Chapter 112

“Is it? Did I achieve it all by myself? Then what did I achieve it with?” I laughed self-mockingly.

Winston exclaimed, “Don’t be like this! Actually, you did very well, really. Anton even said you did very well, and you worked very diligently.”

Anton Pruitt? Is that our Mr. Pruitt? I looked into the president’s office over his shoulder. I saw Mr. Pruitt sitting, smiling at me strangely. I didn’t feel like pondering his smile; at this moment, I felt particularly defeated.

I always thought I was capable, that I could live a good life without my family, without a man. But whenever I was filled with hope, some cruel reality would strike.

I took a deep breath and said to Winston, “I know you mean well, and I appreciate your help, but I can’t continue this job.”

Winston’s face paled. He turned to Anton and said, “You go out first; I have something to say to her.”

“Okay,” Anton smiled and got up briskly, leaving. As he passed, he smiled at me again—a smile that seemed to hold a hint of meaning.

After Anton left, Winston pulled me into the president’s office. He exclaimed urgently, “Ralda, you were doing such a great job! Why resign? Just because I’m the big boss? We’re friends; isn’t it normal for friends to recommend jobs?”

I shook my head. “It’s different.”

“What’s different?”

“I promised Reynaldo I’d have no further involvement with you, and I solemnly declared before him that working under your supervision was impossible.”

So, the words I spoke, I must live up to.

“Reynaldo, it’s Reynaldo again, Ralda. Wasn’t Grandma’s incident enough? Besides hurting you, what else can he do?”

I pursed my lips, unsure what to say. Actually, wanting to resign wasn’t only because of Reynaldo, but also because of my own stubbornness and determination. I always believed I’d found this job myself, and I wanted to prove to Reynaldo that even as a “useless rich girl,” I could earn a living. Well, originally, Winston gave me the job. I couldn’t fully accept this truth.

I blamed myself for being foolish, for not noticing the clues. For example, even a fool would know it’s impossible for a newcomer, only here a few days, to be assigned to this project. I foolishly thought the opportunity was earned through hard work. Ridiculous. Truly ridiculous.

I felt very upset. My father’s situation made my mood collapse. Struggling to suppress my pessimism, I exclaimed to Winston, “I really can’t do this job anymore. I’m sorry.”

Winston forced a smile. “It seems I shouldn’t have shown up. At least, you’ll still be treated well here.”

Ralda, you were carrying too much emotional baggage. If you hadn’t cared so much about Reynaldo, you would have definitely lived a good life.

I pursed my lips and remained silent. Winston looked at me stubbornly, took a deep breath, and sighed, “Alright, I won’t force you.”

He turned away, seemingly hurt. I lowered my gaze, feeling so sad I wanted to cry. I choked up and said, “Winston, thank you, and… I will find a way to repay the money my dad borrowed from you.”

“No need!”

“It has to be repaid, definitely,” I said firmly, then silently left the president’s office.

Back at my desk, I packed up my things. After learning how I got this job, I couldn’t stay a moment longer. Several colleagues looked at me in surprise and asked what was wrong. I simply said I was resigning. They asked more questions, but I didn’t answer much. Several colleagues said I’d offended the boss and been fired. I smiled bitterly. If only it were true; at least that would prove my job was earned through my own efforts.

I didn’t have many things, so I tidied up quickly.