Chapter 48 Janet in Alaric's Office
Barry stopped dead in his tracks.
"Mr. Hughes, anything else you need?"
Alaric's eyes were calm, showing little emotion.
"Once the agreement's ready, bring it to me."
Barry nodded.
After work that same day, Barry drafted the agreement and delivered it to Alaric's office.
Drafting divorce agreements had become second nature to Barry. Alaric had been instructing him to send a divorce agreement to Cordelia every week for the past month. Each time, the agreement had been revised, trying to get Cordelia to agree to the divorce.
Barry handed the divorce agreement to Alaric. Seated at his desk, Alaric's expression darkened as he looked at the document, a hint of displeasure in his eyes.
"Are you this efficient because you don't have enough work to do?"
Barry paused, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.
"We've got quite a few contracts lately. I just thought you might need this agreement urgently, so I prioritized it."
Alaric's face remained cold as he shifted his gaze away from the divorce agreement.
"You can leave now."
Barry forced a smile and backed out of Alaric's office.
As he left, Barry ran into Robert and immediately pulled him aside.
"What's up with Mr. Hughes lately? Why is he in such a bad mood?"
Although Alaric had never been particularly easygoing, he wasn't usually as gloomy as he had been lately, making the whole company feel the pressure.
Robert sighed. As Alaric's trusted assistant, he shouldered a heavier burden than most. He had worked with Alaric for years, and that gave him a decent understanding of his boss's moods. His uncle, who worked at The Hughes Manor, had also warned him to be extra careful around Alaric these days.
"I heard Mrs. Cordelia Hughes is planning to divorce him, and Mrs. Ruth Hughes has agreed to it. Mr. Hughes doesn't seem too keen on the idea."
Robert spoke in a hushed tone and then gave Barry a look that said, "Good luck."
Barry was stunned for a moment. No wonder Alaric had reacted the way he did when Barry delivered the divorce agreement!
Barry realized he was likely to become Alaric's scapegoat in the near future. He shuddered and quickly left the floor.
Two days later, Cordelia still hadn't received the divorce agreement and called Barry again.
"Barry, where's the divorce agreement?"
Barry was silent. It was clear Alaric hadn't sent the agreement to Cordelia yet.
"Mrs. Hughes, I'm really sorry. We've been extremely busy lately."
Cordelia rubbed her temples, her eyes showing a hint of frustration.
"Don't bother sending it to me. I'll come to The Hughes Group myself."
Barry was at a loss for words. Cordelia hung up before he could respond and drove straight to The Hughes Group.
The receptionists knew about Cordelia and Alaric's relationship, so no one dared to stop her when she walked into the lobby. However, their gazes were filled with curiosity.
After escorting Cordelia to the elevator, the receptionist immediately called Robert.
"Robert, Mrs. Hughes is on her way up."
Robert's expression changed, and he hurried to the elevator to wait.
It was clear Cordelia was here to discuss the divorce.
When the elevator doors opened, Cordelia stepped out and saw Robert waiting respectfully.
"Mrs. Hughes, right this way," Robert said, trying to hide his nervousness.
"Mrs. Hughes."
Cordelia nodded, speaking softly, "I'm here to see Alaric."
Robert looked uncomfortable and hesitated.
Cordelia frowned and started walking towards Alaric's office.
Robert quickly stepped in front of her.
"Mrs. Hughes, you can't go in right now."
Cordelia frowned, "Why not?"
Robert bit his lip and whispered, "Ms. Martin is in Mr. Hughes's office right now."
Cordelia glanced at Alaric's closed office door, her eyes darkening. She took a deep breath, her face stiffening.
"Then take me to see Barry."
Robert nodded, "Alright."
He gestured for Cordelia to enter the elevator. She nodded and stepped inside.
As the elevator doors closed, Robert breathed a sigh of relief. On the way to the legal department, he quickly sent Barry a message with just one word: [Run.]
Barry, who had just returned from an errand, saw the message and immediately hid in his car, driving away.
Robert and Cordelia waited in Barry's office for a while, but Barry didn't return. Cordelia tried calling him several times, but he didn't answer.
Robert stood to the side and spoke softly, "Barry might be handling a case and can't take calls right now. He's been extremely busy lately, almost always in court."
Cordelia frowned, her voice heavy, "Then have another lawyer draft the agreement for me."
Robert forced a smile, "I'm afraid that's not possible. Mr. Hughes specifically assigned Barry to handle this, and he's the only one who knows the details."
Cordelia's face turned cold, "Then I'll wait until the court closes and have Barry work late to draft the agreement for me tonight."
Robert hesitated, seeing Cordelia's determination. He didn't know how to respond. After a moment, he found an excuse.
"Mrs. Hughes, I assure you, as soon as Barry returns, I'll have him draft the agreement immediately and deliver it to you personally. You're staying at Ms. Stone's place, right?"
Cordelia nodded, "Yes."
Robert smiled politely and checked the time, "It's getting late. You should go have dinner. I promise you'll have the agreement soon."
"Don't you trust me?"
Cordelia paused for a few seconds before nodding.
"Alright. I hope to see the divorce agreement tonight."
With that, she left Barry's office.
Robert wore a wry smile. Great, now Cordelia had even less trust in him.
Robert politely escorted Cordelia downstairs. They took the employee elevator. When they reached the lobby, Cordelia walked out first. At the same time, the executive elevator doors opened, and Alaric stepped out with Janet by his side.
Janet noticed Cordelia and greeted her first.
"Dr. Stone."
Cordelia nodded, her face expressionless. She looked at Alaric. Their eyes met briefly before Alaric looked away, turning to Janet.
"Let's go."
With that, he walked away. Janet hesitated for a moment before following him.
Alaric walked quickly, and Janet struggled to keep up, her voice soft and delicate.
"Alaric, slow down. My injury hurts."
Alaric slowed his pace at her words. Cordelia saw this and a hint of sarcasm flashed in her eyes. She walked quickly towards the exit, soon overtaking Alaric and Janet.
As she passed them, Cordelia said in a low voice, "Mr. Hughes, please urge your staff to get me that agreement as soon as possible."