A Good Walloping

Anna rushed to the door, just in time to see her grandmother rolling up her sleeves to give the young man before her a good walloping.

"Gramma, what are you doing?" she said, hurriedly pushing her grandmother aside. "Carter, what can I help you with? And, may I ask, how did you know I'd be here?"

"Sorry about this. The company has extensive reports on all employees at a certain tier and above; this address was among the information there.

"As for why I'm here… may I come in first?"

Anna and her grandmother exchanged confused glances before acquiescing and relocating to the living room. Anna served them all some coffee, and the two women sat there waiting for Carter's reason for being there.

"First, I need to tell you that you'll be transferring to my department as of tomorrow. It's the best solution Roland and Barov could think of to avoid firing you. However, there reason I came here is because I think you're right; I believe there's more to Veronica than meets the eye."

Anna's eyes widened in shock. "Are you serious? What happened?"

Carter quickly explained the one-sided conversation he'd overheard that day. "… As such, there's unquestionably more to her. I need to know what her game is, what she's after.

"It's my job to protect Roland and those around him. He's a good man, and I want to continue working for him. I don't believe you're to blame for what happened earlier; there's more to it, but we can't tell him, as he'll obviously be more trusting of someone he's grown up, which is only natural. What we need is evidence, and I would like your help."

Anna was still overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of someone who believed her and was willing to help her convince Roland.

"Yes, of course I'll help, we have to reveal the truth about Veronica, or rather, Nightingale. I just need him to understand the hidden blade that's currently hiding beside him, who knows when it might go for his jugular?"

Scroll's bewilderment reached its peak, and her confusion burst out. "What on Earth are you talking about? What happened today? Is this why you're upset?"

After hurriedly recounting the day's events, the two asked for Scroll's opinion on the matter.

"You want to know what I think? I think you're an idiot," she said to Anna. "Putting aside how ridiculous this man is… I mean, really, who hears of a threat from an outstanding employee and doesn't even investigate it?

"Putting that aside, how many times have I said that you need to want more, to hunger for more? Yet, here you are, worrying about his safety and his company! Worry about yourself for a change.

"So what if he's dating this other girl? So what if they grew up together? You're the most brilliant person I've ever met, and you should have more than all of them.

"You have to be bold, like in those fairytales I told when you were a little girl. If you want this man, you should be forthright and say so. If this woman is really as you both say, find the proof and show it. But don't do that for someone else's sake—Roland and his company is not your responsibility—do it for your own sake.

"I don't care if you want to show this woman for who she is. However, don't do it for some b*stard who won't listen to you. Only do it if it's something you need."