Chapter 24 Out of the Fire?
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12 min left
Michelle exaggerated her efforts to clean up, only making it
worse.
“Caroline, I know you dislike me, but I genuinely wanted to make peace. Rejecting me is one thing, but these documents—all your hard work, ruined!”
Caroline remained silent, watching Michelle’s act with detached
interest.
Oh, look, this scheming girl.
Seriously, you’d think girls like Michelle went to some pro school.
How else do they all say the same lines and pull the same tricks?
With no response, Michelle’s confidence wavered.
“Done with your act? My turn now?” Caroline said coolly.
Without warning, she grabbed Michelle’s collar and delivered a slap.
The crack echoed through the office, leaving onlookers stunned.
Before Michelle could react, Caroline patted her reddening
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Chapter 24 Out of the Fire?
cheek with a sneer.
“What game are you playing? Did you think these were confidentiality agreements or project documents?
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“Wrong. These are your future work materials. Since you’ve ruined them, you’ll have to figure everything out on your own. Good luck.”
Michelle’s face drained of color. “How is this my-”
Caroline cut her off, pointing to her former computer where a small red light blinked.
“That’s a monitor, and I have the memory card right here. Shall we review the footage of how that coffee was spilled and let everyone judge?”
Michelle hadn’t expected Caroline to be prepared.
Guilt and anger battled on her face as she lost her composure.
“Oh look, another meltdown coming?” Caroline rolled her eyes. “If you’re this fragile, honey, maybe work isn’t for you. Better stay home and heal up. Would hate for someone to ‘trigger‘ you into doing something crazy. Like, I dunno… window diving?”
The onlookers stepped back.
“Looking at you now, you seem about to have an episode,”
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Chapter 24 Out of the Fire?
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Caroline continued. “Planning to cut your wrists or jump this time? Need any help?”
She opened a drawer, took out a utility knife, and opened the window.
Everything was ready, as if she was prepared to assist.
Michelle forced a smile. “Caroline, what do you mean? Are you mocking me or attacking people with depression?”
“I’m calling out fakers like you,” Caroline said bluntly. “Anyone siding with her should think twice. I’m strict but stable. When she loses it, she threatens suicide.”
With that, Caroline gathered her belongings and left.
The former sycophants carefully distanced themselves from Michelle.
Walking out of the Martin Group building, Caroline felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The future looked bright.
She was finally free.
Just then, William called, “Finished with the paperwork? I’ll send you an address–come right away. We’re waiting.”
“What’s the occasion?” Caroline asked, puzzled.
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Chapter 24 Out of the Fire?
“Celebrating your escape from hell,” William replied.
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Caroline laughed and, having nothing better to do, accepted his invitation.
Then, she drove to the address–a bar.
As she pushed open the door, wind chimes tinkled and confetti exploded overhead.
“Congratulations to Supreme Sword’s producer, Ms. Warren, on her triumphant return!” William bounded forward, his usually stern face split by a broad grin. “Welcome back, Ms. Warren!”
“Welcome, Ms. Warren!”
The chorus of voices echoed.
The cozy bar was packed–the entire Supreme Sword team was there.
Caroline stood stunned. “Are you—”
William pulled her aside, affecting a grumpy expression. “I told everyone about your return. This welcome party is specially for you, so don’t even think about ducking out.”
“You schemer.” Caroline shot him a glare.
He crossed his arms. “You finally escaped the Martin Group.
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Don’t tell me you’re really considering the Garcia Group? Think carefully–Martin Group is dangerous, but Garcia Group is no
better.”
“You have no right to judge my company.” A cold voice cut through.
Caroline frowned, her heart skipping a beat.
Anthony appeared, his gaze sweeping dismissively over William.
“William Brown, Supreme Sword’s other producer. You’re talented in IT, but you lack business sense–that’s why the game stagnated for six years. In that time, Supreme Sword could have reached far greater heights.”
William was struck speechless.
“Garcia Group started in microchips,” Caroline interjected with a sharp smile. “Mr. Garcia, you’re undoubtedly a business genius, but without those initial technical talents–well, there probably wouldn’t be a Garcia Group today, nor the current you, Mr. Garcia.”
William shot her a grateful look.
“You’re right,” Anthony admitted, his eyes soft on Caroline.
William frowned in displeasure.
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