Chapter 2

The next day, the atmosphere at the company shifted completely. Everywhere—in the hallways, break room—the staff exchanged hushed whispers. When they saw me, they averted their eyes, trying to hide their smiles.

Keira's desk had also become the center of attention. A crowd gathered around her, praising her courage while wearing hopeful, eager expressions.

"We've got your back, Keira!"

"Yeah. Why should all that money go to those foreign teachers? We don't get a single cent."

"Go big. They can't fire all of us. The law won't allow it."

I heard every word as I passed. It turned out that they saw me as a gullible boss they could push around however they wanted.

That afternoon, Layla slipped into my office alone. Her eyes were red, and she was holding a cup of coffee. "Ms. Cooper, please don't be mad. Keira's just… getting carried away because people online keep hyping her up."

She set the coffee on my desk, sounding concerned. "Actually, no one really thinks the daycare is bad. It's just that… if that money could be converted into allowances, things might be a little… easier for everyone."

I looked at her, the very employee I had helped more times than I could count. "Really? So you support shutting down the daycare?"

Her eyes flickered with guilt, but she quickly lifted her gaze and forced a smile. "Of course, I'm on your side. I'll always remember everything you've done for me. I'm honestly just worried about you.

"The online noise is badly affecting the company. Maybe… you could compromise a little? You know, offer a small allowance first to calm the others down? Sometimes, it's better to go with the flow rather than fight it. Don't you think so?"

Layla wasn't here to support me. She was their messenger, testing my limit and using my kindness to persuade me into surrendering to their greed.

Just then, Claire burst through the door, her face ashen. "Ms. Cooper, bad news! Keira's post just got shared by several influencers with millions of followers! It's already in the top ten trending topics!"

I refreshed my social media feed, and she was right. The trending headline read, "Female Boss Runs Toxic Daycare to Exploit Mothers".

Underneath, a string of new anonymous comments appeared. The IP locations were clearly displayed—every one of them from inside our office building.

"I'm an employee. I can testify that the meals in the daycare are terrible. My kid had diarrhea last time!"

"Their so-called international curriculum is a scam. The teachers are all the boss's relatives pretending to be internationally trained professionals."

"Ever since the daycare program started, I haven't been able to take a single vacation day. I don't even dare call in sick."

I stared at the comments, my mind buzzing.

I had reviewed every item on the daycare menu with a nutritionist, down to each ingredient. Everything was organic and carefully sourced.

Meanwhile, the teaching staff had been handpicked after screening hundreds of resumes through three top recruitment agencies.

As for the claims that we were denying anyone leave, they were pure fabrication.

I could even picture who had typed these misleading comments. Perhaps it was the same mom who, just last week, had grabbed my hand to thank me for solving their childcare problems.

They happily enjoyed the top-tier benefits I provided, all while stabbing me in the back for Keira's fantasy of a cash allowance. They so readily threw me under the bus.

Layla stood before me, feigning concern. "Look, Ms. Cooper. Things are getting worse. Why don't you listen to my advice?"

I picked up the coffee she had brought and dumped it entirely into the trash. Calmly, I said, "Get out."

She stared at me, stunned. Then, her expression quickly shifted to one of false grievance. "Ms. Cooper, I… I'm just trying to help—"

"I said, get out," I repeated, not even glancing at her again.

She finally stomped away, sulking. The office regained its peace, but it was soon shattered by the incessant ringing from my phone. Calls and messages from partners, investors, and the media kept coming nonstop.

A flood of hateful DMs hit all my social accounts.

"You disgusting capitalist. I hope your company goes under tomorrow."

"I thought you were some kind of feminist role model. Turns out you just use other women as stepping stones."

"People like you don't even deserve to be mothers."