I glanced at Isabella Reed. “That depends on whether you even have the authority.”
She was just about to snap back when Linda Collins clattered in on her high heels, clutching a termination form. Her face was all smiles as she bowed toward Isabella.
“Isabella, here’s what you asked for.”
Then she turned to me, her expression dropping instantly.
“Claire Bennett, sign this so we can part ways nicely and save everyone the embarrassment.”
“I haven’t done anything wrong, so why should I sign?” I hugged the folder to my chest.
“Now, Assistant Reed here has falsified her identity and stolen credit for my deal. According to company policy, Linda, why don’t you read out how that should be handled?”
Linda’s eyes flickered, darting toward Isabella. She straightened her back and said sharply, “Stop slandering people! Isabella’s identity has been verified! You’re just mad you didn’t land the deal and want revenge!”
She slapped the termination form onto my desk. “Sign it now, or I’ll mark you down for absenteeism and dock your pay completely!”
Isabella stood to the side with her arms crossed, smirking. Ethan Walker chimed in, playing the peacemaker.
“Claire, just sign it. Losing your paycheck isn’t worth it. Don’t worry, I’ll slip you something on the side…”
The patronizing way he said it was even more disgusting than Isabella’s arrogance.
I picked up the termination form and, without even glancing at it, tore it in half.
“You dare?!” Linda shrieked, lunging to snatch it, but I stepped aside.
“Claire Bennett!” Isabella exploded, grabbing a glass of water from the desk and flinging it at me. “You’re asking for it!”
The water missed me entirely, splashing over the nearby filing cabinet.
Our coworkers shrank back, too afraid to say a word.
Ethan quickly handed tissues to Isabella, glaring at me while wiping her hands. “Look what you’ve done—now she’s furious! No one can help you now!”
Isabella shoved him away and pulled out her phone.
“Mr. Harris? This is Isabella… Yes, someone’s making a scene in the office and refusing to sign her termination papers. You’d better get here before things get out of hand!”
Michael Harris, the branch office’s second-in-command, was notorious for sucking up to upper management.
I pulled out my phone and sent a message to my father’s special assistant, Daniel Brooks:
[Someone in the branch is using your name to cause trouble. It’s making a scene. You decide how to handle it.]
I had just sent the text when Michael Harris bustled in, his beer belly leading the way.
“Who’s been giving our Isabella trouble?!” he barked.
Isabella was already dabbing at non-existent tears. The moment she saw him, she rushed over.
“Mr. Harris! Thank goodness you’re here! Claire not only stole my deal but also claimed I’m not the CEO’s daughter. She’s just jealous of me!”
Michael squinted at me, his gaze lingering on my scuffed, worn-down heel before twisting into a sneer.
“Claire Bennett? I know you—you’re that new hire who studied abroad, right?”
Without waiting for me to answer, he turned back to Isabella, his tone softening instantly.
“Don’t be upset, Isabella. People with no background who want to climb up the ladder will always resort to shady tricks.”
“You’re absolutely right!” Isabella jumped in, pointing at me.
“She even said she was going to Legal to get the contract stamped! Ridiculous! That deal was mine—I’m the one who negotiated it. She was just running errands!”
Michael nodded, then suddenly slammed his hand on the desk.
“Claire Bennett, you’re suspected of stealing a colleague’s credit and spreading slander about the family of a senior executive.
“Effective immediately, all your work is suspended. Go wait in the break room. You don’t leave until I say so!”
“Mr. Harris, you’re not even going to verify the facts?” I frowned.
“Verify?” he scoffed. “Isabella’s identity doesn’t need verification—half the company watched her grow up! You just don’t know when to quit!” He turned to the door and barked, “Security! Take her to the break room and keep an eye on her!”
