His gaze swept toward me, cold and sharp. “The only reason I let you join the company was because I felt sorry for you, Issy. Don’t start thinking you actually matter. Without me, what would you be? You’re an orphan—would you even have what you have now?”
Orphan.
That word exploded in my ears. I couldn’t even remember how many times he’d called me that.
I used to think his care came from affection and tenderness. Only now do I see—it was just pity from someone looking down on me.
It felt like something inside my chest tore open, cold pain spreading through me.
I clenched my teeth and forced my voice to stay calm. “Sir, I’m here to hand in my resignation, not to be humiliated by you. Any reason is not a justification for you to stop my resignation.”
He froze for a second when I called him “Sir” but quickly regained that familiar indifference.
He shoved my resignation letter back across the desk, his tone sharp and commanding.
“Enough. Stop making a scene. If you’re not feeling well, take a few days off at the hospital. Don’t embarrass yourself here.”
“Sir,” I met his eyes without backing down, “my decision’s final.”
The atmosphere instantly went still.
Ross finally lost patience, his voice rising. “Enough! What more do you want? I was going to promote you sooner or later; why are you in such a hurry? Zamora’s our new director now. She’s capable and well-educated—a Ph.D. from a top university abroad. What do you have to compare with that?”
My fingertips went cold. It felt like the blood in my veins had drained backwards.
Every word he said cut deep, slicing through whatever trust I’d had left.
Apparently, in his eyes, everything I’d ever done all these years meant nothing.
Even my work, to him, was not assistance, but charity!
I almost laughed, but my throat felt dry and tight. “You’re right. I can’t compare.”
“So,” I added quickly, “I quit.”
I flung the resignation paper at his face. The paper sliced through the air with a sharp, piercing sound.
I didn’t spare his ashen face another glance as I turned to leave.
I’d barely taken a few steps when the sharp click of high heels came rushing up behind me.
“Wait!” Zamora caught up and grabbed my hand.
She smiled softly, but her voice rose just enough for everyone in the office to hear. “Issy, don’t be upset. Ross can be sharp-tongued, but he really cares about you.”