Chapter 2 Second Degree Burns

Joanna's morning routine began with the blaring buzz of her alarm, signaling the start of another day. In her cozy studio apartment, she quickly went about her morning rituals, appreciating the simplicity and solitude that her little space offered. The neatness of her apartment provided a contrast to the tumultuous events that had led her to this point. She reminisced about the painful episode that led to her eviction from her father's house. False accusations concocted by her stepmother, Maria, and sister, Tasha, painted Joanna as involved with a married man. Despite her vehement denials and suspicions that the man was paid to lie, the revelation shattered her world. Her father, Don, enraged and disgusted, promptly cast her out. The emotional ordeal continued when a woman claiming to be the man's wife called Maria's phone, lamenting the destruction of her marriage and demanding severe punishment for Joanna. Don, crushed by the perceived betrayal of his principled daughter, ordered Joanna to leave and never return. Despite her tearful pleas, he remained resolute, cutting her off completely. Joanna found refuge with her university best friend and eventually secured a room to rent, supporting herself with odd jobs obtained through a temp agency. The financial support from her father vanished, leaving her financially strained. Despite her exemplary academic record and dedication, finding a permanent job proved challenging. One silver lining amid the turmoil was Don's insistence on Joanna's education. Maria's attempts to discredit Joanna fell short of convincing him to cut off her academic pursuits. Instead, he chose to withhold financial support, leaving Joanna to navigate the difficulties of funding her education independently throughout her six and a half years at Providence State University. The echoes of betrayal, family discord, and financial struggles lingered in Joanna's daily life, but she approached each day with resilience, determined to forge her path despite the adversities that shadowed her past. Joanna's postgraduate journey was marked by a relentless stream of job rejections. Even her own father, Don, refused to hire her, citing the need for her to gain experience elsewhere. The real reason, however, was Don's reluctance to associate the family business with the scandal surrounding Joanna's alleged affair with another woman's husband. He wanted to distance the company from any potential negative publicity. Unbeknownst to Joanna, she held a significant stake in the Johnson Corporation, owning 27 percent of the shares left to her by her late mother. This shareholding surpassed even Don's, whose own shares had dwindled due to financial mismanagement and supporting Maria's lifestyle. Maria, fueled by resentment and jealousy, played a pivotal role in Joanna's job hunt woes. Through a network of goons and manipulative tactics, Maria successfully poisoned Joanna's reputation within their social circles. Maria's operatives surveilled Joanna, gathering information on her job searches and movements. They identified vulnerable links in HR departments of companies Joanna applied to, using any available dirt and bribes to ensure Joanna's repeated rejections. Maria's tactics were ruthless, involving coercion, beatings, and, in extreme cases, threats of violence to ensure compliance. The lack of integrity in some individuals made Maria's schemes disturbingly effective, further hindering Joanna's attempts to secure employment. Despite her academic achievements and potential contributions to the family business, Joanna found herself trapped in a web of sabotage, orchestrated by the very people who should have supported her aspirations. Desperate to break the cycle of job rejections, after 6 months of job hunting, Joanna reached out to her former professor for assistance. Fortunately, the professor's son, Leon, worked for Magnum Group, a sizable company that had multiple openings for operations analyst positions. Leon, known for his integrity and dedication to his job, was resistant to bribery or coercion. Maria's goons attempted to manipulate Leon, but their efforts failed. Leon, recognizing the gravity of the situation, promptly reported the coercion attempt to the police, leveraging his close friendship with a high-ranking officer. The goons were apprehended and sent to jail, marking a small victory against Maria's malicious schemes. Undeterred, Maria continued her vendetta against Joanna. Utilizing a friend within the Magnum Group, she orchestrated a plan to make Joanna's work life unbearable. The friend, paid by Maria, colluded with Joanna's direct supervisor to create a hostile work environment, hoping to force Joanna to quit. Maria's deep-seated hatred for Joanna traced back to the past, rooted in Maria's failed attempts to break up Joanna's mother and Don. Maria's resentment festered, fueled by the fact that Don had chosen Joanna's mother over her. As Joanna navigated the challenges thrown her way, Maria's relentless pursuit of vengeance threatened to cast a shadow over Joanna's newfound job and the stability she sought in her professional life. Joanna's morning routine was interrupted by the insistent ringing of her phone, displaying Mandy's name on the screen. Deciding to prioritize her preparations, she chose to ignore the call, planning to return it later. Opting for a professional yet stylish look, Joanna selected a grey pant suit and a white collared top. Her knee-high boots added a touch of sophistication, subtly accentuating her appearance. As she let her hair down, its dark, silky strands framed her face, enhancing her natural beauty. Joanna possessed a curvaceous figure that turned heads and a radiant, down-to-earth demeanor that resonated with those around her. With a final glance in the