novelxo Chapter 588
Hesper's eyes were cold and sharp, devoid of any trace of amusement. Each word she spoke felt like a blade slicing through Sophia's body. When Sophia remained silent, Hesper repeated herself. "Sorry about what?"
All eyes were on Sophia now, and she felt like she was being scrutinized by every single one of them. She clenched her fists, feeling a sharp pang of humiliation. She had never been so insulted in her life. She knew that Hesper was trying to humiliate her in front of everyone. What Sophia could not understand was why Rickard remained silent. Why did he not say anything to defend her? Did he not know that the humiliation she suffered would reflect on the Duval family's reputation?
"I... I'm sorry, Ms. Lane," Sophia said, her voice trembling with indignation. She spoke louder this time, but the anger in her tone was apparent.
Hesper did not let her off the hook. She rubbed her temples wearily and spoke again. "Too soft. I can't hear you."
"I'm sorry! It's all my fault, Ms. Lane!" Sophia shouted this time, glaring at Hesper. "Enough is enough. You're at the Duval group now, not your Lane Holdings. What are you trying to prove by humiliating me like this?"
Hesper kept her eyes closed, seemingly unfazed by Sophia's outburst. Sophia could not take it anymore and turned to Rickard for help.
"What else do you want me to do? I've already apologized. What more does she want from me? Does she want me to kneel down and beg for forgiveness?"
Rickard could not comprehend why Hesper was suddenly targeting Sophia, but he was aware that Hesper had been disgraced by Sophia and Julie before. Rickard believed that Sophia deserved Hesper's wrath since she and Julie had used more extreme methods to shame her in the past, such as making Hesper kneel down.
Since Sophia brought this on herself, Rickard was not going to help her anymore. He nodded and said, "Since Ms. Lane thinks that you're not sincere enough, you should just keep apologizing."
Sophia clenched her teeth and scanned the room. Benji was stationed on the sidelines, showing no signs of offering any assistance. Sophia understood that there was no one in the conference room who could come to her aid.
"Ms. Lane, I take full responsibility for this. Please accept my apologies and forgive me."
When Hesper still did not say anything, Sophia went down on her knees in front of her. Both of them were very close to each other now, and Hesper finally opened her eyes. Despite their beauty, her eyes lacked any warmth or emotion as they locked onto Sophia's hateful gaze.
Sophia had never felt so terrified by someone's gaze before, not even when facing a wrathful Rickard, as she knew that he would spare her due to their blood relationship. However, Hesper's cold, emotionless eyes made Sophia feel as if she had died many times over.
"Isn't this a good enough apology? Or do you enjoy bullying the weak and only know how to behave when you're on your knees?"
Hesper looked down on Sophia, feeling that she had not gone too far. After all, she had given both Sophia and Julie a lot of time and chances, but they insisted on going against her and making her remember her humiliating past.
The employees nearby kept their heads down and minds to themselves, all knowing that the employee must have offended Hesper before. Hesper looked away from Sophia and smiled.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting. Let's start the meeting now."
Benji helped Sophia up and escorted her out of the room before returning to the meeting.
Hesper was ruthless to Sophia this time, aware that her reputation was her top concern. Despite this, Hesper forced her to kneel and apologize publicly in front of everyone, which was almost worse than killing her.
As if the little incident had never happened, Hesper and Rickard discussed the contract and came to a consensus smoothly. The nearby employees were a bit surprised. They had originally thought that Hesper was incompetent and that she was just relying on the power and wealth of the Lanes.