Chapter 2

I arrived at work early the next morning. I had just walked through the door when I noticed everyone throwing mocking glances my way.

"Didn't the gold digger say she was going to resign yesterday? Why is she still here like a fool?"

"I know, right? I mean, she was acting all high and mighty yesterday. I almost thought the haughty Ms. Reed looked down on working alongside us."

I wasn't going to reason with the ignorant. I simply didn't have the energy to engage with their nonsense.

It was then that Yvonne emerged from his office. She immediately adopted a deeply patronizing and authoritative tone, asking, "You actually showed up, huh, Leslie? You see, I told you all that youngsters these days need restraints and should humble themselves to learn from others."

She then turned to the other employees and said, "You guys should really learn from Leslie's example!"

The others were aware that Yvonne was Shawn's current favorite and key confidante. They deeply resented her air of authority, but they still offered her superficial agreement and feigned compliance.

Having soaked up the approving glances from the other employees, Yvonne turned her attention to me and patted my shoulder with a show of concern, saying, "I've already taken the liberty of getting Mr. Jacobson's approval for me to supervise you, Leslie.

"I'll be taking you under my wing from now on, pushing you onto bigger projects and hopefully boosting you up that career ladder of yours."

I didn't even bother sparing her a glance. I picked up my cup and took a slow sip of my coffee. "It won't be necessary. What could you possibly offer when you're just a mere assistant? I'm also handing in my resignation today, so there's absolutely no need for you to inconvenience yourself."

In that instant, everyone broke into murmurs of surprise. There were some who burst out laughing as well.

"That's truly impressive, Leslie! I take back all the negative things I thought about you!"

There were some who murmured, "Holy shit! Did you see Yvonne's expression? She's flushed one second and drained of color the next! That sight is incredibly gratifying!"

Someone even exclaimed in delight, "I already hated coming to work, but I especially hated Yvonne's pretentious attitude. That putdown was absolutely satisfying!"

Yvonne was thoroughly defeated by my remarks, leaving her visibly upset and struggling for a comeback. She glared at me, pinning me with a furious look.

I paid her no mind, taking my time to methodically pack up my personal items.

Upon seeing that she couldn't get a reaction from me, Yvonne left in a fit of anger and went straight into Shawn's office.

It wasn't long before Shawn strode out and approached me, fixing me with a stern, frigid glare.

However, I barely acknowledged him.

I picked up the box once my things were almost entirely packed, intending to walk out of the office. "You're blocking my way, so please step aside."

Shawn cocked a brow, stating coldly, "I couldn't care less about you resigning, since Jacobson Group doesn't need someone like you here. I'll need you to apologize to Yvonne before you leave, though."

I asked in confusion, "Why should I apologize to her?"

"Yvonne made a generous offer to mentor you toward a promotion, only for you to give her that disrespectful, languid response. How dare you not apologize to her for that, Leslie?" Shawn's voice gained a sharp, demanding edge, causing the tension in the workspace to solidify immediately.

I had no desire to argue with him further, knowing it would be a waste of time. Hence, I simply turned and offered Yvonne a quick apology.

I tried to turn to leave, but Shawn relentlessly blocked my way, barking, "What kind of pathetic apology was that, Leslie?"

Yvonne also moved closer and chimed in, saying, "You can't be so reckless at such a young age, Leslie. You should strive for more composure."

"You can shove that composure of yours up your ass!" I immediately snapped, having reached the absolute end of my patience facing these two deranged people.

I then forcefully shoved Yvonne aside. I used very little force, but she still staggered dramatically and fell onto the floor, wearing a visibly pained expression.

"How dare you, Leslie!" Shawn immediately snapped, rushing forward. He then slapped me hard across the face, sending a searing pain across my cheek.

He then violently shoved me away, dismissing me as if I were utterly inconsequential. He moved to help Yvonne—who was clearly putting on a show—his entire demeanor radiating anxiety.

"Are you alright, Yvonne? Did you take a bad fall? Do you need me to take you to the hospital?"