mirror, satisfied with her reflection, she checked her watch and realized it was time to head to the office. Having learned from a previous incident where she was set up by her boss, Joanna always kept her laptop and USB flash drive close, embracing vigilance as a guiding principle. Upon reaching the office, she headed straight to the conference room, determined to set up for the upcoming meeting. To her surprise, the door opened, and her supervisor, Agatha, entered with another staff member. With a broad smile, Joanna greeted, "Good morning, Ms. Agatha." However, Agatha's critical stare suggested an underlying tension. Joanna explained her early presence in the conference room, emphasizing her commitment to setting up for the presentation and ensuring seamless connectivity with the projector. Agatha, in her characteristic manner, hummed in response, turning to address the staff member accompanying her. "Make sure you put a notepad and a pen, water, and a napkin for each attendee," Agatha instructed, leaving Joanna to navigate the subtle currents of tension that seemed to linger in the air. The meeting room, usually a space for collaboration, hinted at an atmosphere where trust was a fragile thread holding together a delicate balance. "Check to make sure the room is clean and ready for the presentation," Agatha continued, her instructions carrying a hint of tension. As Joanna focused on her setup, meticulously ensuring everything was in order, she seemed oblivious to Agatha's apparent hostility. Agatha, however, was not one to conceal her emotions. Her face bore the weight of animosity as she glared at Joanna, breathing audibly to emphasize her displeasure. Joanna, engrossed in her preparations, eventually looked up, offering a friendly smile to Agatha. The supervisor, unwilling to engage, looked away and abruptly headed for the door. Unbeknownst to Joanna, Agatha harbored a plan to disrupt her presentation. The lingering tension in the room hinted at a deeper conflict, with Agatha's apparent disdain setting the stage for a subtle battle that would unfold during the upcoming meeting. As Joanna worked diligently, the shadows of office politics and personal vendettas cast a pall over what should have been a routine professional environment. The city of Providence, with its picturesque landscape featuring the majestic River Euphrates and the stunning Rock Mountains surrounding the city, had earned a reputation as a prominent tourist attraction. Recognizing the potential of this natural beauty, the headquarters of the Magnum Group of Companies had tasked the Operations and Production department with developing a plan for a project in the area. Agatha, Joanna's supervisor, had given Joanna and three other team members the opportunity to formulate proposals. These proposals were slated for presentation that day, in front of the headquarters' delegate. Magnum Group aimed to invest in a project along the river Euphrates, which gracefully flowed through the city of Providence, the capital of Albaria. The project site was located on the outskirts of the city, where the river widened, offering an ideal setting for outdoor activities. The Operations and Production department, including all the Operations Analysts, were tasked with devising innovative proposals to maximize the potential of this land, generating revenue for the company. Today's presentation was a crucial opportunity for the team to showcase their ideas to Mr. Morgan Banda, the Chief Operating Officer. Each proposal had the potential to shape the future of the company's investment in this prime location, marking a significant moment for both the Operations and Production department and the broader Magnum Group of Companies. The outcome of these presentations would not only impact the company's financial success but also contribute to the city's allure as a thriving hub of business and natural beauty. In a seemingly innocuous moment during their preparations, Agatha deliberately sat next to Joanna, sipping on her hot tea. As Joanna glanced away, Agatha executed a calculated move, purposefully tipping her teacup, causing the scalding liquid to spill onto Joanna's pants. "Oh no, my pants!" Joanna exclaimed, quickly standing up and pulling her pants away from her skin to prevent any burns. The commotion drew the attention of everyone in the room. Joanna, keenly aware of her laptop's proximity to the spilled tea, hastily moved the device to safety. Amid the brief confusion, Joanna excused herself from the table to address the greenish stain left by the tea on her pants. Agatha, feigning remorse, apologized for the incident. "I am sorry for that, Joanna; I should have been more careful." Responding with grace, Joanna reassured Agatha, "It's okay, Agatha. It was an accident after all." Closing her laptop, Joanna headed towards the restroom to attend to the unforeseen mishap, leaving behind an atmosphere tinged with an uneasy tension. After Joanna left, the attention of the people in the room shifted back to the presenter. Unbeknownst to the others, Agatha's gaze remained fixed on Joanna's laptop and the attached flash drive. As the presentations began and the room's focus shifted to the speaker, Agatha seized the opportunity. With calculated precision, she discreetly removed the flash drive and skillfully slid it into her jacket pocket. Relaxing in her seat, Agatha couldn't help but smile mischievously. She believed she had successfully executed her plan. Joanna, upon her return, would find her laptop devoid of the crucial presentation materials. Agatha reveled in the satisfaction of what she perceived as a triumph, confident that her actions had disrupted Joanna's ability to present her proposals effectively. In the restroom, Joanna quickly realized the severity of the scalding. The pain was