“She publicly slandered and showed jealousy toward a new colleague, flouting all corporate protocols. If I let this slide, I lose all authority,” William said, his tone sharp and firm. His usually handsome features seemed even more distant and cold at this moment.

Rachel frowned, realizing he wasn’t going to back down. She took a deep breath. “What do you want to do about it, Mr. Lewis?”

“She’ll resign. The company will give her one month’s salary as compensation,” William said decisively.

Cecilia suddenly realized how serious the situation was. She hadn’t expected that just speaking up for Rachel would lead to being fired.

Rachel’s face went pale. She turned to William, her voice gentle but firm as she protested, “Mr. Lewis, it doesn’t have to go that far. Cecilia was just trying to help me.”

William’s gaze hardened. “Cecilia’s behavior in front of me is your fault. But since you’ve already been punished, we’ll consider it settled. If you ask me to go easy on her again, I’ll hold you responsible as well.”

His warning was clear. If she kept standing up for Cecilia, the consequences would fall on her too.

Rachel couldn’t help but smile bitterly. After seven years, William still didn’t really understand her. She wasn’t the type to abandon her friends. She straightened her back, her voice unwavering as she added, “Since you put it that way, Mr. Lewis, then Cecilia’s reckless behaviour is partly my responsibility too. Whether you want to fire me or anything else, I’ll accept it.”

At this point, the Oasis Project was already lost to her, and staying at the company didn’t matter anymore.

Just then, Samantha stepped forward, looking guilty. “Rachel, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you felt that way about my abilities. I’ve tried my best. You could’ve just talked to me directly instead of talking to Cecilia behind my back.”

As Samantha spoke, she suddenly looked away, embarrassed. Her cheeks turned bright red.

Rachel’s frustration turned into a sarcastic smile.

Cecilia was furious. “I saw all of this with my own eyes. It has nothing to do with Ms. Lloyd!”

“Enough!” William’s voice cut through the room. “This is a company, not a marketplace. If you want to take it outside. The decision stands. Effective immediately.”

Without waiting for anyone to respond, he walked out of the office.

Rachel looked at Samantha, a coldness in her eyes. “Tell me, exactly which part of Cecilia’s accusations was untrue?”

“I…” Samantha hesitated, clearly caught off guard by Rachel’s directness. Her ears turned pink with embarrassment.

Rachel turned to Cecilia and said, “Come with me to my office.”

Once inside, Cecilia looked at Rachel, regret filling her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think Mr. Lewis would… would take your job away. You two are still married, right? He used to love you so much and now…”

Rachel remained calm. “It’s fine. I don’t want to work here anymore. It’s been exhausting. Here’s 100,000. Though it’s not much, please give it to the person you asked to help me last time. And let them know I’m sorry that I got them fired.”

Cecilia’s eyes widened, but Rachel didn’t stop, adding, “Also, here’s 50,000 for you. I’ll try to talk to William and see if he’ll let you stay. If not, I’ll help you find another job.”

Cecilia shook her head vehemently at the proffered card. “No, I can’t take your money. Besides, Mr. Lewis might’ve just temporarily believed Samantha’s nonsense. Don’t be so upset. Why does this feel like you’re saying goodbye forever?”

An unspoken sense of finality hung between them, uncomfortably like a farewell.