My Four Miraculous Treasures

Edith was jealous of Willow, and absolutely hated her too. Jasper had used this woman as an excuse to reject her?! It was the greatest humiliation Edith had ever suffered in her life.

It was all Willow's fault. Worse, she'd been right there, watching the whole time! Edith had to get rid of her.

Realizing what Edith was trying to do, Willow replied, "Ms. Price, wrongful accusation has its own consequences, as well."

"You're the only one who would know what happened between Jasper and me yesterday. Who else could be behind these rumors, if not you?!" Edith had already narrowed the crime down to a single suspect.

Everyone in the company was talking about how Jasper had rejected her!

There was even some ridiculous hearsay about Jasper's romantic interests being more towards men!noveldrama

Willow stood her ground before Edith's inquisition, firm in the belief that she'd done no wrong.

"I didn't hear any of your conversation with Mr. Hughes, nor do I have such low-class hobbies, eavesdropping and spreading gossip. Ms. Price, I'm sure a woman in your position understands what it means to be 'innocent until proven guilty!' I may only be a cleaning woman, but I won't be framed for someone else's crime! If that's all, I must get back to work."

This time, it was Willow who walked out on the conversation.

Yesterday, after she'd finished cleaning the top floor, she'd just lounged around in the Janitorial Department until her shift ended, and then she'd gone straight home.

At which point in time would she have been free to spread any rumors around the place?

Anyway, she'd been involved in that incident, herself. How did it benefit her to let everyone know about what had happened?

-

When Jasper arrived at the office, he caught wind of these rumors himself. The air around him seemed to grow colder. He was very annoyed.

He called Edith via intercom: "In my office, now!"

Soon, his secretary was standing before him in person.

Jasper's intense gaze swept over her, taking note of her new look. To him, however, she was still exactly the same woman.

He issued her a stern warning: "Put a stop to these rumors, immediately! If I hear one more person talking about what happened between us, your presence will no longer be required here!"

"Mr. Hughes, know who's been

spreading these rumors around!" Edith reported urgently. "I've just completed my own investigation into the matter, and I've found proof! Please listen to this recording, sir!"

swng

It was a recording of the gossip session inside the lift earlier, when Willow arrived at work.

The voices of many different women could be heard, until Willow finally spoke up, "Who's to say? Different strokes for different folks, you know? What's the point in comparing between people, anyway?" "Oh, gosh! Was that the cleaning lady Mr. Hughes felt up, in front of Ms. Price?!"

"Took you long enough! Sharing your gossip with someone who was there to see it happen... amazing!"

End of recording.

Jasper's expression was cold and dark. It was difficult to guess what he was thinking.

Edith explained the situation: "Sir, Willow came in to clean your office yesterday, making her the only one who knew about that exchange between us. Obviously, she spread these rumors so that everyone would think that you have feelings for her."

She felt the air in Jasper's office getting even colder.

"This would benefit her in many ways," Edith went on, "Firstly, to humiliate me as the woman Jasper Hughes passed over, in favor of her.

"Secondly, she can easily get closer to you, by telling everyone this one-sided story about how you're

romantically interested in her. It's et

meant to force you into a position where you can no longer deny it, since everyone already believes it to be true."

"Is that everything?" Jasper's eyes were like daggers, stabbing Edith right in the heart.

Unsure of what he'd meant by that, Edith fell silent, and nodded slightly.

"Then get out!"

Edith froze for a moment, but it was clear that Jasper was about to lose his temper. Swallowing her protests, she gave another little nod, then left his office. Why?! She'd given him such a perfect explanation, yet he still wasn't going to punish Willow?!

He wasn't even calling her in for questioning!

Edith clenched her fists tight, nails digging into her palms. Her face twisted in anguish and jealousy, ruining her made-up beauty.