Chapter 9 No More Serving!

Hazel couldn't help but laugh, but it was a laugh filled with anger and disbelief at Miles' nerve. Her laugh was cold and mocking. "And what if I say no?"

Miles spread his hands, his eyes gleaming with a predatory look. "Hazel, there's no woman I want that I can't have."

Hazel felt a wave of nausea but didn't hold back. "You're disgusting, Miles. Do you think you're some kind of king who can have anyone he wants? I'm married. So what if my husband is disabled? It's none of your business. You're not even worthy to shine his shoes."

Sure, Miles had some money and had started this company, but he was nothing compared to Lawrence.

Miles' face darkened, and he glared at Hazel with a sinister look. "Don't be ungrateful. Believe it or not, I can fire you."

Hazel couldn't help but laugh again. "Go ahead. With a boss like you, I don't want to stay here anyway. Fire me if you want. Goodbye."

Miles had been using work as an excuse to harass her for a long time, and she had tolerated it long enough.

There was no need to tolerate it any longer.

With that, Hazel shot Miles a cold glance and walked out of the office, slamming the door behind her with a loud bang.

The noise attracted the attention of several colleagues, who looked on with curiosity and surprise.

Back at her desk, Hazel began packing her things with a cold expression.

Kelly, a coworker, was shocked. "Hazel, what happened?"

Without looking up, Hazel continued packing. "I quit. I'm not putting up with harassment anymore."

Her voice was loud enough for others to hear.

Kelly paused, seeming to understand.

"Take care, Kelly," Hazel said, throwing down her employee badge and leaving the office with her box of belongings.

It wasn't even noon yet, and the sky was overcast.

Standing by the roadside with her box, Hazel sighed.

She was suddenly unemployed.

Although it was abrupt, she didn't regret it. She had been planning to quit anyway.

The office building was near a bustling food street. Hazel found a place to sit and think.

Her phone dinged with a message from Kelly. [Where are you?]

Hazel sent her the location and stared out the window.

Within twenty minutes, a graceful figure entered the shop, looked around, and headed straight for Hazel.

"Is this seat taken?" Kelly asked.

Hazel looked up, surprised to see Kelly with her own box of belongings. "You quit too?"

Kelly chuckled and sat down. "Miles is disgusting. I couldn't stay."

Hazel understood. Miles had harassed more than one employee, but he was careful not to get caught. Today, Hazel had exposed him.

Kelly was someone Hazel liked because she wasdiscreet, sensible, and trustworthy.

They ordered food, and Kelly asked about Hazel's plans.

"I'm thinking of starting a perfume company," Hazel said after a moment's thought.

The Anderson family was known for their perfumes. Keith hadn't gotten the formula he wanted last time and wouldn't give up easily.

Chloe's formula couldn't fall into Keith's hands. It was Chloe and Rachel's life's work. Hazel had grown up with Chloe and couldn't let the formula be lost.

She wanted Chloe and Rachel's work to shine again.

Since planning to break free from the Anderson family, she had this idea.

Kelly knew a bit about Hazel's background and was curious. "Isn't your family in the perfume business? Why start your own company?"

Hazel replied, "It's not a conflict. I have a strong interest in perfume."

Hazel didn't elaborate, and Kelly didn't press. She was interested in Hazel's idea and changed the subject. "Do you need investors?"

Hazel was momentarily taken aback but then understood. "Yes, are you interested?"

Kelly smiled, "Absolutely. I believe in you. If your perfume company becomes successful, I'll be a proud shareholder."

Kelly's words tempted Hazel. She had some savings, but starting a company required a lot of money. Having an investor would be helpful.

Hazel said, "Great, I'll let you know as soon as I have news."

They agreed on the spot, and the conversation became more relaxed. Kelly apologized for what happened at Hazel's wedding.

"How's your husband treating you?" Kelly asked.

Hazel thought of Lawrence's handsome face. He didn't trust her, but he had rescued her from the Anderson family.

"He's okay." Hazel replied.

Considering their marriage was to escape the Anderson family's control, she shouldn't have unrealistic expectations.

Kelly sensed some sadness in Hazel's tone but didn't press further.

To lighten the mood, Kelly changed the subject. They both ignored calls from the company.

Without a job and not planning to return to the Anderson family, Hazel was unsure where to go.

As Kelly was about to invite Hazel to her place for dinner, Hazel's phone rang.

Seeing the caller, Hazel hesitated but answered. "Hello?"

"Where are you?" Lawrence's voice was as curt as ever, making Hazel feel guilty, as if he knew everything about her.

"Why do you need to know?" Hazel's voice rose, and she heard Lawrence chuckle softly. "Tell me, or I'll send someone to find you."

Taking a deep breath, Hazel gave him an address, thinking he would send someone immediately.

Instead, he said, "Grandpa's coming back tonight. We'll have dinner together. I'll send Jason to pick you up later."

Jeremy was coming back?

Hazel's attention shifted. She was momentarily stunned before responding. "Okay, I got it."

Hanging up, Hazel stared at the sink, lost in thought.

She felt a vague discomfort around the Johnson family, unsure where it came from.

Lawrence's marriage was a big deal, but the Johnson family's reaction had been puzzling.

She'd figure it out as things progressed.

Shaking her head, Hazel washed her hands and returned to her seat. Kelly was finishing a call and quickly hung up when she saw Hazel.