Chapter 3

Every Friday, the Moretti Group held an open forum where any employee could sign up to speak.

I'd planned to use it to set the record straight, but when I got to my desk, a notice was waiting for me.

"Decision to Suspend Isabella Hart's Eligibility for Employee of the Year."

They just threw me to the wolves, and the paperwork's already done?

I took the notice to HR. When Martin saw me, he sighed.

"Isabella, we have to get the situation under control first.

"Once Don Moretti is back and this has been looked into, I can apply to have your eligibility restored."

I slapped the notice down on his desk.

"But you pulled me from the running before the investigation was even finished."

Martin avoided my eyes.

"This is a special case."

I stared at him, almost amused.

So company policy could be bent whenever it suited them.

At noon, the open employee forum began in the company's central lobby.

I'd thought I could explain myself in front of everyone, but when I reached the sign-up desk, I found a note beside my name.

"This employee is under review for a potential ethics violation. No speaking slot will be assigned for now."

Meanwhile, Victoria stood at the podium, her tone earnest. "No one should put their personal interests above company rules."

She looked down at me in the audience and gave me a gentle smile.

"Of course, the company is also willing to give those who've made mistakes a chance to correct them.

"I hope certain colleagues will take a hard look at themselves instead of running from the problem."

She didn't name names, but everyone there knew who she meant.

I was standing in the lobby, but it felt like I was on trial.

Sophia came over and patted my shoulder.

"Ignore her. She said that so you'd hear it."

I wasn't angry. My voice was calm.

"Take a picture of the sign-up list for me, especially my name."

Sophia hesitated, but she took out her phone and snapped a few photos.

Once I'd checked them, Sophia and I went straight to the company's compliance department.

Jordan, the compliance officer who met with us, read the notice and said that under company policy, revoking my eligibility required a formal review.

"Then who approved this notice?"

Jordan glanced at the signature line.

"Ms. Sloane filed a report on behalf of the chairman's office, and HR used it to suspend your eligibility."

"So the board hasn't made a formal decision yet?"

"No, but the matter will be discussed further next Monday."

I turned to the last page of the notice.

"If they're not discussing it until next Monday, why did this take effect yesterday?"

Jordan paused. "It's a temporary measure. The review will follow."

I didn't want to argue anymore, but as I left, Amy came after me again.

She handed me a document.

"Ms. Sloane asked me to give you this."

It was a public apology, already drafted in my name.

"I admit that I crossed professional boundaries in my private dealings with Vito Moretti.

"I am willing to accept any decision the company makes."

I put the statement in my folder.

Amy visibly relaxed.

"As long as you apologize publicly, Ms. Sloane will consider asking management to reverse the temporary disciplinary action against you."

"I'm not posting it."

I stopped smiling and looked her in the eye.

"I won't admit to anything I didn't do."

Amy's face fell.

She pulled out her phone and seemed to be texting Victoria.

Less than ten seconds later, a reply appeared on her screen. I caught a glimpse of it.

"Since she won't cooperate, we'll wait for Vito to come back. I'll have him tell us himself whether there's anything between him and Isabella."

I started laughing.

If she was that sure, I was happy to wait.

I'd wait for Vito to finish his meetings, come back, and tell her himself whether he knew his own wife.