Chapter 820: Exposure
Sarah’s sharp reprimand silenced the murmuring employees; their phones were instantly lowered. "Delete those photos and videos," she ordered coldly. "Posting them online will have consequences." Under the weight of her threat, they reluctantly began deleting the images. Unsatisfied, Sarah demanded, "Hand over your phones. I need to verify the deletions."
This demand sparked immediate resentment. No one complied.
"Didn't you hear me?" Sarah barked. "Hand them over, or you'll lose your jobs."
"Even as a leader, you have no right to invade our privacy," one employee retorted.
"I'm invading your privacy. So what?" Sarah countered aggressively. "I make the rules here. Comply."
Another employee echoed the dissent. "You're out of line, Sarah. It's my phone, and I have the right to share this video."
"You dare defy me? Do you want to keep your job?" Sarah hissed.
"I quit," the employee declared angrily. "My dignity is worth more than this job."
"Shut up!" Sarah's face contorted with rage. "Kanae almost jumped to her death because of you, and all you care about is protecting yourself! Remember what you said in your interview? It's disgusting. I'm releasing this video to expose your true character."
This attack enraged Sarah. As a Collins, she couldn't tolerate such criticism. She lunged forward and slapped the employee. "One more word," she snarled, "and you'll regret it."
The employee, hand to face, prepared to retaliate. Security intervened, separating them. Humiliated, Sarah screamed, "I'll fire you, and you'll suffer in Northfield. Just wait and see!" Her threat partially subdued the others. Pushing aside the security guard, she thundered, "Disobedience has consequences!" Silence fell.
Turning to Kanae, Sarah spat, "Want to end your life? Go ahead. I'll give you the money. Your life means nothing to me. And your death won't be publicized. Don't try to threaten me. I was born into a better family, superior to you from the start. You'll never have the wealth and power I possess." Sarah stormed off.
Kanae, who had only intended to threaten Sarah, jumped. But Sarah's influence would ensure the incident remained hidden.
Back in her office, Sarah called her father, Rose. Rose was astonished by the change in Sarah's demeanor.
Sarah sobbed, "Dad, I need your help."
"What's wrong?"
"I'm hurting so much in Kensbury City," she cried.
Rose was shocked. He couldn't believe the usually domineering Sarah was so distraught.
"Who hurt you?" Rowan demanded, his voice hardening. He wouldn't let anyone harm his daughter.
Sarah explained, "I've been working tirelessly at Cooper Group, keeping a close eye on Oscar. Otherwise, he and his associates would control the company's finances, undermining our family's position. I work overtime constantly, and I've lost weight. But my efforts aren't appreciated. The employees resent me, disobey, and even compare me to Hannah. I thought they'd change their minds when they saw my dedication. But today, someone threatened to jump from the roof."
Sarah wept uncontrollably. Rowan felt a wave of sickness wash over him.
"Don't cry," Rowan said deeply. "I'll handle this. Is the employee still there?"
"Yes."
"I see. Calm down. I'll take care of it."
"Thank you, Dad."
"If anyone hurts you, tell me. I won't allow it."
"I will. You're the best dad ever."
Sarah hung up, instantly composing herself. She smirked, deeming Kanae insignificant. She wouldn't be deterred; she would make them pay.
"Find out what's happening. Report back immediately," she instructed Rose, who promptly left and secretly contacted Hannah. Hannah then ordered Manuel to release all the videos of Sarah, including the footage Rose had taken. The released videos sent shockwaves through Northfield.
Sarah sipped her coffee calmly. When her father called again, she feigned distress. "Dad, did you handle it?"
Rowan roared, his voice shaking the phone. "Sarah! I haven't been so humiliated in years!" His fury shocked Sarah, who hadn't yet grasped the situation's magnitude.