Chapter 15 Part-Time Job Due to Lack of Money
Declan told Jennifer that her company's funds would be unfrozen in three days. Jennifer was grateful and offered to take him and Louie out for dinner. But her joy was short-lived when she got a call from Louie.
"Jennifer, someone from your finance department reported tax evasion, and the evidence is solid. The amount is pretty big. Not only will the company's accounts be frozen and audited, but all assets under your dad's name will be seized. I can't keep the promise I made to you earlier."
Jennifer was shaken to her core by the news. "No way! My dad would never do something like that."
"The tax authorities are already involved. You'll get the notification soon. Whether your dad was directly responsible or not, as the company's legal representative, he'll have to answer for it. You better prepare funds to pay the back taxes."
Jennifer thanked Louie for the heads-up and immediately contacted the company officials to conduct an internal investigation. But before they could get to the bottom of it, the tax authorities arrived, sealed all the accounts, and halted business operations. Even the villa where Jennifer and Marlowe lived was seized, forcing them out.
Jennifer was convinced Eugene was behind this mess. That employee who reported the tax evasion was probably his doing! But Jennifer lacked the financial and human resources to investigate thoroughly. Eugene knew this and intended to force Jennifer to come to him for help.
Marlowe was furious. "Eugene is heartless! He's trying to ruin your dad! We can endure the hardship, but your dad's illness and surgery require money. What are we going to do?"
Jennifer was in a bind. She had used all her money to pay the employees' salaries, and even after the recent payout, she only had $20,000 left. Marlowe offered her savings, close to $100,000. "Use my money for your dad's medical bills first. Hiring a lawyer will also need funds, and I'll try to find a job."
Marlowe hadn't worked since marrying David, and finding a job in her forties would be tough. Jennifer felt guilty but had no choice. She asked Mia to help her find some part-time work.
Mia was worried about Jennifer's situation. "Can you handle such a tight schedule? Why don't you and Marlowe come stay at my place? We have a guest room."
Jennifer replied, "You and Aaron have just gotten married. It's time to enjoy together. Don't worry about me at all."
Mia cursed Eugene but still helped Jennifer find a part-time job playing the violin at a five-star hotel. Jennifer's elegant demeanor made her a natural fit. She played for two hours after her day job and earned $800 each night. Mia also lent her tens of thousands of dollars, saying there was no rush to repay. But with so many expenses, Jennifer took on jewelry design gigs to earn whatever she could.
Declan found out and visited her, looking guilty. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you more. Do you need money? I can lend you some, and you can pay me back when your dad is better."
Jennifer declined. She wasn't as close to Declan as she was to Mia and couldn't accept his money without feeling uneasy.
One evening, Jennifer went to her hotel gig as usual. She played on the rooftop restaurant, where she could perform freely unless a guest requested a specific song, which often came with a tip. She didn't expect to run into Francis. He was with an elegant woman with wavy hair, discussing business over drinks. As they clinked glasses, the woman's finger hooked around Francis's, and he didn't pull away.
Francis seemed to notice Jennifer but only glanced at her briefly before asking the waiter to request "Melancholy Serenade."
Jennifer accepted the tip and played the song, which was romantic and tinged with sadness, perfectly matching her mood. She was so engrossed that her eyes were a bit wet after finishing. She went to the restroom to compose herself and ran into Francis.
He said coldly, "Were you crying?" Her eyes were slightly red, and her face looked thinner than the last time he saw her. What had she gone through in the past week?
Jennifer smiled. "No, just some dust in my eyes while playing."
Francis didn't bother to expose her lie. "Are you working here because you need money?" He remembered Jennifer's family was well-off. Now she was reduced to this—was Eugene behind it? And what about Declan, who didn't seem short on cash either? Why was Jennifer enduring this?
Jennifer felt embarrassed and answered softly, "Yes. Mr. Carter, I need to get back to work." Francis stepped aside to let her pass. He was surprised Jennifer could endure such hardship but thought she was a bit naive. With her looks, many men would be willing to support her, but she didn't exploit that.
Soon, Francis and the woman left arm in arm. Jennifer knew she and Francis were worlds apart now. He and that woman would probably have a pleasant evening.
Jennifer finished work at ten o'clock and rushed to the bus stop in her heels. A blue Porsche drove by, and if she had noticed, she would have recognized it as Eugene's car.
Aria, in the car, spotted her and excitedly tapped Eugene's shoulder. "Look at the woman in the white dress by the road. Isn't she the one Declan brought last time? What's her name?"
"Jennifer," Eugene replied naturally, glancing out the window. He glanced away quickly, fearing Aria would see through him. If Jennifer didn't agree to his terms, she would be left waiting for a bus on nights like this. How long could she endure this hardship?
Aria nodded. "Yes, that's her. Declan said he liked her a lot, yet he didn't come to pick her up this late. Eugene, should we offer her a ride home?"
Eugene quickly dismissed the idea. "No! I need to get you home early, or your mother will blame me." He knew it was a test from Aria and wouldn't fall for it. If he dared to pick up Jennifer, Aria would be furious and jealous. Besides, he wanted Jennifer to suffer enough to see his worth.
"Alright," Aria said, satisfied. "I'll call Declan. He won't win her over like this."
Eugene forced a smile. "Aria, you're so kind."
Declan came quickly after Aria's call, but Jennifer had already taken the bus. He texted her to make sure she got home safely before heading back himself.