Chapter 835: Resignation

"How could you say that?" Tammy trembled with anger. "You were there this morning when we were leaving! You asked me to click on the file, and I turned off the laptop after making sure it was saved. Then you took it, and the file was gone. No one else could have done it!" She was certain Clara was responsible, though she couldn't understand why.

Tears streamed down Clara's face. "Though I haven't been here long," she sobbed, "I understand basic workplace ethics. My father instilled honesty and integrity in me from a young age. I don't know why Tammy insists on blaming me, but if someone must take the blame, I'm willing to. After all, I should have checked the file myself."

Tammy, usually eloquent, was speechless with rage. Six years with the company, and this was her first such ordeal, her first injustice, her first overwhelming fury. She wanted to fight Clara.

"I don't know Miss Phillips's laptop password," Clara continued, her tears falling like rain. "How could I access the computer?"

Tammy exploded. "You asked me for the password! You said Mr. Johnson might need the file, and I gave it to you!"

"With all your excuses, why are you so willing to take the blame?" Clara cried. "The senior leadership's password! How could you give it away so easily? Tammy, you've been a secretary for years—you lack basic professional integrity! Even I know the president's password isn't just some simple password. Confidential information shouldn't be shared without permission!"

Tammy was speechless. She admitted negligence; she hadn't suspected Clara. She’d believed those close to the president were incapable of such a thing. She acknowledged her mistake in divulging confidential information. But she was furious at Clara's manipulation.

Tears welled in Tammy's eyes. "It's my fault. I apologize, Mr. Johnson, Miss Phillips," she said, clenching her jaw.

Clara felt a smug satisfaction. Her plan had worked perfectly; no blame could fall on her.

"I resign," Tammy declared, summoning her courage. "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Johnson and Miss Phillips."

Tammy left abruptly, striding away without waiting for transportation.

Susan watched her go. "It's not her fault," she said. "If I hadn't been late, this wouldn't have happened. I'll take responsibility."

Manuel looked at her.

"I'm leaving," Susan said, bowing deeply to Manuel before following Tammy.

Manuel watched them go, impassively.

Clara sobbed, turning to Manuel. "Did I upset Miss Phillips?"

Manuel looked at her coldly. "No, you upset me." He got into his car.

Clara froze, stunned. He hadn't offered comfort, only blame. Was it just because Susan was angry? The realization that Manuel still cared for Susan intensified her pain. She got into the car, resolute in her feelings for him.

Susan caught up with Tammy, who was weeping uncontrollably. Years as a secretary, and never had she felt such helplessness and injustice.

"Tammy," Susan said, pulling her friend.

Tammy hid her face, ashamed of her emotional outburst.

"It's just a job," Susan said, trying to comfort her, though she too felt like crying. "I lost my job too, and I'm fine." She felt a newfound maturity, able to bear her own pain and offer solace to others.

"It's not just the job," Tammy choked out, her anger resurfacing. "I hate being manipulated like this."

Susan felt deep regret, blaming herself for the disastrous outcome. She doubted she'd ever work again.

"Do you trust me, Miss Phillips?" Tammy asked.

"Yes?"

"I saved the file. I gave Clara the laptop because she said Mr. Johnson wanted to review it, and I gave her the password. Oh God, I regret it! How could I trust that…that woman? I thought people close to Mr. Johnson wouldn't do something like this!" Tammy was consumed by remorse.

"I trust you, Tammy. I know how careful you are," Susan reassured her.

From the beginning, Tammy suspected Clara. Susan believed Clara's motive was simply to get Tammy fired; perhaps she didn't want Manuel involved with his ex-wife anymore. Susan felt guilty for involving Tammy.