Chapter 4

Christine knew she was in the wrong. Her voice dropped to a whisper.

"Yes. I didn't want to have your child. My body is mine. I have the right to decide."

I laughed out loud. Strangely, that sentence smoothed everything over in my head.

She had the right to choose not to have children and to cheat.

In that case, I had the right to destroy Luxe Atelier.

"Fine." I tossed my staff badge onto the floor and said flatly, "Then when you've got time, let's go file the paperwork. I'll give you my blessing."

The schemers exchanged looks, barely able to hide their delight.

"No need to wait. I brought the divorce papers with me."

Christine rummaged through her bag and handed them over. I skimmed them once.

"There's a problem with the asset split. I only get 200 thousand dollars? Who do you think you're fooling?"

She stiffened, bluffing through it.

"If you agree, sign now. I'll transfer the money immediately. Otherwise, we go to court. If you don't mind being a cuck and dragging it out, be my guest. Just don't delay my romantic getaway with Stan."

I felt sick. Goosebumps broke out all over me.

If this turned into a lawsuit with the two of them, my reputation would be dragged through the mud no matter what.

"I'll sign."

My coworkers erupted, furious on my behalf.

"You can't sign that! Even standard severance would be more than this. They're the ones cheating. Why should you agree?"

"If you're gone, I'm quitting too. Take me with you!"

Hearing them speak up like that sent Christine over the edge.

"Have you all lost your minds? I'm the boss! It's not your place to point fingers at me. Do you not want the free trip and the raise anymore?"

Her words didn't calm them down. They only unified everyone against her.

I pressed my lips together, holding back a laugh. Employees were people, not pets.

"Alright, alright. Nobody's leaving," I said.

"You're grown adults. There's no reason to turn down a raise that's being handed to you. Thanks for everything these past years. I hope our paths will cross again someday. Take care."

Three employees I had personally trained broke down in tears.

The new college grad was especially upset, her eyes red and swollen.

"Are you getting on the bus or not? If you don't want a paid trip, then get back to work. I've spoiled you all too much."

Tom rushed to prove his loyalty and climbed onto the bus first.

The others were angry, but they still had to make a living. One by one, they boarded, waving at me through the windows.

Two hundred thousand dollars hit my bank account. Christine shot me a cold look and pulled Stan onto the bus.

I took one last look at the Luxe Atelier sign. Saying I felt no regret would be a lie.

However, the fire in my chest burned brighter instead.

I really wanted to see what would happen when Christine realized she had fired her most important employee.

How exactly was she planning to keep Luxe Atelier alive after this?