Chapter 195 Hole–in–the–wall
The company was already struggling–where would they find extra money for compensation?
+8 Pears
Edwin sighed helplessly. “What else could I do? We can’t pay her wages now. Should we let her make a scene at our home?”
Alaina pursed her lips. “You’re not actually planning to give it to her, are you?”
Edwin waved his hand dismissively. “We can’t. Let’s just shut down the company tomorrow.”
Regret gnawed at him. If he had closed the factory carlier, they wouldn’t owe so much in unpaid wages.
The company was beyond saving now. They couldn’t keep dragging things on.
Every day they delayed only meant more debt piling up.
“But you already promised her. How can you go back on your word like this?” Miguel interjected. He paused, then asked cautiously, “You’re not thinking of withholding all the employees‘ wages, are you? That won’t work. They’ll come knocking on our door, maybe even sue you.”
Edwin rubbed his temples irritably. “We can’t worry about that now. I’ll placate them–tell them we’ll pay when we have the money later. And if they come raising hell, we’ll just move out for a while–lay low until they forget about it, then come back.”
He turned to Alaina. “Call Helen later and ask her to talk to Linden. I need a job at the Grayson Group as soon as possible.”
If not for desperation, he wouldn’t have resorted to dodging debts.
Once he earned enough at the Grayson Group, he’d pay everyone back.
Miguel gave him a conflicted look. “Do what you want.”
If he could, he’d help Edwin settle the debts himself. But his teacher’s salary was meager–his savings couldn’t even cover a third of what Edwin owed.
The one most disheartened by the factory’s closure was Liam.
Edwin could go to the Grayson Group, but what about him?
After years as general manager, he’d grown accustomed to the title. Taking a lower position elsewhere would bruise his pride.
And for higher positions, he feared he/wouldn’t make the cut.
He addressed Alaina, “Alaina, could you ask Helen to see if Linden can arrange a job for me at Grayson too?”
As the Grayson heir, Linden could surely secure him at least a managerial position.
That evening, Alaina relayed the day’s events to Helen.
Within two days, both Edwin and Liam received job offers from the Grayson Group.
They arrived for their first day, full of anticipation.
Chapter 195 Hole–in–the–wall
*18 Pearle Edwin was assigned a mid–level managerial role, which didn’t bother him–as long as the pay was good.
But Liam wasn’t happy. Why was I only given a supervisor position? And with just ten people under me?
“Edwin, why did Linden stick me with such a lowly position? What’s his problem?” At lunch, he complained to Edwin.
Edwin reasoned, “This is a major corporation. Nothing here is as simple as running our little factory. Even if they gave you a higher title, you’d embarrass yourself if you couldn’t handle it. Just focus on doing well in your current role.”
It made some sense. As unwilling as Liam was, he had no choice but to accept it.
Fine. He’d endure it for now. Later, he’d have Helen persuade Linden for a promotion.
Meanwhile…
Caroline was busy preparing for her restaurant’s opening, unaware that the Somerton Clothing Factory had shut down for good.
To keep her family in the dark, she avoided announcing the launch to acquaintances or advertising on WhatsApp Status.
The only celebration was a string of firecrackers on opening day.
Once operational, she hired a young man specifically for deliveries to the Sherwood Group, while Maia handled odd jobs in the shop.
Despite its modest size, the restaurant was packed daily–and growing busier.
People couldn’t stop praising how delicious the food was.
Word eventually reached Alaina’s ears.
Her friend Gloria Rowe had raved about this little restaurant, so after a day of shopping, Alaina asked her to take her there for a meal.
“Alaina, this is the place! Their food is incredible!”
Alaina followed her finger and looked over at the tiny restaurant. She blinked in disbelief. “You mean that hole-in–the–wall?”
When Gloria nodded earnestly, Alaina nearly laughed. “Have you ever had decent food? What could a dump like this possibly serve? Come on, I’ll take you to a proper restaurant with real chefs.”
If their cooking were truly outstanding, they wouldn’t be stuck in such a shabby place.
And hygiene in these dives was always questionable–she never ate at them.
Gloria frowned. “I’m not lying. Just go in and try it for yourself.”
Seeing her determination, Alaina relented. Fine, she’d humor her.
After all, she’d tasted the best food in her life–what could possibly surprise her now?
