"Is the termination process done yet? Keeping someone like her around will only poison the culture. Freeze her performance bonus, have her hand over every single client account, and get the exit paperwork finished today."
The office went dead silent.
I stared at him, the sheer absurdity of it almost laughable.
How much business had I brought this company over the years? My active contracts this year alone were worth over ten million dollars. And he wanted to fire me now, at the worst possible time. Had he lost his mind?
I looked at them and asked a single question.
"So if I just make sure the afternoon coffee run is taken care of every day from now on, you won't fire me?"
Mercedes's expression froze for a split second, but she recovered fast, putting on a magnanimous smile.
"Oh, Matilda, don't be so dramatic. Nobody's trying to take advantage of you. It's just that what you did before was really a bad look. How about this: if you post a public apology in the group chat today and cover the afternoon coffee for the rest of the month, I think we could let you stay."
Mr. Swanson jumped in immediately.
"You hear that? If it weren't for Mercedes putting in a good word, you'd already be packing your desk."
Maurice spoke up too, his face like stone.
"Matilda, don't push your luck. Post the apology in the group chat before end of day, start buying the afternoon coffee tomorrow, and I might be generous enough to let you keep your job."
Mercedes could barely contain her grin.
"Oh, let's not be too hard on her. But you know, it's been so hot lately, just coffee in the afternoon isn't really enough. Some fruit and little cakes would be nice too, don't you think?"
I said nothing.
I gave her one long look, then turned and walked out. Behind me, Mercedes's laughter spilled through the office door, barely restrained.
"Manager Whitney, you and Mr. Swanson really know how to handle people. Some folks just don't behave until you put them in their place."
I pulled out my phone and dialed the number.
The call connected almost instantly.
"Ms. Chavez, you've finally made up your mind?"
I leaned against the wall and let out a slow breath.
"The offer. I accept. But before I leave, I need you to look into something for me."
My voice dropped cold.
"I want you to dig up everything there is to know about three people in my department: Mercedes Brady, whoever's backing her, and Maurice Whitney. Tonight."
