"Her personal life is rather... complicated. It's likely affected her professional conduct. I'll be recommending that the company take disciplinary action."
Right there, in front of everyone, he validated every rumor that had ever circulated about me.
I watched him calmly. "Arnold, you're going to regret this."
"Regret?" He scoffed, lowering his voice. "You're the one who should be worried. Stacy is the Chairman's daughter. The moment she reveals her identity, the first person getting fired will be a slut like you who slept her way up."
The bid was lost. A fifty-million-dollar project, gone.
The company's stock price plummeted. My father was furious and ordered a full investigation.
Back at the office, Stacy was crying her eyes out, the picture of wounded innocence.
"I didn't know it was Anita's flash drive. I was just curious." She sniffled, clutching Arnold's sleeve. "Arnold, do you think she'll try to hurt me? I'm so scared..."
Arnold pulled her behind him protectively. "Anita, are you satisfied now? Look what you've done to her. A cold-hearted woman like you never deserved me."
The department manager made the announcement in front of everyone: "Anita Fox is suspended pending investigation. Stacy has suffered emotional distress and will receive one week of paid leave."
Whispers rippled through the office.
"Serves her right. Never liked her anyway."
"Can you believe she tried to seduce Arnold? He only has eyes for Stacy."
"Stacy's the real heiress. Who does Anita think she is?"
The day the investigation results were announced, the company held an all-hands meeting.
My father attended personally.
Stacy's cheeks flushed with excitement. She tugged at Arnold's sleeve. "Arnold, do you think Daddy will be upset with me...?"
Arnold squeezed her hand, his gaze tender. "Don't worry, Stacy. I'm here."
My father surveyed the room. His eyes passed over Stacy, then Arnold, before finally settling on me.
He gave me a slight nod, then spoke. "Regarding the failed bid, I've reached my conclusion."
Stacy shot to her feet, tears glistening in her eyes, her voice choked with emotion.
"Daddy, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I was so stupid—I grabbed the wrong flash drive. But I didn't mean to! I only wanted to help Anita. I'll take full responsibility. Just please don't blame Arnold. He's innocent..."