intense, and the friction between her pants and the skin on her thighs made it unbearable. Grateful for the nearby private clinic, she decided to seek immediate medical attention. Upon entering, she approached the nurse, requesting to see the doctor urgently. The nurse regretfully explained, "I am sorry, ma'am, but the doctor is currently with another patient. Since you don't have an appointment, you may need to wait a bit longer." Joanna nodded but couldn't hide the desperation in her eyes. "Please, I got burnt with hot tea, and I'm in so much pain. If there's any way you could fit me in, I would appreciate it," she pleaded, her eyes moist with discomfort. Another nurse at the station recognized Joanna and felt compassion. "I've seen you before; do you work in the next building?" Joanna affirmed, and the sympathetic nurse intervened, "Come into the examination room; let me take a look while we wait for the doctor." Moving cautiously due to the pain, Joanna entered the exam room, where she removed her pants and was given a gown to wear. The nurse examined the burns and was taken aback by the severity—swollen skin, red patches, and blisters forming in some areas. "Oh no, these are second-degree burns; you must be in a lot of pain." Joanna affirmed, "I really am in pain." The nurse provided comfort, saying, "Just wait a little longer, and we'll have the doctor come check on you soon." As Joanna lay on the bed, she couldn't help but wonder about her streak of bad luck. Eventually, the doctor arrived, examined her burns, applied medication, and administered a shot to alleviate the pain. After bandaging the wounds, the doctor gave Joanna instructions on wound care. "Be careful with hot liquids, especially with sensitive skin. Come back on Monday for a checkup to see if your wounds are healing well." Joanna picked up her prescription, expressed her gratitude, and headed back to the office, hoping for a smoother remainder of the day. In the conference room, as the presenters were wrapping up their presentations, Mr. Morgan Banda, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Magnum Group, noticed the absence of the third presenter. Turning to Agatha, he inquired about Joanna's whereabouts, as he remembered there should have been three presentations. Agatha quickly responded, "She left the presentation and never came back, not sure what happened. Sir, I believe the two presentations should be good for you to pick from. Ms. Johnson does not appear to be serious about this project and, as such, should not be kept in this department, let alone the company." A member of the delegation spoke up, recalling the earlier incident, "I seem to remember that she was accidentally scalded by you earlier, and she excused herself to clean herself. Maybe someone should check on her." Abigail, feeling uneasy, commented, "Yes, it was not really that serious; she should have been back by now." Just then, Joanna opened the door and walked in slowly. Mr. Banda addressed her sternly, "Young lady, you were supposed to be here to make the presentation but went out and never came back. Do you realize that you can lose your job with that kind of behavior at work?" Agatha smirked as Joanna explained, "Forgive me, sir, but the accident I sustained earlier from the spill was actually bigger than I thought, so I had to go to the clinic next door to get some medical help." Surprised, Mr. Banda looked at her and asked, "Are you alright?" Joanna assured him, "Yes, I am alright for now, as the doctor administered a pain shot." Mr. Banda, displaying a sense of fairness, then said, "If you are able to give us your presentation, please go ahead. We will give you the chance, since it was not your fault." Thrilled at the opportunity, Joanna realized her flash drive was missing. She searched around, even in her computer bag, but it was nowhere to be found. After a few minutes, Mr. Banda, feeling time constraints, announced they needed to return to headquarters, and they would be back tomorrow for the remaining presentations. He suggested Joanna try again next time. Suddenly remembering she had backed up her work on her Google Drive, Joanna pleaded, "Sir, I don’t know what happened to my flash drive when I left earlier, but I have a backup. Please give me a minute to set up my presentation." After a moment's hesitation, Mr. Banda decided to give her the opportunity to present, influenced by her determination. Joanna successfully connected her Google Slides and began her presentation. The delegation from headquarters was attentive and impressed throughout. Agatha, upset that her plan had failed, watched as Joanna answered questions satisfactorily. The delegation bid farewell, stating they would return the next day for the remaining team presentations. At the end of the week, Mr. Banda informed Agatha that two individuals had been chosen to come to the headquarters to give their presentations. Frustrated and seething with resentment, Agatha couldn't believe that both Joanna and Rachel had been chosen for the important presentations at the headquarters. She stomped her feet in frustration, muttering under her breath about Joanna's perceived ambitions. Agatha, however, had no intention of letting Joanna know about the upcoming presentation. Instead, she strategically informed Rachel, perhaps hoping to use her influence or gain an ally against Joanna. As fate would have it, Rachel coincidentally encountered Joanna on Friday evening after work. "Hey Joanna, how are you? Are you ready for the presentation at headquarters on Monday next week?" Rachel casually inquired. Joanna, taken aback, responded, "What presentation?" Raising an eyebrow, Rachel chuckled, "We were both chosen to go to headquarters to present our proposals. Let the best man win!" Realization dawned on Joanna as she realized