You know, I actually did want to eat those things earlier, but if I had, then Ernest's secret attempt at making things up to me would've been satisfied., And I couldn't have that. I wanted to keep him on his toes, feeling guilty but powerless to do anything for me., Luckily, I had some snacks stashed away in my desk drawer. Just as I was about to grab them, the office phone rang., Snack in one hand, phone in the other, I answered,

"...What? Is it serious? I'll be right there.

", Hanging up, I stood up, leaving the snacks behind., The call had come from one of my team members downstairs. Apparently, a discussion about a project had turned sour, and they'd even gotten physically assaulted. This was serious., My team member being bullied felt like a direct affront to me. I drove down there immediately.,

"Director Hudson, I swear I didn't go into their women's locker room. They're framing me,

" the injured team member explained, his face a picture of distress, as I approached., Inspecting his swollen face, which seemed to be mostly superficial bruises, I asked,

"Who hit you?

",

"Their head of security.

",

"And where's their person in charge?

" As I finished my sentence, a middle-aged man hurried over.,

"Director Hudson, today's incident was a complete misunderstanding, I'm terribly sorry,

" the man, named Larson, the project manager, was profusely apologizing, nearly bending over backward.,

"Since Larson claims it was a misunderstanding, yet my employee ends up like this, what do you suggest we do about it?

" I asked coldly., Larson was quick, almost eager, to offer,

"We'll cover all medical expenses.

", I couldn't help but sneer.

"Is that all?

", Larson hesitated for a moment, then he added,

"We'll also cover lost wages and nutrition costs...

", I raised my hand to stop him,

"Bring the one who hit him here.

",

"That person... I've already fired him,

" Larson claimed, though his words lacked conviction.,

"Larson, I want to see him, or I'm calling the police right now,

" I threatened, reaching for my phone., The next second, my wrist was in agony, my phone snatched away.,

"Think you can call the cops on our turf, lady?

" the thief taunted before smashing my phone on the ground., Glancing, injured team, shattered device, the whispered to, member the, me,

"Director Hudson, he's the one, who hit me.

" ,

"Yeah, I hit you. What are you going to do about it?

" the man was brazen.,

"Got any proof?

" I countered, unfazed.,

"Proof? I am the proof. Saw him with my own eyes entering the women's locker room,

" he pointed at me., I narrowed my eyes,

"Get your hand off.

", The man laughed mockingly,

"And what if I don't? In fact, I might just touch you instead.

", As he reached towards my face, I didn't give him the chance, swiftly slapping him across the face., The smack echoed; crisp and loud., The man was about to retaliate, when I kicked him, my high heelsznot ideal for combat but the pointed heel proved useful. The kick sent him stumbling back into a wall and then rebounding onto the floor. , Just as he was about to curse, a, figure approached, and a polishedet, dress shoe pressed down on, hand, causing him to how, pain., , Looking up, I was surprised at the newcomer's sudden appearance., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.