But this time, I was numb to his antics.
" Ryan, I’m giving you two options."
"One, he apologizes to me and gets it on record, and you stop bothering me."
"Two, I write a settlement agreement, and we discuss compensation."
Ryan hesitated, holding the card.
"Claire, how about you write the settlement and he apologizes? Would that work?"
He frowned at me, "I don’t want my family knowing my friend got arrested for harassing you. It wouldn’t look good for any of us."
"Especially for you, Claire. You’ll be entering our social circle, and this could hurt your reputation."
I didn’t respond and signed the settlement for his friend.
Watching Ryan smile with relief, I unhesitatingly slapped him across the face.
"We’re done. Stay out of my life from now on."
I took a step closer and whispered,
"By the way, your friend said you’re just a weak little chicken compared to him!"
Leaving him with a black face, I walked away in a surprisingly good mood.
While driving home, the editor-in-chief called me, which was unusual after work hours.
"Hey, Claire, the Hale family pressured us to fire you…"
I went silent.
Damn it.
I should’ve thrown the interview script in Ryan’s face.