Chapter 19

Ivy observes all the faces of the employee. All of them are new to her, the employees she hired while she was still with the company are almost gone. Excessive fatigue and stress can also be seen on their faces.

"Ehem! Thank you all for welcoming me as the new president of this company. As a reward pack all your things and go home early." Ivy declared and everyone rejoices because of the sudden announcement.

"But they still have a lot to finish!" John replied to Ivy that he obviously didn't agree with her decision. Ivy just looks at him sharply and walks past him.

"Where is your office?" Ivy spoke as she turns around to look at Edward.

"This way Baby!" Edward guided her to the left side where there is a small ally that Ivy could remember was formerly a display room. Edward opened the door where Ivy can see the small office where there was only a table and a swivel chair. With big difference from Edward's former office and even further from her office in Country A.

Ivy inevitably looked at Edward as if she wanted to say something, but she just closed her mouth in the end.

"I'm not always in the office so it's okay for me to have a room like this. "Edward scratched his head. Ivy just ignores him and finally went inside and sat on the chair. Since there was only one chair there, Edward and John just remained standing while waiting for Ivy's command.

Ivy picked up the pen lying in the middle of the table that she thought Edward hadn't even used. She played it with between her finger as she watched John closely.

"When did you start being someone else's spy in this company?" Ivy asked slowly while her eyes remained on John's face. She studied every reaction that might come out of his face. Instead of John answering Edward preceded him.

"Maybe you are the wrong Baby! John is loyal to me especially to Grandpa!"

"How much they pay you?" Ivy asked again ignoring Edward.

"They can't buy John's loyalty, Ivy so please stop that. He can't do that!" Because of Edward's repeated defenses, Ivy dropped the ballpen and angrily laid it on the table.

Ivy looked at John as if she was sure of the accusation she had made. Edward was surprised when John suddenly knelt down and apologized.

"I don't want to do that but I need to." He told as he cried.

"Why did you do it?" Ivy asked firmly.

"What did you say, John, you did that to us despite the trust we gave you?" Edward roar. He couldn't stop himself from holding the old man's collar to pull him upright to punch him but Ivy quickly shouted.

"Let him go!" Edward could do nothing but release John but he swung him in his way to make him fall and hit his face to the floor but Edward didn't care because all his respect and trust for John was gone because of the betrayal he did.

"I'm sorry but I don't want to do that, I was just forced. I didn't mean that!" said John while crying.

"What do you mean?" Ivy asked as if willing to listen to John's explanation.

"They just scared me!"

"Are you scared?" Edward shouted.

"If only my life was at stake it is fine that they will kill me and I am not afraid but it's my daughter's life and I can't do anything!" John cried. John has one child and is in college studying. This is his life because his wife passed away early when she was born so he poured all his time and life into his daughter. So how can John afford to sacrifice his daughter's life just for the sake of the company and the trust that Edward has given?

"Why didn't you ask me for help?" Edward asked.

"You can't handle them!" John answered directly. Ivy suddenly thought that John was right, Edward couldn't handle the people who had evil plans for the company, especially since her grandfather was old. In terms of connection, Edward's backers aren't that strong anymore so he can't protect his people.

"How much information did you give them?" Ivy asked to find out how much damage John had done to the company and if there was still a way for it to survive.

"I gave the latest information on the new product we developed." embarrassed John said. After John said that, Edward immediately punched him because that product would have saved the sinking company just because of his negligence it was released by another and his only hope scrambled in the dust.

Michelle just grabbed his forehead because of Edward's reaction. He didn't stop punching John out of anger.

"Stop that, you know John is old and you might kill him!"

"I'm really going to kill him, he doesn't matter."

"Before you blame him, first blame yourself because if it wasn't for you it wouldn't have happened. So let him go and go out first so we can't talk properly!" Edward had no choice but to comply because what Ivy say is true. He walked to the door feeling lost.

"You come here!" Ivy ordered so even with great difficulty he walked over to the table and stand opposite to her.

"I'm sorry!" said John again.

"How much they paid you?"

"I didn't accept any amount that they gave. My only request is that they don't hurt or interfere with my daughter."

"How long are you supposed to give them a report?"

"They didn't say anything, they just wanted to know about the latest product that I gave them already."

"As I remember, your daughter will graduate this year."

"That's right she is!"

"It's good then file an early retirement with our HR and leave with your daughter. Find a place where you will be safe away from here."

"Won't you put me in jail?" John was shocked that she said it was for him because he accepted to spend his life behind bars.

"You are old for jail. Spend your life in a more blissful way. Grandpa won't be happy when he finds out you're there. "Ivy explained.

"But I'm wrong."

"I know and the bruise on your face will be your payment for your sin."