A rat

Layla explained the upcoming project on the projector. "So far, our sales have experienced significant success and an increase across the various chain department stores."

Elizabeth tapped her pen on a notebook, staring at the statistics on her copy. "I think a collaboration with Kylie Cosmetics will help us boost our company's image even further and make us an even bigger brand than we are currently."

"With the new nude sexy set of lipsticks, I'm sure half the population of adult women will love this brand. It's soft, very comfortable on the lips, doesn't stick, lasts 48 hours with no smearing, and smells divine," Layla continued explaining.

All the board members were nervous. It was never a good sign when Elizabeth was silent.

"Good... very good," she finally said, and all of them released a breath they didn't know they had been holding.

The boardroom, encased in sleek, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, let in a flood of natural light, illuminating the polished mahogany table and luxurious leather chairs.

The modern design, with its minimalist decor and high-tech equipment, exuded wealth and power, yet the glaring sunlight only served to irritate Elizabeth further.

She cleared her throat. "...Only... why is the statistic on the sale of Lavender Shade No. 3 lipstick wrong?"

They all flipped their pages frantically, and Elizabeth could smell a metaphorical dead rat. The stench of deceit was so strong it gave her a headache.

"Someone tampered with the sales report. I know because I personally monitored the sales last week, and we were short of the maximum level of sales we were supposed to reach."

Her lips twitched. "Yet, someone has falsified the results."

Silence.

"What? Is no one going to speak up?" she snapped, then stood up abruptly.

"Fine. I'll find the rat myself." Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she walked out, heading straight to the sales team's office.

They didn't notice her at first, they were too busy.

An intern ran over to the Head of Sales, handing him a cup of coffee. "Hey Lacy, can you help us with this report?" a staff member called, dropping a folder into her hands.

"Mine too," another chimed in, dumping another folder onto the growing pile.

"Mine too," yet another added, soon leaving the intern's arms overflowing with reports.

"Yes, and please get everyone lunch. Thank you," the Head of Sales added dismissively.

Elizabeth scoffed, the sound of her heels echoing as she stepped into the room. She plucked a folder from the pile in the intern's hands.

"How about mine, Lacy? Will you take my folders too?"

As soon as they noticed her, all the employees shot to their feet in alarm. Elizabeth laughed coldly.

"What? I thought we were promoting workplace bullying," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

She sat down on a chair, fixing the Head of Sales with a steely glare. "Go on, bully her. I dare you."