Chapter 8

“Gisselle, you said you’d leave if it was fake. Now, fulfill your promise.”

I squatted, watching Gisselle’s terrified face. She finally realized she had no choice but to plead with Leonard, hoping he could still save her. Given their history, his indifference was unexpected.

“Leonard, you have to save me! I’ve helped you so much, you can’t ignore me!” She threw herself at his legs, begging frantically.

Leonard panicked, glancing at me, fearing Gisselle would expose his machinations.

“Please, Leonard, you can’t treat me like this! I’ve done so much for you, even today with Audrey…”

Leonard abruptly shouted, “Shut up!” He forcefully shoved her aside, leaving her terrified as he glared.

“You’ll pay for spreading rumors,” Audrey declared. “Resign and leave this afternoon.”

I was shocked by Leonard’s cruelty. Gisselle, betrayed and humiliated by the man she loved, was on the verge of a breakdown. She laughed bitterly and, unsteady, rose to her feet. She glared at Leonard and walked out, never looking back.

Her workstation was already cleared by the time she finished work. That evening, Leonard, my erstwhile lover, knelt before me, a pathetic figure.

“Please, Audrey, don’t leave me! I truly love you.” Tears streamed down his face. His humility was breathtaking.

I sighed, disgusted by his shamelessness.

“You know what you did,” I said coldly, slowly pressing my foot onto his face.

Chapter 9

He endured the agonizing pain, summoning his strength to plead, “It was foolishness! I still love you, Audrey. Give me another chance!”

I removed my foot just before he fainted. He gasped for air, his face red, crawling to my feet.

“I’ll be your dog, doing all the dirty work in Purchasing.”

This was convenient. With Gisselle gone, Leonard shamelessly resumed his duties. My goal was to rid the company of them both.

“Fine. Behave like a dog. Any ulterior motives, and you know the consequences.”

Leonard, secretly delighted by my approval, believed he still held value. He thought he could win me over, eventually marry me, and inherit my father’s company. The thought thrilled him.

The next day, I met a masked guest, clearly cautious. I poured her wine, toasting, “You said you did ‘dirty things’ for him. What did you mean?”

“Why should I tell you?” She flung the wine aside.

Unsurprised, I pressed, “He was heartless. Don’t you want revenge?”

“I’ll handle it. No need for your intervention.” She hesitated, confused by my intentions, then stood to leave.

“I’ll give you an answer in three days.”

I knew she wouldn't willingly cooperate. In three days, I'd have my answer.