Chapter 2

The next morning, I entered the branch company to clock in like usual.

However, I had barely taken a step into the office area when I was stunned motionless at the sight before me.

The originally boring, lifeless office space had suddenly been transformed, with colorful balloons floating all over the place and bright banners strung everywhere with the words, "Congratulations!"

More importantly, Quinn, who was supposed to have been kicked out of the company with her belongings, was currently wearing an ill-fitting white dress as she stood smack dab in the middle of the office. A comically thick layer of makeup had been slathered onto her face, and it certainly wasn't a pretty sight.

I stood rooted to the spot, still not having regained my composure when the branch's CEO, Jerry, came over with a wide smile splitting his face.

"Everyone, I have two wonderful pieces of news to share today! Firstly, due to outstanding performance, our sales department manager, Quinn Zote, will be promoted to serve as the director of our branch, despite the usual requirements!"

Immediately, a wave of thunderous applause resounded in the office.

"Congratulations on your promotion, Ms. Zote!"

"You're amazing, Quinn! I knew that you would be promoted sooner rather than later!"

My breathing stuttered to a halt as I turned to look at Jerry in disbelief. Yesterday, he had clearly assured me in the group chat that he had fired Quinn. So, why was it that Quinn was not only still working here, but had even been promoted?

Just as I was about to demand answers, Jerry swiftly changed the topic, his eyes locked onto my figure. "As for the second piece of good news, our new director and Jackson Whitman from the admin department are finally taking the next step in their relationship—they're getting engaged today!"

The moment those words left his lips, all our colleagues simultaneously turned to look at me.

My body jerked in shock. "Mr. Cardin, what nonsense are you spouting? Since when were Quinn and I getting engaged?"

"Jackson, there's no need to be shy!" Walter Pott, the colleague whose desk was next to mine, was holding a handful of candies like the sort given with formal engagement announcements.

He lumbered over to me and chortled playfully. "We're all colleagues here. Why bother hiding it from us?"

"That's right!" A female colleague hastily added, "When we saw your post about your new Porsche yesterday, we already realized just how good Quinn is to you. You can't just accept her luxury car then turn your back on her!"

Bewildered and furious, I smacked aside the candies Walter offered to me. "Are all of you nuts? I bought that car myself! Quinn and I are definitely not in any sort of relationship! None at all!"

"Jackson Whitman, how could you be so heartless!" Walter's expression darkened as he jabbed a finger at me and began berating me.

"Quinn is such an honest, sweet woman. Have you forgotten how she's always worrying over you at work? Now that she's bought you a luxury car, what's with this high-and-mighty attitude? Don't tell me you plan on dumping her and latching on to an even wealthier woman?

The others also threw me disdainful looks as they whispered to each other.

"Are men nowadays all so vainglorious and materialistic? Look at him refusing to acknowledge their relationship after taking her money."

"I know, right? If it weren't for Ms. Zote, would he have been able to afford a Porsche with his meager salary?"

My fingers curled into tight fists as I stared at these colleagues of mine who were normally rather polite to me. However, they seemed somewhat off today, as though they were under some sort of spell that caused them to be unable to tell right from wrong.

At that moment, my phone vibrated with a message.

An intern I was normally on good terms with had stealthily sent me a screenshot that showed a group chat of the company without me in it.

Apparently, at midnight yesterday, Jerry had sent over a dozen money packets into the group, each with 800 dollars in it.

"Everyone, Quinn Zote and Jackson Whitman are about to get married soon. This money is courtesy of Quinn, who wants to share the joy. You guys can also think of it as your bonus for this quarter. Jackson is easily embarrassed, so I hope that everyone will help things along tomorrow. Just make sure you don't put him in an awkward position."

As I finished reading the message in the screenshot, realization dawned on me.

No wonder these people all seemed to be spouting the same things and were putting in so much effort into this act!

"Enough!" I slammed a hand onto a nearby desk, glaring angrily at Jerry and Quinn. "I already said that I'm not in a relationship with her! If any of you dare to continue spreading these false rumors, I'm going to call the police!"