Chapter 772 Did I Say You Can Leave
Ethen offered a suggestion: Why don’t you pretend to have a stomachache?
Arissa was dumbfounded. If Benjamin discovers I’m lying, I’ll be doomed. Besides, what use is it to pretend to be ill?
Benjamin’s wintry gaze swept over and landed on them both. “Why are you exchanging notes in the conference room?”
Ethen started sweating bullets. Arissa didn’t expect that Benjamin’s gaze was sharp enough to catch them exchanging notes during the meeting. An awkward silence ensued as everyone stared at them.
“Give it to me!” Benjamin narrowed his eyes in an imposing manner. Ethen could scarcely restrain himself from beating his brains out. Mr. Graham caught us in the act. He will definitely punish me. He shot Arissa an imploring look.
Seeing how scared Ethen was, Arissa turned to look at Benjamin. “It was our fault for not focusing on the meeting. Punish me if you want to! I was the one who gave Mr. Frank the note.”
The note was still with her. Benjamin’s expression turned dark. “Where did you learn how to take the rap for someone else’s mistake?”
Ethen hastily explained, “Mr. Graham, this has nothing to do with Ms. York. I was the one who started the conversation!”
Benjamin’s face was as black as a kettle when he saw them defending each other. Everyone else dared not utter a word. “What did you talk about? Share it with us!” Benjamin asked as an icy sneer flitted across his lips.
I shouldn’t have talked to Ms. York. It was my fault she got blamed, Ethen groaned in despair. Arissa glanced at Benjamin. “You should read it yourself.”
If I say it out loud, what would everyone think of us?
“Say it out loud!” Benjamin barked. Arissa swallowed her anger and forced herself to say, “Mr. Frank is afraid that everyone can’t work in peace since you’re angry. He wants me to figure out a way to turn your mood around!”
She couldn’t bring herself to say the word “pacify” in front of a crowd as it was too embarrassing. The entire conference room fell into a dead silence. It was so silent that even a pin drop would be deafening.
The managers’ gazes darted between Arissa and Benjamin. So Mr. Graham is in a foul mood because of Ms. York?
Arissa lowered her gaze and stared at the paper in front of her silently. “Everyone, out!” Benjamin roared.
The other managers immediately packed up their stuff and fled the conference room. They were afraid of being lectured by Benjamin if they were too slow.
“You too. Scram!” Benjamin pinned Ethen with a withering look.
“G-Got it!” Ethen grabbed his notebook and dashed out of the conference room.
Seeing that everyone else had left, Arissa began packing up her stuff to leave.
“Did I say you can leave?” Benjamin glowered at her.
Arissa halted in her tracks before returning to her seat.
She shot the furious man a baffled look and pursed her lips.
“Mr. Graham, what can I do for you?”
The sight of her icy, calm expression caused Benjamin’s fury to spring to life yet again.
“Arissa York!” he growled in a low voice.
Shocked, Arissa looked up to meet his menacing gaze.
She straightened her back and wondered if she had incurred his wrath.
“Mr. Graham, please speak your mind. I don’t want to lag behind at work and get punished by you later!”
“Arissa, why are you upset with me?” Benjamin managed between gritted teeth.
“I’m not upset at you,” came Arissa’s answer.
“You’re not?”
Benjamin got up and held her chin. Tamping down his anger, he demanded, “Then why are you talking to me this way?”
Benjamin gave her a long, level look. His eyes were bloodshot, as he didn’t get to rest the last two days.
Arissa refused to look at him. “How should I talk to you, then?” Her voice was cold.
“Good!” Benjamin released his grip on her and sent a chair flying with a forceful kick.
Ethen was still around, so he hurried in after hearing the commotion.
He heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Arissa in her seat as Benjamin vented his anger.
Luckily Ms. York is fine. No, wait. I should be concerned about Mr. Graham.
“Calm down, Mr. Graham!”
Benjamin cast him a furious look. “Scram!”
Ethen glanced at them. “Whatever it is, just talk it out nicely.”
Having said that, he exited the conference room and left them alone.
Why is it becoming worse?
