Chapter 2

When I didn't respond, the emcee chuckled awkwardly and jumped in to break the silence. "That's mighty generous of you, Mr. Gibson! Come on, everyone! Let's give Evangeline, the person behind this project's success, a round of applause—"

"Hold on!" I cut him off.

Then, I looked Patrick in the eye and enunciated each word. "You said presenting me with the certificate first was supposed to show me some respect.

"Then why not transfer the 100 thousand dollars to my account right now in front of everyone? That would show me a whole lot more."

My words set off a wave of whispers among my coworkers. "What's her problem? Does she have any idea how to read the room? This is a company celebration!"

"Has Evangeline lost her mind? How dare she put the boss on the spot like that!"

Another muttered, "She clearly has no intention of staying with the company."

As murmurs spread through the crowd, Anthony grew flustered. He grabbed my arm and pulled me back, saying, "Evangeline, don't do this. Mr. Gibson already promised he'd pay you. Just calm down. Everyone's watching."

"I'm perfectly calm."

I pulled my arm free, then turned to Patrick. "Mr. Gibson, if you're saying I'm going to get my bonus, then let me see the approval form."

Patrick let out a sigh and shook his head, suppressing his irritation.

"What's there to see? That's internal company paperwork. You're just an employee, and those records aren't for you to look at."

I held his gaze. "You said the bonus had been approved. So why can't I see the approval form?"

Patrick's expression tightened. He glanced around at the coworkers watching us before turning to the finance manager, Jessie Barker.

"Jessie, get Evangeline's bonus approval form. Let her see it."

The color drained from Jessie's face as she stood up. Her hands shook uncontrollably, but she made no move to pull out the paperwork.

At the sight, Patrick's expression darkened.

"I said get it!" he snapped. "We have nothing to hide. What are you afraid of?"

With trembling hands, Jessie flipped through the paperwork, then slid a page toward me. "E-Evangeline's project bonus… 100 thousand dollars. Approved, payment pending."

I stared at Patrick without saying a word. He'd pulled the same stunt in my previous life. The approval was legitimate, but he'd never intended to pay me the 100 thousand dollars in the first place.

"I want that money in my account now," I said.

Patrick waved, his tone gentle as he replied, "You'll get the money eventually. What's the rush? Once the celebration is over, I'll have Jessie process the payment as quickly as possible."

He sighed, his voice catching briefly. Then, his eyes began to redden.

"Evangeline, is there… is there something you're unhappy with? With the company? With me personally? If I've done anything to offend you, tell everyone what it is. I'll apologize right here, in front of the whole company.

"But this is a celebration of the project's success. Whatever issues you have with me, please don't let them affect everyone else."

Patrick paused, then added, "Evangeline, I've always thought of you as my own little sister. I know your dad's in the hospital. I'm even planning to visit him once things calm down at work.

"Tell me, would I really treat you unfairly over a mere 100 thousand dollars? You helped make this project a success. I'd never mistreat someone who'd done so much for the company."

I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. He claimed he'd never mistreat someone who'd done so much for the company, yet in my previous life, he'd been the one who wanted me silenced more than anyone.

At that moment, Anthony got to his feet, looking thoroughly annoyed.

"Evangeline, can you stop making a scene? Mr. Gibson just offered to apologize to you in front of everyone, and he was even planning to visit your dad. What more do you want? Do you really have to get on everyone's bad side?"

I looked at him, a lump rising in my throat. Even he thought I was being unreasonable.

I opened my mouth to explain. But then I remembered he'd taken Patrick's side in my previous life and accused me of being unreasonable as well. Just like that, I swallowed the words.

I looked around the room until my eyes landed on Lionel.

He avoided my gaze and took a step back.