Chapter 2 Mass Betrayal

"I've disliked Eliza for a long time. There aren't many projects to go around, yet she always steals the job. In the end, nothing comes of it," someone said.

"Mary’s growth was slow only because she’s not as loose as Eliza. Once, an old pervert grabbed her bottom, and she didn’t even react. Deep down, she must’ve enjoyed it."

My entire body went ice cold as disappointment washed over me.

"We've worked together for years. I've helped you all the time, and you all know my true nature. Now, just to brown-nose the new supervisor, you throw away your dignity!" I snapped.

People had always been fickle.

However, I had always treated my subordinates like they were my friends.

When the company’s cash flow ran dry and layoffs started, I used my own money to keep the staff employed.

"Rory, when you first joined us, you sent the cost sheet to the client instead of the actual quote. If I hadn't stepped in, you would've been forced to compensate millions in damages."

My voice turned icy as I faced the other man who had spoken.

"You as well. When you were unable to feed yourself because you had no commissions, I was the one who gave you part of my dividends. Did you all forget that?"

Mary clenched her fists and cut me off. "What's the use of bringing up small favors? Why didn't you mention just how much you've earned all this time?

"It's a senior's duty to help the newcomers. Now that you've been fired, are you going to hold that over everyone's heads?"

Those who had been hanging their heads low from the admonishment heaved sighs of relief. They immediately began praising Mary's generosity while accusing me of being petty.

Overwhelmed with fury at the absurdity, I abandoned the argument and headed to my old desk.

The moment I opened the door, what I saw made my face go pale in anger. My entire body began trembling.

My personal belongings were scattered across the floor, and all my devices had been powered on.

My documents and chat logs had been rifled through. My locked drawers were pried open—empty. Everything inside was gone.

Even the family photo I placed on the table was shattered, covered by a puddle of rotting instant noodles.

My eyes were bloodshot as I screamed, "Who did this? Step forward right now!"

The entire office instantly fell silent. One could hear a pin drop.

…

Just as I was about to fly off the handle, Mary gracefully walked over. "Don't be so agitated. I did it."

She blinked innocently.

"The boss said that we're short on desks. Since you're no longer working with us and won't be coming back, the desk would naturally go to someone else."

She held up the Civil Service Exam handbook and looked at me with a mocking grin.

"Who knew a university graduate and saleswoman would be so ambitious? Work in the private sector isn't enough anymore. Instead, you wish to work for the government too.

"Still, you had too many belongings. We didn't know which were actually yours, so we confiscated everything. You have no objections, right?"

Rory chimed in, eager to support her. "Searching just the office isn’t enough. What if she stole company property and still has it on her?

"We should strip and search her!"

The absurdity hit me like a slap.

I barked out, "This is nothing but revenge dressed up as justice!"

With a grin, Mary waved a hand, summoning several men over to surround me. "I'm only doing this for the company's sake. After all, who can guarantee that you're innocent?"

My entire body was shaking in fury, but Mary ignored my reaction.

With her hands planted on her hips, she continued to speak in a loud voice. "Ms. Lane, we're all colleagues. I don't want to strain our relationship.

"Will you be stripping, or do you need our help?"

My teeth dug into my lower lip in humiliation as rage burned through my veins. I wanted nothing more than to rip that smug expression off her face.

When I did not move, she locked the door with a raised eyebrow and held my laptop up high.

"You've worked here for years, so you must've made a lot of connections. Isn't that right?" she asked in a threatening tone. "You know better than I do the consequences if I delete everything on here right now. Strip. Think of it as a bonus for everyone, and I’ll let you walk away afterward."