"I don't blame you. It's every man for himself in this world,

" I said earnestly, without a hint of blame toward Deborah., Even though we were colleagues, maybe a bit more than that, or even friends, looking out for myself always came first.

"Felicia...

" Deborah gently shook my arm, wanting to add something., But I cut her off.

"Mr. Wagner cleared that we're to blame if the lighting issue remains unsolved. We don't have the luxury to dwell on anything else but to fix this mess.

" Deborah's eyes widened in disbelief.

"It's hardly our fault, yet it sounds like we're the culprits.

",

"We're in charge of this project. If there's any problem, we're the first in line for blame, no excuses. If we don't want to face the music, we better find a solution,

" I said sternly. Deborah fell silent, nodding, then turned to leave., I heard her mutter,

"Settling personal scores.

", What Deborah meant was clear. Conrad was taking his dissatisfaction out on me, making it personal. I sighed, well aware of the fact. But that only made me more determined to solve the issue impeccably and leave him no room for criticism., Besides, the amusement park was my way of fulfilling my dad's dream, and I couldn't afford any flaws. My dad was a perfectionist, and I wanted him to know his daughter strove for the same excellence. Deborah quickly returned with the contact details for the lighting suppliers and the contractors., After a call, we set up a meeting for both sides to come to the site and talk about the main issues and possible solutions. They agreed but couldn't make it until the day after tomorrow, so fretting over it was pointless., Deborah had hardly slept the previous night, so I told her to take the day off and rest while I decided to head back to the Wagner family. I had clarified things with Conrad, but there were still matters to settle with the Wagner family., Just as I was leaving, Haley approached me.

"Felicia, can we talk?

",

"I don't see what we have to talk about,

" I checked the HR department's employee movement log and knew Haley had joined the company three days ago, working in administration., Our departments had no direct interaction, so her seeking me out was unlikely work-related.,

"What's the matter, Ms. Perez?

" I asked formally., Not only had Haley landed a role in administration, but she was also the department head., Conrad's decision was as baffling as those ancient rulers bewitched by beauties. Her sudden promotion to supervisor was bound to stir discontent among the staff., And he did that without a thought for how it reflected on me, his fiancée-to-be, especially since Haley and he had a rumored affair.,

"It's personal,

" Haley said, her face flushed with embarrassment., I glanced at the time.

"Sorry, but it's working hours now.

", Haley's discomfort intensified, and her lips tightened.

"Maybe after work, then?

", I pointed at my bag.

"I'm leaving now and have got other plans after work.

", That made Haley's expression more bitter. She looked around, making sure we were alone, and said,

"I know you're upset because I'm living in that house, and it's causing issues between you and Rad. I can move out.

", I couldn't help but laugh.

"Haley, drop the act. If you intended to move, you wouldn't have moved in the first place. And another thing...

", I paused, fixing her with a piercing look.

"You know perfectly well your presence is why Conrad and I are like this now, yet you still flaunt yourself before me. What are you playing at? Do you think I'm blind or just plain stupid?

",

"I needed a place to stay,

" Haley attempted to justify herself., Seeing through her act, I didn't hold back with my words.

"Is Conrad's company the only place that can sustain you? Or can you not live without him?

",

"Felicia, how can you say that,

" Haley raised her hand., I stepped back, putting distance between us.

"Haley, cameras are everywhere in this office. Spare yourself the drama, or you'll be the one who ends up embarrassed.

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