Chapter 2

2

She actually called Richard Miller, the man in charge.

She spoke into the phone with a sugary, flirtatious voice while smirking at me.

"Oh, Richard... the team is bullying me because I'm new. I can't get anything done with this hostility."

I understood the situation immediately.

No wonder she had replaced a veteran employee of ten years. No wonder she acted like she owned the building.

She had a powerful protector in high places.

The office snakes picked up on the vibe instantly. Knowing she had the CEO's ear, they became even bolder.

One guy even pulled out his house keys as if he were a martyr.

"It's okay, Lydia. I'll mortgage my house to help the company get through this!"

"I'll donate my entire paycheck this month!" another girl chirped, trying to get noticed.

"We're a family, Lydia! We don't care about petty things like cars or personal property!"

Their desperation to suck up to her was pathetic. They thought that if they got on her good side now, the rewards would be huge.

They weren't looking at an HR manager. They were looking at a golden ticket.

In their eyes, I was the villain for wanting my own property.

"Keep barking, dogs. You'll end up with nothing," I muttered.

I brushed the dust off my skirt and stood up, ignoring their glares.

Company trouble? My father had just signed a ten-million-dollar contract with this firm this morning.

If they would not let me quit, fine. I would stay.

I wanted to see what kind of game Richard Miller was playing with his wife's company.

If I remembered correctly, Richard had a wife and kids back in the suburbs.

As I turned to leave, the crowd blocked my path.

"Where do you think you're going, Chloe? Feeling guilty now?"

"Apologize to Lydia! Stop acting like a spoiled brat and show some loyalty!"

I laughed internally but kept my face neutral.

"You all love being servants, don't you? Go ahead and sign over your deeds. My car is already tagged. Who is next?"

"I'm not going anywhere, Lydia. Didn't you say I had to pick up your father?"

I gave her a plastic smile, though I wanted to scream.

I wanted to see if they were actually brave enough to give away their homes when the time came.

My father was old friends with Richard's wife, the real owner.

I wanted a front-row seat for the fallout.

I pulled out my phone and texted my dad.

"Hey, old man. Get my office ready. I'm coming home to take over the family business soon."

Lydia tried to say something else, but I put on my noise-canceling headphones and ignored her.

The crowd swarmed her, leaving me alone for the moment.

I spent the afternoon being the office pariah. I was fuming, but I had a plan.

So, at two in the morning, I started spamming her phone with calls.

"Chloe! What are you doing? Are you harassing me? I'll dock your pay!" she screamed when she finally answered.

I played the part of the confused, loyal employee.

"Lydia, I'm so sorry! I'm just trying to follow the rules you set!"

"You said the car cannot leave the lot after hours without your personal approval for the keys."

Through the phone, I heard a man's heavy breathing and the rustle of expensive sheets.

I hit the record button on my device.

"Chloe, you are doing this on purpose! Don't you have your own keys? Why didn't you ask earlier?"

I heard a low, familiar grunt from the man next to her. I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

"But Lydia, the handbook says I can only request the keys one hour before the task. I'm just being a good worker!"