When I said that, Celia's expression stiffened.
Then she glared at me. "Alex, didn't I already tell you? Your commission and bonus—I gave them all to Nathan!"
I smiled and said nothing.
After all, what else was there to say?
"Ms. Gilbert, since that's the case, I'll have to resolve this through legal channels."
I stood and walked out.
Celia's eyes burned into my back, full of rage.
I didn't spare her a glance.
Once I left the company, I called the clients I'd built relationships with over the years and let them know I'd resigned.
Celia had no idea that those clients gave her orders because of my family's connections, not hers.
Now that I was gone, why would they keep working with her?
Back at my apartment, I packed my things and called my parents to let them know I was coming home.
"Alex, weren't you bringing your girlfriend back for the New Year?" Mom asked.
I told her Celia and I had broken up.
Mom didn't push. She just said I could come home whenever I was ready.
Dad called separately. He said the company had needed me for years—he'd only been holding things together because I'd stayed away. Now that I was coming back, he wanted me to take over the family business.
While packing, I asked him to arrange a lawyer for me.
If I was leaving anyway, there was no way I'd let Celia keep my wages and commissions without a fight.
Dad said he'd have legal affairs coordinate with me, and we hung up.
I called the lawyer Dad had arranged and explained my situation. He agreed to take my case and assured me he'd recover every cent I was owed.
After I finished packing, I grabbed my luggage and headed for the door—only to find Celia standing right outside.
She eyed my suitcase, something uneasy flickering across her face. "Where are you going?"
"What does it matter to you?"
Her expression darkened instantly. "Alex, I came here to apologize!"
"How long are you going to keep this up?" She glared at me. "Nathan's family is struggling—you know that! How can you be so heartless?"
I almost laughed. Nathan, struggling?
Just days ago, I'd heard him bragging to coworkers about a watch he'd bought. Over a hundred thousand dollars.
That's struggling?
The whole office laughed at me because Celia handed my earnings to Nathan. Meanwhile, he played the victim to her face and flaunted his spending behind her back.
So why wouldn't I fight to get back what I'd earned?
"Ms. Gilbert, if you're done, I'm leaving."
I stepped past her.
"Also—I've retained a lawyer. He'll be in touch."
