Lahat ng Kabanata ng Their Most Expensive Mistake: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

Five minutes later, the phone in Andy's office rang. He picked up, murmuring "mm-hmm" a few times, and visibly relaxed as the call went on.When he hung up, he came back out with both hands in his pockets and looked down at me. "Just wait."That was all he said before walking off down the hall with Jason.A moment later, my phone rang. It was Michael.When I answered, his tone was much softer, almost friendly."Natalie, I just spoke to Andy about what happened. He said you were slacking off this morning, leaning against the windowsill and staring into space?"I didn't answer."He's new to the job, so he's going to be a little strict. He's only trying to do what's best for the company. You did great last year, but this year is just getting started. You need to get back into work mode."Maybe you misunderstood him? Don't make such a big deal out of it. We're all just trying to do what's best for the company."My fingers tightened around the phone until they went pale.I looked

There was a brief pause on the other end before Trevor Larkin laughed."Good! I've been waiting three months to hear you say that. I'll come pick you up myself at 8:00 am tomorrow."I hung up.Andy was still standing there. The smile hadn't fully left his face, but the look in his eyes had changed.Jason leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Mr. Hampton, who did she call?"Andy ignored him and glared at me.I started gathering my things, though there wasn't much to take. My laptop was already destroyed. I slipped a few notebooks into my bag and picked up the crystal trophy engraved with "Outstanding Contribution Award."Then I walked past Andy and headed for the elevator.Just as I reached it, Andy deliberately raised his voice behind me. "What's with the act? What does she think she can do?"Jason laughed along with him, the sound echoing down the hallway.I didn't respond. I tossed the crystal trophy into the trash can by the elevator. It landed with a loud clunk.That aft

Hushed voices drifted out of the break room."Did you hear? Andy got fired.""Serves him right. Of all people to get on the wrong side of, he picked Natalie.""I saw him smash her laptop that day. I still don't know what he was thinking. She brought in 200 million dollars in business. How was he ever going to make up for that?""Mr. Cannon got hit too. I heard the board suspended his bonus for six months.""He was always telling everyone to think about the big picture. Well, so much for the big picture."Andy clenched his fists and turned back toward his office.At 3:00 pm, he walked out of the building with a cardboard box in his arms. Jason followed behind him, and neither of them said a word.Meanwhile, at Renvara Tech headquarters, I sat in my office in the Strategic Development department. The city skyline stretched beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.A newly signed contract sat on my desk. The client had previously been Astrel Group's biggest account, and the deal was w

It was Michael's car.I walked out of the hotel and found the black Mercedes parked right outside the main entrance, its hazard lights blinking.Michael was leaning against the car. The second he saw me, he straightened and hurried over.In just two weeks, he looked like a different man. His temples were streaked with gray, and his eyes were sunken. He was still wearing the same tailored suit, but now it hung loosely on him."Natalie! You finally agreed to see me."I stopped three steps away. "Mr. Cannon, what is it?"He rubbed his hands together and moved half a step closer. "Natalie, the company is really struggling. Please come back. Name your terms, and I'll agree to anything."Andy's already been fired, and Jason's been transferred out. If you're still angry, tell me what else you want me to do."I looked at him and suddenly laughed. "Mr. Cannon, do you really think this is about getting even?"He froze.I spoke calmly. "When I called you, you chose to believe Andy and t

Michael paused and gave a bitter smile that looked more like a grimace."I was blind," he said.A few people nearby glanced over and started whispering. Trevor stood a short distance away but made no move to come over.Michael continued, his voice getting quieter. "I've lost everything. The company's gone, and my reputation is ruined. I sold my house last month, and it still wasn't enough to pay off my debts."My wife took the kids and went back to her parents. I haven't seen them in three months."He looked up at me, his eyes bloodshot. "I'm not asking you to forgive me. I just wanted you to know that you were right."His lips trembled. "I-I had it coming."Silence stretched between us. The music and voices around us seemed to fade into the distance. All I could hear clearly was Michael's heavy breathing.I looked at him. Three months ago, he'd been sitting in his spacious office, telling me not to make such a big deal out of things.Now he stood in front of me, thin and worn