"Alondra is a good friend of mine, and I want to help her."
"Have you told her that you were going to ask me for money to lend her?"
"No, this is just my own idea." She hadn't figured out how to bring it up to Alondra yet.
"I advise you to ask her first if she needs you to do this for her."
"I'm just worried that she'd feel embarrassed, so I'm asking you first." She planned to lend her the money first and then give it to Alondra, hoping she'd be more willing to accept it.
"Right now, it's not just about money. She's too deep in trouble, and money won't help. I suggest you stay away from her."
"What exactly is going on? Why won't you tell me?"
"Knowing won't help you. The more you know, the worse it will be for you. Just remember to stay away from her."
"Then promise me one thing. If you know she's in danger, will you help her?" Sidney asked, sincerely pleading with him.
"I'll assess the situation. Some things aren't that I don't want to help, it's that I'm powerless." He knew Alondra was Sidney's good friend, but Alondra's situation was complicated.
"I understand. I'm going home." Sidney knew Jayson wouldn't talk, no matter how much she pressed him, so she decided to try and get the information from Alondra instead.
Sidney put on her clothes, fixed the creases in her outfit, and walked out of the office, feeling slightly guilty. She saw Mr. Smith working hard, seemingly unaffected, so she felt reassured and left.
That evening, Jayson went to the club and called for Alondra. It was Alondra's first time entering Jayson's office, and she knew he wouldn't be calling her for something trivial, so she was feeling quite uneasy.
To her surprise, when they met, Jayson was polite, offering her a seat and having someone bring her water. His courtesy made her feel nervous.
"Come on, boss, don't hold back. Just say what you need to!" Alondra said cautiously.
"I know you're competent, a college graduate like Sidney, and you're good at reading people. Your work at the club seems to be going smoothly, but there's one thing I don't understand."
"Please, go ahead."
"Why are you associating with Josiah?"
"What do you know?" Alondra asked, her expression calm as she softly inquired.
"I know everything I need to know."
"Did you send someone to investigate me?"
"At first, we weren't investigating you, but we stumbled upon your involvement while looking into something else."
"I only did it that one time, and it was for him."
"You've mixed feelings with work."
"What else could I do?"
"He will never love you."
"I don't expect him to love me!" She liked him, and she was willing to do anything for him. She had no regrets.
"He will marry his fiancée, who he's been engaged to for years, not you."
"I know." She just wanted to help him succeed, for him to always remember there was a woman who gave everything for him—that was enough for her.
"Before this matter is exposed, I want you to resign voluntarily. We can no longer employ you here."
"I understand. I'll resign today."
"Also, don't involve Sidney in this."
"I know."
After speaking, Alondra stood up to leave, and Jayson took some cash from his coat pocket and handed it to her.
Alondra raised her eyes to look at him, saying coldly, "I don't need it."
"It's your salary."
Only then did Alondra take the money, but not before saying to him, "She's serious about being with you, so take care of her."
"I know. I also hope you won't get close to her anymore. I don't want her to know too much about these unpleasant things."
Alondra couldn't hide the sadness on her face. She gave a soft "Mm," then turned and left Opal Lounge without looking back.
Soon after, rumors began to spread throughout the hotel that Alondra had been using her job to steal clients' business secrets and sell them around. She had been kicked out of Opal Lounge.
There were also rumors that Alondra had gotten involved with a wealthy client, and being kept as a mistress, she no longer worked at the lounge.
Rumors flew, and no one could contact Alondra. Nobody knew which of the rumors were true or false.
Just as Sidney was about to call Alondra to ask her what exactly was going on with Jayson's claims, she discovered that Alondra had gone off the radar.
Her phone and messaging apps were both unreachable.
One day, Jayson came home while Sidney was still awake. She finally found the chance to ask him if he had seen Alondra recently.
Jayson glanced at her, tugged at his tie, and casually replied, "She resigned."
Sidney: "When?"
"Can't remember. It's been about a month or so."
"Of course not. Can you find out if anyone at your company knows where she went? I've been trying to reach her, but I'm really worried something's happened."
"It's fine. I heard from others that she just suddenly decided to change her environment and start fresh. Maybe after she settles down, she'll contact you."
Jayson reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder to help her relax.
