I Listened for Once, and He Broke for Good

The next day, I went back to the office to gather my belongings. As soon as I stepped inside, cheers rang out. The company was holding its annual party, with colorful streamers draped everywhere and champagne towers stacked high.

Daniel stood on the stage, his face flushed with excitement. "Today, I have two pieces of wonderful news to announce. First, we secured the massive contract from Mr. Ashford!

"Second, given Kimberley's exceptional performance, I've decided to bypass standard protocol and promote her to Sales Director, taking over Margaret's position!"

The room erupted in shock. Everyone knew I was the one who had worked tirelessly to close the deal with Mr. Ashford. Kimberley had only shown up and signed her name.

The senior employees exchanged glances, yet no one dared to speak up. After all, nobody wanted to cross the boss during such a moment.

Kimberley walked onto the stage in a red haute couture gown, carrying herself like a proud peacock. She took the microphone, her eyes sweeping over me with a provocative glare as I stood by the door.

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Carter, and thanks to Maggie for her… 'guidance'. Even though Maggie is getting older and can't keep up with the company's pace, I'll lead everyone to even greater success," Kimberley said.

Daniel frowned when he spotted me, but his expression quickly relaxed. He assumed that I had returned to beg for mercy. After all, Mom was still undergoing emergency treatment since yesterday, and nobody but him could come up with that much money.

Daniel beckoned me over like a trainer calling a dog. "Margaret, you're here. Since you've arrived, don't just stand there. Come and offer Kimberley a toast, and I'll overlook yesterday's behavior. You've lost your role as a director, but you can still be Kimberley's assistant and support her."

I clutched my cardboard box and walked toward them. Kimberley approached me with two glasses of wine, trembling with laughter. "Maggie, we'll be partners from now on. You'll have to show me the ropes."

As she spoke, she flicked her wrist, sending a full glass of red wine spilling onto my newly bought white suit. The crimson liquid soaked into my collar, leaving me utterly humiliated.

Kimberley covered her mouth with an exaggerated gasp. "Oh no! Maggie, my hand slipped. You won't blame me, right?"

Daniel's brow furrowed, but he wasn't scolding her; instead, he looked at me with impatience. "It's just an outfit. Don't ruin the mood for everyone. Hurry up and clean yourself off. Apologize to Kimberley, and we'll put this whole thing behind us."

Whispers broke out among the onlookers. Everyone waited for me to explode or break down in tears.

I did neither of those things. I pulled out a tissue and calmly wiped the liquid from my face. Then, I smiled. My grin was even more radiant than Kimberley's. "Mr. Carter, you're right."

I tossed the tissue into the trash, my tone incredibly gentle as I said, "I should apologize. After all, I can't feel at ease if certain gifts aren't delivered."

Daniel sighed in relief, convinced that I had finally accepted my fate. "That's more like it. Margaret, you've always been the sensible one."

I walked straight to the stage and picked up the microphone. Daniel thought I was about to make a public apology and had even thoughtfully asked someone to turn up the volume. I looked at the despicable couple below the stage and pressed the button to play.

What came through the speakers wasn't my apology, but a high-pitched, feminine voice. "Mr. Ashford, I've already made my bottom line clear. As long as you sign the contract, I'll return every single cent of that 10% kickback to you.

"Oh, please, that idiot Mr. Carter doesn't know anything. I've already balanced the books…"