Chapter 114

114 114. Working for Ex-Rival

“Yes, I promised to go to the doctor this week,” Paula said, answering the grumbling man on the other end of the phone while checking her inbox. There was an important email from Lea. “You must be eager to know the baby’s gender, right?” she added seductively. “Be patient, baby.”

Paula and her husband were enthusiastically betting on the baby’s gender. The feeling of joy was so vivid in her eyes. However, it was only for a moment. Her eyes widened when she saw Lea standing beside her desk. Awkwardly.

“Ah, Lea!” Paula startled. She was about to jump off her seat. “Since when were you here?”

Lea smiled sourly. She didn’t know what to say at the moment. “Already from a minute ago.”

Paula blushed. Lea must have heard all her conversations with William. She forgot to lock the door. She indeed allowed all employees to enter the room without knocking on the door if it was not closed. Crap! She should change the rule from tomorrow.

“Ah ...,” Paula didn’t know what to say. She felt bad to be found having a happy chat about her baby in front of Lea, a single mother, as well as William’s ex-girlfriend. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.”

“It’s okay, Paula! Take it easy. I did wear flats in the room. It’s dangerous wearing stilettos for preggers,” Lea replied brightly, hiding a small twinge in her chest. “I’m also going to the doctor next week. I want a boy.” Lea smiled broadly so Paula wouldn’t feel awkward.

Lea had been working with Paula for several days. She enjoyed her new job. Currently, she was giving Paula advice so that Sakura Bakery would not need to raise the selling price of their products.

“I think we have to start cutting unnecessary costs,” Lea said, reporting the financial statements. “For efficiency, we can cut our subscriptions to newspapers, magazines, and cable TV because according to surveys and observations, our customers barely use them.”

.....

Paula nodded in agreement. Subscription fees were not so expensive, at a glance. However, when accumulated, the amount was quite a lot. For a year, the cost of a newspaper subscription alone can cover the cost of flour and eggs for a month.

“It could be because everyone is already using their cell phones. Alright, we can just use the WiFi and the free service plan.” Paula snorted as she checked the list Lea had given her. “Anything else? I hope we don’t have to increase product prices even though some raw materials are starting to increase in price.”

“I don’t know if this particular suggestion is correct or not, but there’s nothing wrong with buying materials in bulk. During this time, for reasons of freshness, we buy some raw materials in small quantities. Like this matcha powder, I checked the price for ten kilograms. It is much cheaper than one kilogram. Meanwhile, for a year we need as much as thirty kilograms,” said Lea again. She also pointed out other expensive ingredients that could be kept down by buying bulk. “You can check the price for the bulk size yourself on the link that I included.”

Paula then checked the spreadsheet Lea had given her and checked for herself that Lea wasn’t talking nonsense. Almond slices, almond powder, vacuum-packed beets, fruit puree, and yeast. The difference was very large and significant.

“Especially if we work with suppliers from one place, I can help you get special discounts from them,” said Lea, smiling. She took great pride in her ability to bargain over prices.

“Since it has to do with the freshness of the ingredients, I have to discuss it with the others first,” Paula replied. She had some doubts about Lea’s calculations, but she was interested in executing Lea’s suggestion because the price of the materials would be kept down if they did. There would be no customers who run away because of the high price.

“Of course! However, consider the free space in the freezer. I’m sure it will be very helpful,” Lea said convincingly once again. She asked the supplier how to preserve some of the foodstuffs she proposed. However, she needed to find out if their patissier would accept this suggestion. Or not.

“If the patissier refused the idea, do you have any other suggestions?” asked Paula again before she closed the discussion with Lea.

“I guess we should cut down on waste and start making some of the basic ingredients ourselves. Such as orange peel, seasonal fruit puree, and some seasonal frozen fruit,” explained Lea again. She also indicated how much cost they would keep in that last resort.

“All right, Lea! Thank you for the advice, “concluded Paula. “You can go back to work.”

“Uh, Paula. Since my work is done, can I go outside for a while? I need about two hours,” Lea said a bit doubtfully. She was afraid that Paula would think she was asking for too much. “I will replace the two watches that I wear tonight after office hours are over,” Lea added, convincingly.

“Oh, of course, you can take a rest. Two hours is fine and you don’t have to make up for it.”

Lea nodded happily as Paula seemed satisfied with her work. Moreover, she was permitted to leave because this time’s business was important. She had to meet Linda Decker in her office.

***

In her office, Linda looks surprised to see Lea carrying proof of the two million dollar transfer to her account. She stared at the young woman before her in astonishment.

“Why are you returning this money? Didn’t you promise to give your baby to Clara?” Linda was very panicked and pale. She was afraid that Lea would change her mind.

Lea just smiled faintly. She knew Linda’s worries were well-founded. “I just want to tell you one thing, come what may, I will not sell this baby to you, Mrs. Decker!”

Linda’s eyes widened. His heart seemed to be squeezed tightly. Why did Lea say that?