Chapter 5

The product sales conference turned out to be passable but far from perfect.

Damian raised an eyebrow at me, and I nodded in response.

We agreed to meet later at the café downstairs.

"Why did you come over today?"

"You've been gone for so long, and now that you're back, you don't even say a word. I had no choice but to come see you myself."

"Don't you miss me?" he teased, a playful grin on his face as he threw flirtatious glances at me.

"What's going on with Bethany?"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of her soon!"

We hadn't had a good conversation in a long time, and neither of us noticed the pair of angry eyes watching us from outside the café.

When I returned to the office, I noticed that my colleagues were looking at me strangely.

"Hmph, some people really don't know their place. How dare she set her sights on Mr. Caldwell?"

"Right! She's trying to hook up with Mr. Caldwell during a company event and ruining the company's reputation!"

Two of my colleagues, with whom I had been on good terms, began gossiping.

"Aaliyah, how dare you come back here after trying to seduce Mr. Caldwell? You've completely neglected your work. Do you even want to keep your job?"

Bethany pointed at my nose, her face twisted with anger.

"That's nonsense. Damian and I are friends," I retorted.

Bethany and the other women laughed as though they'd heard the funniest joke.

"You bumpkin, dreaming of marrying a rich man? It'll never happen!"

"Yeah, you'll never marry into money in your life!"

I glanced around at the mocking faces, then gave a slight smirk.

"I just wanted to let you all know that due to Bethany's poor reception, everyone in the marketing department has had their year-end bonuses canceled.

"Since you're all so happy about this, I assume you have no objections?"