the intentional omission of this crucial information by Agatha. Grateful for Rachel's transparency, Joanna thanked her lucky stars for the chance meeting. Later that evening, Joanna hurried home, eager to prepare for the presentation she had almost missed. She turned on her laptop, opened the email forwarded by Rachel, and absorbed the details. Despite Agatha's attempt to undermine her, Joanna remained determined to make the most of this opportunity. Little did Agatha know, her attempt to keep Joanna in the dark only fueled Joanna's resolve to shine at the upcoming presentation. The stage was set for a professional showdown, and Joanna was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. As the day of the presentation approached, Joanna diligently prepared herself for the journey to the headquarters. The head office had arranged for transportation, scheduling a pick-up at 9 am from their downtown office located on the north end. Aware of the challenges she might face, Joanna focused on refining her proposal. She delved into the intricacies of her presentation, carefully incorporating the feedback received from the delegate during the previous session. Determined to address any potential concerns or questions, Joanna worked tirelessly to enhance every aspect of her proposal. The evening before the trip, Joanna stayed up late, fine-tuning her slides, rehearsing her key points, and anticipating the possible queries that might come her way. Despite Agatha's attempts to sabotage her, Joanna was fueled by a resilient spirit and a desire to prove her worth. Meanwhile Agatha met up with Maria Johnson at a local café downtown. They ordered their coffee and started to chat. “Hello Agatha,” Maria said with a fake smile plastered on her face. Good evening Mrs. Johnson.” “Well, let’s cut to the chess, will we? I am here to check on your progress in getting rid of Joanna from Magnum. I paid you well, and still, a year later, no results. I am beginning to think that you are not capable of that simple job,” Maria frowned. “It’s not that I am incapable of getting rid of her, she is resilient. I have made her life miserable in the company, but she still holds on to the job. On Monday, I deliberately poured hot tea on her thighs to avoid her from taking part in the presentation requested by headquarters, but she still managed to present despite the pain. The company had to pay for her medical fees, and it did not look good for me. Everyone is beginning to see that I am unfair and hostile towards her. I have to slow down for a while,” Agatha said rather gloomily. “What I know is I paid you well to do the job, and I need it done, or should I ask a higher up to give you a hard time, you know I have connections within your agency. “No madam, just be patient, I will come up with something.” Maria was becoming impatient and needed the work done immediately. Agatha on the other hand knew that Magnum group was not a place to play games, if HR found out about her mistreatment of Joanna, she would definitely lose her job. “Madam, please just be patient, I am working on something.” She had to think real quick of a way that would not implicate her. She remembered Joanna was not aware of the presentation today, she would miss the presentation and of coz Headquarters would call. She would then fire Joanna for not attending the presentation. She had a big smile on her face and could not wait for that. She let Maria on to her plan and both women smiled devilishly. Agatha and Maria's sinister conversation unfolded in the local café, shrouded in secrecy and ill intentions. Agatha, feeling the pressure from Maria's impatience, explained her struggles in trying to remove Joanna from Magnum. The deliberate act of pouring hot tea on Joanna to prevent her participation in the headquarters' presentation had backfired, drawing attention to Agatha's unfair treatment. Maria, growing increasingly impatient, reminded Agatha of the payment she had received for the job and threatened to use her connections to make things difficult for Agatha within the company. Agatha, realizing the urgency of the situation, assured Maria that she was working on an alternative plan. In a cunning move, Agatha hatched a new scheme. Knowing that Joanna was unaware of the upcoming presentation, Agatha planned to exploit this information. She intended to let Joanna miss the presentation, leading to a call from headquarters questioning her absence. With this pretext, Agatha aimed to terminate Joanna's employment, finally appeasing Maria's persistent demands. As the two women exchanged satisfied smiles, little did they know that Joanna, determined and resilient, was on her way to face yet another challenge at the headquarters. The battle for success and survival in the corporate world continued, with the stakes higher than ever. Despite Agatha and Maria's devious plan to exploit Joanna's unawareness of the headquarters presentation, little did they know that Joanna had already discovered the upcoming opportunity. As they exchanged satisfied smiles in the cafe, Joanna was diligently preparing for the crucial presentation that would determine her fate at Magnum. Joanna's determination and resilience had once again thwarted their attempts to sabotage her career. Unbeknownst to Agatha and Maria, Joanna was fully aware of the challenge that awaited her at the headquarters. She had gathered information, readied her presentation, and fortified herself against the adversities that often lurked within the corporate landscape. As the clock ticked closer to the momentous day, Joanna stood poised to confront the obstacles planted in her path. The unfolding drama in the world of Magnum was about to take an unexpected turn, showcasing the strength of character and indomitable spirit that defined Joanna's journey.