Chapter 4

Faced with these unfounded accusations, I didn't ignore them. I'd already taken action; I just needed to wait for the opportune moment. Gisselle enjoyed gossiping and spreading rumors, especially false and scandalous ones. She often gossiped with her colleagues in the restroom, while I, having bribed the restroom cleaner, had her wear a recording device. Whenever Gisselle approached, she'd pretend to clean and discreetly record. I already possessed several pieces of evidence proving she'd spread rumors about me and others.

During my first month in the Purchasing Department, a significant task arose: negotiating with our head supplier. A successful negotiation would significantly boost company profits. One evening, while working on crucial documents, Leonard approached with a latte and squeezed my shoulder.

“Have you been overworking? Seeing you like this worries me, Audrey,” he said gently. He pressed his face against my neck, whispering, “Are you still blaming me for what happened? I truly care about you, Audrey. Do you believe me?” He knelt, crying and begging for forgiveness.

I looked down at him. His actions served two purposes: securing the resources I provided and lulling my vigilance before striking again. Then, I saw the document on my computer and had an epiphany. “I trust you, Leonard. Can you help me revise this document?”

His eyes lit up; his tears instantly turning to laughter, he hugged me, exclaiming, “Let me handle this!” I feigned tiredness, yawning and handing him the computer, before retreating to my room. Through the crack in the door, I watched him diligently editing the documents, a determined look on his face. I suspected he would use this document against me.

Finally, the day of the negotiation arrived. The Purchasing Department awaited the supplier in the conference room. The manager instructed us to check our documents. Gisselle gasped, staring at the computer.

“What do we do? The crucial quotation is missing!”

Colleagues buzzed with concern. I checked all files; the only missing item was the quotation sheet, my responsibility. I looked at Leonard, who met my gaze without guilt. Yesterday, I'd discovered errors and asked Leonard to correct them. After he finished, he'd claimed to have backed it up and sent it to everyone. I hadn't questioned him then. I hadn't anticipated this.

I closed the computer. “It’s my fault,” I said. The manager frowned. “The supplier is arriving; there’s no time to recreate it. Look for a backup.” I shook my head. Leonard must have destroyed the document. There was no need to search.

Gisselle was the first to accuse me. “This crucial document is missing! We can’t proceed, and you’ll be held responsible! You were in charge!” Other female colleagues, her allies, echoed her accusations with disdainful glances.

Leonard pretended to defend me. “The supplier is arriving. Let me find a solution.” Secretly, he rejoiced. My mistake provided him the perfect opportunity to take over my supervisory role.

Amidst the chaos, I remained calm.

“Oh, the supplier has arrived.”