Bruno walked in at that exact moment.
"Excuse us for a few minutes. Seeing your body size discourages these girls from keeping fit. They won't take the training seriously. When it's time to talk about designs, I'll call you. No offense," Fred said to her.
Not even a pin drop could be heard after that. Everyone was shocked.
What a statement!
Not even Jessie dared challenge him after that remark, though she wanted to. He had the power to end her career right then and there.
Beauty glanced at each of her colleagues around the table. A few of them felt bad for her; others were amused.
The ladies had smooth skin, beautiful chins, nice figures, and gorgeous hair, all dressed in fashionable crop tops, well.... except her.
She looked like a nursing mother with her double chin. She was too ashamed to glance at Bruno, afraid of seeing his reaction. What if he felt the same as the others?
Better to keep her fragile heart safe.
"Yes, sir," Beauty nodded slowly.
Jessie's face turned pale. She clearly wanted to say something to Fred, but was too afraid to lose her job.
Beauty felt emotional, her legs shaking as she walked slowly out of the room.
Just then, she heard mocking chuckles from inside before she closed the door behind her.
After Fred's comment, Jessie could hardly contain herself. She wanted so badly to speak up.
I need to say something to this fool. I don't blame him; I blame Bruno for rejecting his dad's offer to take over the company's management, saying he wanted someone 'capable.' He didn't want to fly to the top but work hard to get there. Now this piece of crap thinks he's a god.
She clenched her fist, anger building. She opened her mouth to speak, but someone beat her to it.
"Fred... I don't think her presence will affect these girls, not even a little bit. Also, she's not fat, she's healthy. You added 'no offense,' but your statement was quite offensive. She's the brain of this company; her designs are top-notch, and she deserves your respect."
Jessie blinked in surprise. Bruno spoke for the second time during the meeting, and both times to defend Beauty?
Why? How?
Lucky girl!
Fred blinked, startled by Bruno's sudden defense.
"Excuse me?" Fred said, a smug smile creeping back onto his face. "I'm the acting manager here, Bruno. I can say what I want."
Bruno's eyes narrowed, but his tone remained gentle.
"Don't let it get to your head, and don't forget that your position is temporary. The only reason you're in that chair is because I allowed it. Don't mistake that for real authority. You will apologize to Beauty."
Fred's grin faltered as murmurs spread through the room. Jessie smirked in satisfaction.
Bruno continued, his voice calm but filled with authority.
"Beauty's contributions here are valuable, and so is her dignity. You will treat her with respect. Or you'll find out just how fragile your little power trip really is."
Fred flushed red with anger, but the room remained silent, everyone too stunned to say anything. It was rare for Bruno to speak out, and even rarer that he would defend someone.
Jessie was enjoying the show and secretly wished Beauty had been there to witness it.
"Mr. Bruno, are you trying to counter my instructions? Yes, you asked me to be the manager-I never begged for it. Why are you acting like I owe you for this? If you don't want to work under me, talk to your dad to make you the manager, but don't use this opportunity to disrespect me and make me your toy."
Fred snapped angrily.
Bruno met his gaze coldly and said nothing. The room grew heated under the silent stare between them.
Gosh, Fred is a big fool! I wish I could curse him out loud; doing it in my head isn't enough, Jessie thought to herself.
Bruno sighed and stood up.
"The only disrespectful person here is you. Do you love your job? Keep your nasty tongue out of business and treat everyone with respect, especially Beauty."
Jessie felt chills run down her spine.
"Especially Beauty?" Oh dear, how I wish you were here, Beauty! You have a fan! Mr. Bruno? This is weird, but I'm happy, she screamed inside.
Fred's red eyes burned with rage as he stared at Bruno without blinking.
At that moment, Fred wished Bruno wasn't the boss's son because then he could fire him with a snap of his fingers.
"Can we get back to our meeting? You guys are wasting my time," Kathy snapped, scrolling through her phone with a carefree expression.
Fred's thick brows arched as he continued glaring at Bruno. He didn't dare question him; he knew better.
"That's enough for today!" Fred announced.
The meeting ended awkwardly. Everyone left the room, and Jessie wished for a brawl between the two, but she had no choice but to leave as well.
As she exited, Bruno stood up, ready to leave. He was about to open the door when Fred's voice came.
"What is it with you and that fatty?" Fred snapped, trying to regain some of his lost confidence. He folded his arms, leaning against the wall.
Bruno paused instantly.
"What the hell was that about? Acting like a hero. What's your relationship with the whale, huh? Got a soft spot for her? Or maybe something else going on?"
Bruno slowly turned to face Fred, his expression darkening in a way Fred had never seen before.
The soft-spoken gentleman, Bruno, was gone, replaced by someone far more menacing.