Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

James was still showing the woman around when Esther quietly left the law firm.

When he finally turned around, he noticed Summer standing alone at the reception, staring off into the distance.

Summer seemed to have noticed James' gaze. For the first time, she didn't look at him with admiration but with disappointment and disdain. Belongs © to NôvelDrama.Org.

Disdain?

James thought he was mistaken. When he looked over again, Summer had already looked away, focusing on the door intently.

"What are you looking at, James? James?" The woman, Sabrina, waved her hand in front of James to regain his attention.

"Nothing. Sabrina, let's go upstairs."

Sabrina Watson shook her head. "No, someone's waiting for me. Let's end our date here. See you tomorrow, Mister James."

James gently nodded. "Sure, go ahead. Take care."

"Okay, bye."

As Sabrina made her way to the door, she approached Summer. "Who was that girl standing beside you earlier? I felt like she was staring at me."

Seeing Esther as her friend, Summer found Sabrina's inquiry irritating, even though Sabrina had the upper hand. She retorted, "That's personal. Please don't ask about that, miss."

Sabrina was taken aback by her rudeness and awkwardly smiled at James. "James, your employee here is quite something."

James's expression turned cold. "I didn't discipline her well."

Unaffected, Summer shrugged as Sabrina left.

James asked, "Why did you treat her like that?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Mister James," Summer replied, focusing on the documents in front of her to avoid his gaze.

Frustrated, James narrowed his eyes. "Why did you treat my guest that way? Have you forgotten what I told you?"

"I know, but I didn't expect you to be so cruel and cold. It's disgusting," Summer retorted, finally meeting his gaze boldly.

It was the first time she had spoken so defiantly, and she braced herself for the consequences. She had fought hard for this job, with its high pay and light workload. If she lost it, she could always rely on Esther.

Her actions were driven by a desire for justice for Esther.

James looked at Summer incredulously. In his mind, she had always been obedient and sensible. Her sudden outburst surprised him.

Recalling Esther's recent visits to chat with Summer, James realized they had become friends in just a few days. Esther had managed to turn his employee against him, which was unexpected.

James pursed his lips and asked, "What do you mean by I'm cruel and cold?"

"I mean it exactly as it sounds."

"Oh? Did Esther tell you anything?"

It was Summer who had tagged him with those words. Likely, she and Esther had spoken harshly about him behind his back.

James sighed, wanting to press further, but Summer suddenly became agitated.

"Mister James, I've only just met Esther, but she can't be as shameless as you think. She blushed and apologized when she accidentally bumped into someone. And you, ignoring a shy young woman who fawned over you every day without explicitly rejecting her. Is that appropriate?"