Chapter 2

But why? Why should I be her stepping stone?

I asked him with a cold smirk:

"If you two are so close, why doesn't she use you to assert her authority? Your tardiness and early departures are even worse, not to mention the kickbacks you take and false reports..."

Chad quickly covered my mouth, nervously glancing around. Seeing no one nearby, he finally let go.

"Don't spout nonsense, alright? How does ruining my reputation benefit you?"

He paused for a moment, then his eyes suddenly lit up as he smiled smugly.

"Sarah, you're not jealous, are you? I know I'm charming and popular with women, but don't worry. Karen and I are just friends. I've always seen her as a little sister, so don't be so suspicious."

...Looking at Chad's confident face, I was momentarily at a loss for words.

At this point, Karen spoke up with a choked voice, looking pitifully at Chad:

"Brother Chad, did our relationship cause a misunderstanding with Sister Sarah? I can clearly distinguish between work and personal feelings."

"We've grown up together, Brother Chad. You know me best. If I really wanted to be with you, why would I choose to go abroad?"Chad and I joined the company at the same time. I graduated from a top-tier university with a master's degree, so I was immediately assigned to the audit department with a salary several times higher than Chad's, who only had a bachelor's from a regular state school.

We met at the welcome party for new employees, and out of politeness, I added him on Instagram.

After that, he started sending me good morning and good night messages every day. He'd often wander over to my department for no reason, and sometimes he'd even wait at the company entrance to hand me my takeout.

My coworkers didn't think we were a good match. After all, I had great potential for advancement, while Chad would probably be stuck in the sales department as an ordinary salesman for the rest of his life.

Two winters ago, I slipped on some ice and injured my bone.

I was alone in the big city, and my only bestie happened to be on vacation abroad. It was Chad who took me to the hospital, brought me tea, and comforted me attentively.

He made me feel like I had someone to rely on.

On my first day back at work after recovering, Chad confessed his love to me with a bouquet of roses. I accepted without a second thought.

Looking back now, I realize I was too impulsive. I didn't take the time to really get to know this man. His overconfident attitude is such a turn-off.

Ignoring Shannon's gossipy comments, I said."Make Karen apologize to me in front of our coworkers, or don't blame me for reporting this incident."

Chad's brow furrowed, clearly disapproving.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Karen was just trying to establish herself in the company..."

"She apologizes publicly, or she faces the consequences."

I didn't want to talk anymore and tried to walk past Chad to leave.

But unexpectedly, Karen suddenly rushed over and shoved me hard.

My back slammed against the wall, a searing pain spreading across it.

She stood there yelling loudly:

"Go ahead! Report it! Was I wrong? You're late, you leave early, you're always out fooling around. You've got the guts to do it but not to admit it?"

She raised her chin, taunting me:

"My cousin said if anyone dares to bully me, I should tell him!"

Chad, as if her words had flipped some switch, also angrily pointed at my nose and berated me:

"Sarah, what did Karen do wrong! Making Karen apologize publicly, are you trying to ruin her? I never thought you could be so vicious and despicable!"

"Just because Karen took your position, you hold a grudge against her!She was already more capable than you. She graduated from a top American university. Your Ivy League degree is nothing in comparison! If you're going to be this unreasonable, let's just break up!"

I stood up straight, staring at them coldly.

"Fine, let's break up then. We'll see how this plays out."

The company we worked for primarily focused on real estate projects.

I joined this company right after graduation. By that time, the real estate industry had already started to decline, but the boss was very bold. During the most depressed period, he used his own money to subsidize employees.

In return, the employees wholeheartedly devoted themselves to the company.