Elias massaged his temples and gave me a weary, apologetic look. I understood his signals immediately. After all, solving my boss’s problems was part of my job.
So I kept my smile, turned to Elsa and said softly, “Ms. Abend, you’re mistaken. Mr. Weber and I only have a professional relationship. If you’d like, I can show you our work contracts and chat logs.”
Elias followed up quickly, “Elsa, enough. Go wait for me in the lounge. I’ll be there after I sign this deal.”
Reluctantly, Elsa agreed to his persuasion and glared fiercely at me before finally leaving.
Elias called after me. “Thank you for your patience, Anne. Starting this month, your salary will be doubled,” he said as if troubled.
After I left the office room, Elsa stopped me on my track.
She looked at me with contempt and said loudly, “Ms. Torres, you should really change those sultry clothes. Who are you trying to seduce by dressing like that?”
I looked down at my plain, conservative dress. There was no sign of the design being sultry. I was completely confused.
Before I could reply, Elsa continued her accusations.
“Big chest, tight waistline—don’t think I don’t see what you’re trying to do. Even if you’re just a pretty face, you should at least know what decency means in a workplace!”
My dress wasn’t never meant to be sultry “seductive” at all! It’s what I wear so I can meet clients at any time. How could my dress be as not decent as Elsa makes it sound?
Besides, what kind of “pretty face” stays up all night writing project proposals, with dark circles she can barely hide?
Seeing that Elsa wouldn’t let the matter go, Elias sighed helplessly. “Ms. Torres, from tomorrow on, wear pantsuits to the office.”
I glanced at the extremely hot weather outside before nodding without much expression.
It would be a lie to say I didn’t feel bitter.
When I was young, after my mother passed away, I nearly drowned from my own grief and distraction. It was Elias Weber who saved me. So when I decided to gain some experience before inheriting my family business, I chose to work in his company.
Even when the Webers’ group was at its lowest point, I stayed by Elias’s side, helping him bring it back from the brink of death. The two of us were simply boss and subordinate. We were friends, work colleagues.
One time, he even joked with a smile, “If we’re both still single at 30, I’ll throw you the grandest wedding ever.”