Chapter 2

A few minutes later, the conference room doors flew open again.

The General Manager’s secretary summoned me and my entire team down the hall.

The moment I stepped into Mr. Vance’s executive suite, the General Manager rushed toward me, bowing slightly in apology.

"Chloe, Director Hayes made a terrible mistake. I am going to have him apologize to you personally and clear your name right now."

As he spoke, Mr. Vance glared furiously at the director standing behind him.

I kept my voice calm.

"Mr. Vance, I don’t need an apology. I just want a transfer to another department."

He had condemned my integrity and accused me of fraud solely based on Harper’s planted whispers.

A man like that didn't deserve to lead me.

Mr. Vance nodded without hesitation. "Consider it done."

Then, he whirled on Director Hayes.

"Marcus, do you have any idea how catastrophic this expired food issue would have been for the entire Sterling Group if it leaked to the press?"

"You are relieved of your duties as Director. Hand in your badge."

I was genuinely stunned. I thought Marcus would just lose his bonus. I never imagined he’d be fired on the spot.

He was in his late forties. Getting terminated at this stage in his career meant his professional life was effectively over.

The realization hit Marcus like a freight train. The light drained from his eyes.

He didn't dare lash out at me, and he certainly didn't dare challenge the GM.

Instead, his eyes darted through the crowd until he spotted Harper shrinking into the back. He lunged forward, grabbing her by the collar.

"You manipulative little snake! If you hadn't whispered that Chloe faked the evidence, I never would have blamed her!"

"You just destroyed my entire life!"

Harper struggled in terror, her face pale.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about! Get your hands off me, you creep!"

Marcus sounded completely unhinged.

"Stop playing dumb! Since the day you joined this company, I’ve caught you glaring at Chloe like a jealous psychopath! You intentionally manipulated me into firing her!"

His words hit the room like a thunderbolt.

Everyone who had tuned into Harper’s mental broadcasts suddenly froze.

A couple of coworkers began murmuring.

"No wonder we kept getting bad vibes about Chloe... It was Harper all along."

Hearing them, Marcus’s eyes turned bloodshot. His hands clamped around Harper’s throat.

"You ruinous bitch! I'll kill you!"

The office erupted into utter chaos. Mr. Vance frowned and snapped at his assistant to call building security.

Security guards barged in just in time, prying Marcus off her and dragging him out of the suite.

Even as they hauled him down the hall, Marcus kept his murderous glare locked onto Harper until the doors slid shut.