Chapter 4

I clenched my fists, feeling a surge of anger. Enough was enough.

Without another word, I stood up, grabbed Lisa by the arm, and marched straight to Julie’s desk.

Julie glanced up lazily, her expression indifferent. “I already told you—if you have a problem, take it up with HR. I’m busy.”

I smiled coldly. “Oh, this involves you, Julie. We’re going to clear the air right now.”

Her composure faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered.

“Fine,” she said, crossing her arms. “Say what you need to say.”

I turned to face our team, my voice loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Julie, I thought we were neighbors. I didn’t mind giving you rides because it was convenient, and you were my boss. I was trying to be polite.”

“But for the past six months, you’ve treated me like your personal chauffeur, calling me at all hours and ordering me around. I let it slide because I didn’t want to make waves.”

“But now you’re telling people my car is yours? How does that make any sense?”

The room fell silent. My teammates stared, wide-eyed, while Julie’s face turned an alarming shade of red.

Before she could respond, Lisa spoke up, trying to regain control of the situation.

“Emma, that’s a serious accusation. You’re still just an intern. Do you really expect us to believe you can afford a car like that?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Why not? Does buying a car require permission from my title or age?”

Julie coughed awkwardly, cutting Lisa off.

She patted Lisa’s shoulder, feigning concern. “It’s fine, Lisa. Let’s not be too hard on her. The car is hers. I just didn’t correct people’s assumptions because I didn’t want Emma to face unnecessary scrutiny.”

Her words were laced with fake pity, but I saw the smug glint in her eyes. She thought she’d outmaneuvered me.

“After all,” she continued, “a young woman driving a luxury car… people might get the wrong idea. I didn’t want anyone accusing her of, say, being a—well, you know.”

Her insinuation was clear, and it worked like a charm. Lisa’s expression shifted into one of disapproval.

“I knew it,” Lisa muttered. “Emma’s family didn’t seem wealthy. I saw her dad in sandals at the branch once—doesn’t exactly scream ‘BMW owner.’”

Julie smirked, satisfied as the gossip shifted away from her and onto me.

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