"Kaylee, you've really done it this time! Do you even understand the magnitude of the losses you've caused the company in the last six months? Do you think this place is your personal playground, where you can just waltz in and out whenever you feel like it?
"The company has invested countless resources and effort into your development, and yet you show no appreciation. You say you want to explore the world and pursue your dreams, but here you are—back where you started. It looks to me like you're just bored!
"Get moving! The deadlines for your projects are approaching quickly. I don't care what it takes; if you can't deliver, you'll be held accountable for all the losses!"
Helen quickly grasped the situation—the manager was clearly looking for a scapegoat. It seemed Kaylee had endured her fair share of bullying here.
With a calm demeanor, Helen observed the manager's selfish and hypocritical display. She offered him a sarcastic smile, her striking eyes glinting coldly.
After an uncomfortable silence, the manager finally glanced up, irritation clear on his face. "What are you just standing there for? Get out! I don't want to see you right now!"
Helen forced a smile, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "Thank you for the second chance, sir. I'll do my best. But since I've lost my memory, could you remind me where my desk is?"
It was hard to remain angry at someone being overly nice, and the manager didn't want to escalate matters.
After all, Kaylee's work had always been outstanding. Gritting his teeth, he replied with barely concealed impatience, "Just turn left when you go out and walk straight ahead. If you're unsure, ask a colleague. Please don't bring every little issue to me."
"Got it," Helen chirped, turning to leave.
As the door closed behind her, the manager tugged at his tie and let out a sigh of relief.
"That was a close call. Kaylee's still as easy to push around as ever. At least I won't have to stress about meeting my targets," he thought.
Meanwhile, Helen reached Kaylee's workstation and casually picked up a project plan to review. Just as she flipped through a few pages, a thick black binder came crashing down on her desk with a loud thud.
The female colleague adopted an arrogant stance, looking down her nose. "Why don't you ask around? Everyone here acts this way; I'm not the only one. Kaylee hasn't complained, so what makes you think you have the right to interfere?"
Just as Abigail was about to respond, Helen stood up to intervene. "Ms. Fitzgerald, let's not escalate this. It's better to avoid unnecessary conflict."
"No way! If you back down now, you'll never be able to hold your head high again. You can't let them treat you like this!" Abigail's anger flared as she remained resolute.
"But have you considered how this affects my situation?" Helen said sincerely. "I still have to work here every day. Do you really think it's realistic for me to never get along with my colleagues?"
Abigail stared at her in disbelief. "Ms. Kaylee, is this really how you feel? I can understand you holding back about your sister's situation, but are you really going to let everything slide?"
She pulled her hand away in disappointment. "I'm beginning to think you're just weak at heart. Does that independent, decisive person you portray in your writing even exist? I'm truly disappointed in you."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities