"Mr. Wagner,

" I began, my tone dripping with venom that might have been out of place,

"I might just be spewing harsh words now, but I can be crueler. If you're worried, why don't you just send her packing, or...

" My gaze shifted to Dustin, and then I added,

"Or arrange for someone to guard her around the clock?

", Conrad was clueless about my real thoughts.

"Oh, that'd be great. If you personally protect her, I will feel more at ease..

",

"That's not happening. I'm not exactly sitting around twiddling my thumbs,

" I retorted before abruptly ending the call., Haley chimed in,

"Ms. Hudson, no need to be so hostile towards me. I can take care of myself.

",

"You're perfectly capable, physically and mentally, I have no doubt. But it's always that one in a thousand chance,

" I said, my words causing Deborah to press her lips tightly together to suppress a laugh.

"Mr. Wagner said on the phone that you need someone to protect you 24 hours a day. I don't think 24 hours is necessary, after all, when Ms. Perez is sleeping, only your intimate person can protect you, right?

"I spoke without mercy., Previously, it was quite sympathetic because her husband passed away early, but now I understand the truth behind the saying 'Even those who seem pitiful have their detestable sides'.,

"Mr. Wagner,

" I turned to Dustin,

"since both you and Ms. Perez are new around here, why don't you two get acquainted with the amusement park layout? That way, you can also keep an eye on her.

" Dustin was taken aback, clearly not expecting my directive.

"Felicia, you...

",

"Mr. Wagner,

" I cut him off,

"you might be an executive director back at the office, my superior, but here in the amusement park, I call the shots. Everyone here follows my lead.

", This was a privilege Conrad had granted me, one I hadn't needed to use until now, as the project was nearing its conclusion., Dustin was at a loss for words, and Haley's face flushed deep red.

"I don't need it. I can ensure my own safety.

", She was well aware of the dynamics between Dustin and Conrad. Engaging in a flirtatious ambiguity with Conrad while spending every second with Dustin was bound to cause discomfort, not to mention Conrad's potential misinterpretation of their closeness.,

"As I said, it's not about the fear of the likely, but the unlikely. Besides, Mr. Wagner isn't here solely for your protection; it's just a convenient arrangement. Ms. Perez, don't overthink it,

" I pinned her down with my words, leaving no room for rebuttal., Haley had no choice but to look at Dustin, but when Dustin looked back at me, he finally nodded,

"Alright, we'll go with Ms. Parker's plan.

", That settled it for Haley.,

"Let's all get back to work then,

" I declared with an authoritative tone., Though Haley left reluctantly, she couldn't help but protest to Dustin,

"How could you agree? She's clearly trying to make us uncomfortable on purpose!

",

"You're reading too much into it. She's just looking out for the workplace, making sure you're safe,

" Dustin's response drew a laugh from me., Yet, it also sparked a twinge of guilt within me for perhaps unfairly directing my frustration with Conrad and Haley towards him., But then again, he chose to be here, didn't he?,

"Felicia, you're wickedly brilliant,

" Deborah gave me a thumbs up.,

"Just focus on your work, or I'll assign you to Haley's round-the-clock detail,

" I teased her., She shook her head vigorously and turned to leave,

"I'm on it. Going to work hard.

", As everyone dispersed, my expression darkened., The excitement I had felt just moments ago had turned into a tight, sour feeling in my chest., Conrad's previous actions hadn't hurt me enough, it seemed, and now he had to parade Haley before me to add insult to injury., Did he think I wasn't embarrassed enough? Wasn't I hurt enough?, Suddenly, the light dimmed as a large hand blocked my view. I was about to push it away when Ernest's voice came through,

"You did well.

", As his hand moved away, I saw a lollipop in front of me., I looked up at him, and he simply said,

"Consider it a reward.

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