Mommy，We Got a Husband

Seeing Stellan all jittery, Josep chuckled and said, "Chill out. It's not about Mr. Knight's treatment. That's going just fine." Stellan let out a big sigh of relief and quickly asked, "If it's not that, then what's up, Josep? Why are you here today?" "It's personal," Josep started. "It's about Tommy."

"Tommy?" Stellan's eyes widened as if a light bulb went off. "Is it about his job? Alaric's been handling the company stuff lately, and I haven't had a chance to chat with him about Tommy's gig. Tell Tommy not to sweat it. He's been killing it since he joined, totally earning his paycheck."

Josep looked a bit surprised and then asked, "Galatea, you don't know?"

"About what?" Stellan was even more confused now.

"Tommy got canned," Josep said.

"Tommy got fired?" Stellan was floored. "When did this happen? Alaric didn't say a word to me."

Josep explained, "It must've been in the last couple of days. I don't have the full scoop. Tommy called me this morning to say goodbye and thank me. I was like, 'What's going on?' He told me Mr. Knight fired him. When I asked why, he clammed up and hung up. We haven't been tight for years, but I did help him get this job. I need to know why he got the boot."

Stellan, sounding apologetic, said, "Alaric really didn't mention this to me. Don't stress, Josep. I'll ask him when he gets home tonight. And tell Tommy not to split just yet. I'll figure this out."

"Okay," Josep said quickly, "Galatea, I just wanted to check in. Please don't start a fight with Mr. Knight over this. If Tommy wasn't cutting it at work, then it's fair he got fired."

Stellan replied, "I get it, Josep. Don't worry. I'll call you."

Josep nodded. "Alright."

After Josep left, Stellan was scratching her head. Tommy had been a hard worker, always eager to learn. He even saved her skin recently, and Alaric seemed to like him from the get-go. Why would he suddenly get the axe? Plus, Alaric hadn't mentioned anything about firing Tommy. Stellan thought for a moment and then pulled out her phone to call Tommy, but he didn't pick up.

Tommy ghosting her only made Stellan more curious about what went down.

By this time, Tommy had wrapped up all the formalities at Nexus Innovations. After packing his stuff, he headed back to the house he was crashing at to pack his bags. Since it was Alaric's place, Tommy couldn't stay there after getting fired. Tommy dragged his suitcase out of the elevator and walked out of the building, only to see Ambrose lazily leaning against a car.

Ambrose greeted, "Mr. Reaves? I'm Ambrose from Far East International. Got a minute to chat?"

"Mr. Vale? Heard a lot about you," Tommy replied, keeping it cool.

"So, you know me? That's a privilege. Let's find a spot to sit and talk," Ambrose said, opening the car door for him.

They headed to a swanky coffee shop and settled into a private room.

Tommy asked, "What can I do for you, Mr. Vale?"

"We crossed paths at Marigold's funeral," Ambrose said.

"Did we? Must've missed you," Tommy replied. "From what I hear, Mr. Vale, you don't beat around the bush. What's on your mind?" "Mr. Reaves, I appreciate straight shooters like you. So, let's cut to the chase. I heard Alaric gave you the boot?" Ambrose asked. Tommy nodded. "Unfortunately, yeah, that's true."

"Why?" Ambrose quickly added, "No matter the reason, it's harsh. Even I know Josep saved his life. Without Josep, he'd be long gone. You were personally recommended by Josep. I can't believe Alaric would be so cold and ignore such a big favor."

Tommy gave a bitter smile and said, "It is what it is. If he wants me gone, I can't stick around."

Ambrose asked, "So what's next for you, Mr. Reaves?"

Tommy shrugged. "Head back to where I came from. Seems like there's no place for me in Country A. I gotta bounce."

"That's not true." Ambrose quickly said, "Honestly, I need an assistant right now. My last one quit out of the blue, and I haven't found a good replacement. Alaric's loss is my gain. Don't worry about the salary; I'll double what Alaric paid you. And housing? I'll take care of it."

Tommy asked, "Mr. Vale, your offer is pretty generous. I'm just a recent grad with no real work experience. Alaric paid me well because of Uncle Josep. Why are you offering me this? I don't get it."

Ambrose replied with a smile, "I told you. I saw you at Marigold's funeral. I'm good at reading people. I've also checked out your resume. You totally deserve the salary I'm offering. I genuinely hope you'll give me a shot. I really want you to join Far East International."

Tommy didn't answer right away. He slowly picked up his coffee and took a sip.

"Mr. Reaves, no rush. Take your time to think it over," Ambrose said, handing Tommy a hotel room key card. "I've booked a room for you at the hotel. Stay as long as you need. Call me when you've made up your mind." Ambrose then handed his business card to Tommy.

"This coffee is pretty good. Take your time, Mr. Reaves. I'll be heading out," Ambrose said as he left. Tommy watched him go and then picked up the business card from the table.