Kuku Veronica replayed Nate's words in her mind as she dialed the number.
Across the town, Jack sat on the client bench, lost in thought. That was, until Saima appeared beside him like a shipwrecked soul seeking refuge.
She settled next to Jack, eyes wide and wary.
"Are you here for the job too?" Saima asked, voice tinged with desperation.
Jack blinked, caught off guard. "Oh… no…"
"Are they hiring?" Jack probed.
"No, but I know how to get one," Saima said, a sly grin tugging at her lips.
Jack raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"By looking at you, it's obvious—you need a job," Saima said with a knowing smirk.
Jack's gaze sharpened, suspicion mingling with disgust. He forced a laugh. "Yeah, I was just... trying to keep my pride intact. So, how exactly are you planning to 'create' a job here?"
Saima's eyes glinted with calculated malice. "I'm going to make the manager—or maybe even the owner—fire that girl." She nodded toward Vicky, who was seated in her cabin, immersed in paperwork.
Jack frowned. "But she just started recently."
"That's the thing," Saima said, voice low. "She's already running her own thing…a restaurant, renting an apartment, organizing events, catering—even throwing kids' birthday parties for free." Her voice dripped with contempt. "Can you imagine the stupidity?"
Jack blinked, stunned. "Wait, so she's technically employed elsewhere?"
"Self-employed," Saima confirmed, folding her arms. "And I want her out. I always get what I deserve."
Just then, Vicky passed by on a phone call. Saima quickly slipped into the shadows, careful not to be seen.
Vicky's voice was firm on the line, speaking to Kuku Veronica: "We must meet at Carlos Conference and Events during lunch."
She hung up, then called Veena back.
Veena's voice crackled through the receiver. "Nothing's been stolen. I looked carefully. They're not thieves—just searching for something specific."
"Don't worry," Vicky said, voice weary but steady. "I'll stay here for lunch while you finish your work."
"Thank you, ma'am. I'm really swamped today," Vicky added before ending the call.
Saima emerged from her hiding spot and leaned toward Jack.
"Why are you hiding from her?" Jack asked.
Saima's eyes gleamed. "Where's the boss's office?"
Jack narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?"
"My plan is simple," Saima said smoothly. "I can get you a job here—if I convince the boss that Vicky's running a side hustle, making her invalid for this position. That way, we get our chance."
At that moment, Vicky appeared, overhearing every word. Her eyes widened in shock.
"Saima?" Vicky called.
"There's no boss," Jack said firmly, stepping forward. "I'm the owner of this place—and Vicky's my coworker. Nice meeting you, Saima."
Saima's confident facade crumbled. She blinked in disbelief, then fled.
"What just happened?" Vicky asked, still catching her breath.
"Do you know her?" Jack asked.
"Yes, we worked together," Vicky said quietly.
"She tried to get you fired," Jack said bluntly.
Vicky pursed her lips, a fierce glint in her eyes. "Let her try. She's no match for my God."
Jack grinned. "I'm proud of you."
Vicky looked confused.
"You still don't believe you got recognition at your first event?" Jack teased.
"No way. You actually do birthdays for free?" Jack asked.
"For kids, yes. Those little cuties don't pay," Vicky smiled warmly.
Jack raised an eyebrow. "You love kids?"
"I adore them," Vicky said softly. "Speaking of which, I used leftover ingredients for the kids at the orphanage. I didn't get to visit them yesterday—I can't show up empty-handed."
Jack chuckled. "You're my friend's perfect match."
"Your friend?" Vicky asked.
"The one whose engagement you're catering on Friday. He loves kids like you do."
Vicky's eyes sparkled with new excitement. "Well then, we'll definitely spice things up for his engagement."