Rena was speechless.
No wonder he could be so bold, daring to molest her in a public space. It must be because he has some backing.
She pursed her lips.
Given the blood ties, it was plain Willis probably won't scold him too strongly.
His earlier attitude could mean he doesn't believe her words, he might think she had seduced him even.
But she wasn't bothered. Her threat still stands. If Archie does yet get persistent, she would have no choice but to sue him even.
The worst it gets is her being fired but she wasn't worried.
Her teaching job was still going smoothly and she was confident she could find other better part-time jobs.
It quite wouldn't be worth it to have her dignity constantly stomped underfoot.
She voiced. "I didn't know, this is my first time hearing so."
Aunt Martha wasn't surprised.
Rena was known to be sheerly low key in the restaurant. She doesn't talk much unless necessary and she is friends with no workers.
Aunt Martha liked such personality. That was why she didn't believe the rumors she heard, she only shared it to be absolutely sure.
She formed a smile, her face through brightened. "Alright. I would be leaving back to the restaurant now. I still have to deliver food till 9 pm. Be safe on your way home."
"Okay."
Rena didn't remain there any longer.
She had received a message a while ago from Herman informing her of the address of the restaurant they were to dine.
Of course she had wanted to treat him but he obstinately insisted on handling the bills.
Knowing he wouldn't change his mind, she couldn't help but give in.
Besides even if he gets upsets by her revelation and ends up not paying, she yet had some money to spare.
As she stepped onto the road, she looked around subconsciously.
Since the last time Lester came to her workplace, he had not come again.
Even though she was the one who had strongly opposed him coming, she couldn't help but feel faintly sour inside.
But she hated her own feelings.
This was the man who had caused her to suffer terribly, if not disgust, atleast she should feel an extreme disdain towards him.
But why... Why does her heart seem to totter?
No! She shook her head.
She must be imagining things.
Herman was her fiance now and the only man she loves. Even if he cease being so, Lester would never have any chance with her.
Eight years ago, her heart broke the day he left.
The moment her child died, her love died with him.
~~
In the office two men were seated. One a youngster and the other, middle-aged.
Willis stared at his son who wore an annoyed look at him.
Archie was obviously irritated.
It was the close of work for most servers and now was the time for Rena to change off her uniform.
Time was running out and who knows? She might have left already.
But his father called him in to coverse with him, quite ruining his plan tonight.
He was pissed off and just wanted to leave.
His tone made no attempt to hide his impatience. "Dad, just say it out, will you? What is it?"
His tone was insolent.
Willis was used to his son's attitude, he only frowned and cut straight to the point.
"Rena has laid complains and a warning of getting you arrested."
Archie was perplexed for a few seconds before sneering.
"That bitch, how dare she threaten me? Does she know who I am?"
He was well aware of Rena's ignorance. She wasn''t aware of his blood ship with the manager and of course he didn't let her know.
One, he wanted her to reign in her stubbornness and bow her head to him when knowledgeable.
For his ties, all workers in the restaurant both male and female flock to him, he was sure Rena won't be an exemption.
Tonight he wanted to tell her. He had had enough of her resistance and was confident she wouldn't refuse. He had even booked an hotel room in advance.
But who would have predicted he would be thrown this news, especially from his father?
Willis continued, his gaze a bit serious. "Stay away from her."
Archie was stunned. "What? Don't tell me you are afraid of her? If she dares report me, just fire her!"
Willis glared at his son with condescension.
He had brought his son in to work in the restaurant to make him diligent and more ambitious but it's like an ant pulling an elephant, no process had been made, he is still yet senseless.
But considering he was his only son, his voice remained gentle as he mouthed.
"You can do anything you want with any female worker but unless they are willing. If she does get you arrested, I can release you but if word gets out of your harassment, how am I supposed to handle it? Remember, am just a manager, am still under a boss. You can't do anything to spoil the restaurant's reputation or else we will both be doomed."
Archie stiffened.
His father had been the manager for years that he had almost forgotten he wasn't its owner.
Indeed, if the restaurant's reputation is tarnished, his father would be the one first blamed and most likely fired.
He was a lazy youth, how was he supposed to profit off a jobless father?
His face paled at the thought.
"That wretch would not say anything, I swear I would kill her if she does!"
Willis scoffed. "That girl seems not to care much about her job. You can't intimidate her with it. Just stay away from her. Whether you are my son or not, I'm sure she won't be fazed. If you provoke her, she might turn even bolder."
When Rena came in, he had seen the firmness in her eyes. As an experienced person, he could tell someone like her wasn't one to be easily frightened. Once pushed she could turn ruthlessly decisive.
But he was not one to be outsmart either. "The rumor of her engaging with you in the changing room spread it even further amongst the workers. Everyone should know she is that kind of person."
A shrewd smirk broadened his face.
Archie was a little confused. "Why?"
He had heard of the rumor but why was his father interested in it?
"Incase she someday reports you, who would believe her especially with her name spoilt? It's for future measures."
Archie understood but his mind was a bit distracted.
Being told to leave Rena alone ached him in the heart.
He had been pursing her for quite a while now, much longer than he had done with any other woman but he had yet failed thoroughly.
It made him feel unsatisfied and vexed, frustrated also.
But he knew this time, he indeed should not provoke Rena.
Gritting his teeth, he made to leave but was held back.
"Keep your behavior in check these next few weeks. The boss's daughter is visiting. Do not cross the line with her or I wouldn't be able to save you."
His father warned.