Chapter 38

In the conference room.

After the meeting wrapped up, Vaughn did as Qiana asked and sent everyone out, leaving just Eric behind.

He was curious about what Qiana and Eric would discuss, but one look from Qiana had him scurrying off to his new office.

"Eric, do you know why I asked you to stay?" Qiana asked,her tone gentle.

Qiana always treated the kids of the company's old employees like family,and since Eric was Michael's childhood buddy, she felt especially close to him.

Eric figured it was about a promotion. He never aimed to be the general manager; it was just office gossip, nothing serious. But if he brought it up,it would seem like he cared. So he played it cool and shook his head,saying. "No idea."

Qiana cut to the chase. "I know about you and Michael."

Eric raised an eyebrow, thinking, 'What's going on with Michael and me?She means that we are keeping each other's secrets? Does Qiana know about Isabella? No, if she did, she'd talk to Isabella. What's the big deal between Michael and me? Why would Qiana make a special trip to talk to me? How much does she know? Is she trying to get Michael's secrets from me? I can't betray Michael.'

Not sure how to respond, he just said politely, "Ms. Johnson, don't worry.Michael and I get along just fine."

Qiana was taken aback by his response, wondering if Eric was challenging her,banking on Michael's favor.

She took a deep breath,reminding herself now wasn't the time to lose her cool.

"Are you with him willingly, oris Michael forcing you?" Qiana asked.trying to get to the heart of the matter.

Eric thought, 'As a kid, I got along with Michael. He seemed harmless,but he could easily trick me. I'm notscared of him, but I don't want too much interaction with him. I definitely didn't choose to get involved with Michael. If it's not voluntary,it must be forced!'

Thinking this, he said, "He's Mr. Johnson, my boss. Even though he hasn't come back to the company yet, I have no choice but to follow his orders."

Qiana realized Michael was forcing Erc. She angrily slapped the table,stood up, and said furiously, "I knew it's him. That bastard Michael,wait till I get home and give him a piece of my mind."

Eric was puzzled, wondering what the big deal was and why Qiana was so mad.

Then he heard Qiana continue, "Since you were forced by him, it's easy to handle. I'll take care of it for you. Just break up with him, and I'll handle the rest."

Eric rubbed his ears, wondering if he misheard.

He wasn't easily shocked, but Qiana's words hit him like a ton of bricks,taking him a full minute to process.

Eric asked,"Ms. Johnson, you think Michael and I... that we have...an improper relationship?"

"Michael already admitted it," Qiana said. "So, I'm sure you two are involved. No need to cover forhim in front of me."

Eric cursed Michael a thousand times in his head, 'What's Michael up to?We're just keeping each other's secrets. Why did Michael say he's gay? No one would let others misunderstand them for no reason unless they had a plan. Michael's always kept Isabella under wraps, not letting the Johnson family know they're married, afraid they won't accept her. Now, Michael admits he's gay and tells Qiana he's with me. Could it be..?'

Like a lightbulb flicking on, Eric's mind suddenly cleared up.

Since Michael had set the stage and dragged him in, he might as well roll with it!

Plus, with Michael taking the heat, he just had to play his part well.

Having figured it out, he said to Qiana, "Sorry, Ms. Johnson, I always listen to him."

Qiana advised him, "You don't have to be afraid of him. I said I'd handle it for you. Also, think about your dad. He raised you alone. If he finds out that Michael is forcing you into a relationship with no offspring to be left for your family, it'll break his heart."

Eric said, "My dad is very traditional and definitely can't accept homosexuality. Also, he's stubborn and values family status. If it's Michael,he might not oppose it. After all, Michael comes from a noble background.Michael told mne he'd handle everything with my dad."

"So what will it take for you to break up with Michael?" Qiana was fuming.

Eric looked innocent, like he was scared by Qiana, and said pitifully,"Between us, Michael has the final say. If he says break up, I'll leave immediately, not staying a moment longer. After all, I can't handle the pressure on may own. Ms. Johnson, you should talk to him first. As long as he agrees to break up, I have no problem with it."

Eric couldn't help but secretly applaud himself for his act.

Qiana said, "Since you two are so persistent, let's have both families talk.Your dad doesn't know about this yet, right?"

She suddenly felt very tired, powerless. She didn't want to deal with these matters anymore.

Eric said, "I don't dare tell my dad. He'd beat me to death if he knew.Michael also said not to tell my dad for now, but I think keeping it a secret isn't a solution. Ms. Johnson, if you're willing, please help inform my dad."

Qiana originally wanted to use Victor to scare Eric. Unexpectedly, he hoped she would tell Victor about it.

Unknowingly,she was tricked by Eric.

Angry,Qiana turned and left, slamming the door loudly.

At this moment, Eric felt that pushing the responsibility onto someone else was really satisfying.

Hearing the noise, Vaughn came out of his office to see what was happening and was startled. Qiana was flushed with anger,looking like she wanted to kill someone. Vaughn wondered who could make the elegant and decisive Qiana so mad.

Vaughn asked, "Qiana,are you okay?"

Qiana replied, "I'm fine. I'm leaving."

With that, Qiana walked away without looking back, her high heels clicking.

Vaughn peeked into the conference room and saw Eric standing by the window, looking thoughtful.

Vaughn asked, "What did you say to Qiana? Why is she so angry?"

Erie replied, "Nothing, Mr. Johnson, I'll get back to work."

Eric walked straight out.

Vaughn stomped his foot in anger, thinking. 'I haven't even ordered Eric to leave yet. He doesn't respect me as the general manager at all!