Madam Ford said, "Your company has so many people. What’s wrong with letting an injured person get some rest?"

"Then she can rest at the company. There’s a dedicated break room for employees downstairs," Jasper Ford said coldly.

Madam Ford asked, "Are you dead set on not letting Assistant Quincy leave today?"

"It’s working hours," Jasper Ford deflected.

"Jasper, Hayden was injured yesterday. He’s lying in bed right now, unable to get up. As his Ninth Uncle, how can you keep his girlfriend detained at your company? In my opinion, you should give Vivian Quincy a day off. Didn’t you say last night that you’d let her rest?" Madam Ford felt that her workaholic son was far too cold and unfeeling.

’As his Ninth Uncle, how could he monopolize his grand-nephew’s girlfriend!’

’He’s a workaholic, but he shouldn’t drag others down with him!’

Madam Ford was actually a very open-minded person, and she firmly opposed this kind of outrageous behavior from Jasper Ford.

Jasper, however, was amused by his mother’s words. His gaze, laden with meaning, fell upon Vivian Quincy. "Are you Hayden Kaye’s girlfriend?"