a's

ly as soon as she saw him. "Sir, we

ion," I said, my

d, her eyes flicking nervously to me. "She was cau

This was my only chance to help

came to request my severance. She to

ompson Crest Enterprises," the HR manager s

rked on projects with other colleagues as a team and earned

." She faltered

ng and cold, like he was stripping

admitted. "All her files were handled

t just betrayed me. He'd pl

boss hired you and ended your contract himself, I cannot override his d

efused to break. He's Mark's brother

turning his attention elsewhere, then p

ents, his

still on me, unreadable. "Let her fill in whatever amou

stepped into the elevator, his figure

t my shock, while the HR manager s

feeling both relieved and humiliated but I knew this wasn't the tim

l reeling from the day's chaos. "You won't believe w

't believe Mark did that to you. Wiped out your records and tr

ride intact. "It's done. I just

in tugged at her lips. "And look at that. you could fill in any amount you want, and Alpha Eric

rlier in the HR office flashed through my mind. The thou

want. I'll take only what I'm owed and I'll deduct the hospital fees

d admiration. "You're stubborn and principled to a fau

liation twisting together. "I don't need anyone's pity or the

*

ed, feeling a pang of guilt. "I really can't stay here much longer,

"Elena. you've already been through so much. Are you su

y. I couldn't have made it through the last few weeks

promise me you'll take care of yourself, okay? And don't le

red, stepping back. "

ical bills, I used what was left to find a small pad for myself. Then I threw myself into job hun

ed constantly

erest in Edward & Co. W

ime, but we have chos

, but I refused to let it show. I reminded my

sized marketing firm, I lingered near the lobby to make a call. B

ice trailed off as I overheard the con

r. I've already spoken to Mr. Mark. Yes, h

listening to him list me off as "unsuitable" and

Mark.Mark was activel

mediately. The line cl

familiar, smug v

lf. "What are you doing? Are you seriously bent on

erent drawl. "Elena. I think you're over

ve married your Bella and achieved your prestigious goal. Why are you

ild. "Look. I'm willing to discuss this

ebird Café? Are you