Chapter 119
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The truth was, over the past few days, I had been quietly pulling her away from key projects. I did it so smoothly, she hadn’t
even noticed.
Even if she suspected something. I’d just say it was because of her injury and that she needed rest. Some of the heavier tasks weren’t suitable for her. After all, her injury was real, and she did get stitches at the hospital.
I thought, ‘She can’t possibly tell me that it is all an act, can she? Since she liked playing this game so much, I figured I’d go along with it.
A few days later, Dexter came to me with the blood bank documents. I looked over the stamped and signed papers, relieved that this major task hadn’t been delayed. Everything else was just noise.
Dexter looked at me with concern. “You’re really not going to help Manuela? Your little office girl refuses to settle and insists on sending her to jail.”
I replied casually, “She’ll probably do six months to a year. It’s not a big deal.”
“It’s not about time, it’s about the criminal record she’ll have, Dexter said, getting frustrated.
I watched him with some interest, thinking his acting was actually quite convincing. “Why should I care?”
Dexter was taken aback.
I said, “One less problem isn’t a big deal. Unless your relatives don’t want to make money. Otherwise, I can’t see why they’d refuse this.
“Your cousins only make a few hundred dollars a month. Now there’s an opportunity for them to earn so much more- would they really pass that up just for Manuela?”
I smiled. “If they decide to pass on it, let me know. I’ll go talk to them again. But as for the money, I’ll give it to them directly.”
Dexter’s smile faltered.
Everyone had their own self–interest. Even if Dexter’s cousins were on his side, when it came to money, no one would willingly hand over their hard–earned cash.
No one would be foolish enough to do that, especially since they were all after the money. Dexter knew them well, and I wasn’t naive either.
“Sylvia, I really didn’t expect you to be so… ruthless and cold–hearted, he said.
“I never thought you’d be this… slick either,” I replied with a half–smile. I couldn’t help but wonder, “Does Rhea know the full story?
Dexter’s lips tightened, but he didn’t say another word and left.
m
I glanced down at the documents in my hand, holding them close to my chest. I thought, ‘Just a little longer–two more months, that’s all
Another busy week ended, and I hurried through the hallway, the click of my heels echoing in the empty space.
The collaboration with Holly’s team had finally entered its most critical phase. Both of us had been on edge, not daring to
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Chapter 119
let our guard down.
when everything was finally wrapped up, both teams broke into loud cheers.
Holly and I exchanged a tired but satisfied smile, our eyes reflecting the exhaustion and fulfillment we both felt.
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“Mr. Jacobson said that after the project is finished, we’ll get a week of paid leave. How’s that? Pretty exciting, right?” I asked, raising my voice to get the crowd hyped.
“Yes!”
“Mr. Jacobson also said the project went well, and it’ll be factored into our year–end bonuses. How about that? Pretty happy. right?” Holly mimicked me, getting the crowd even more fired up.
Yes!
Laughter erupted around the room, and everyone felt proud of the hard work they’d put in.
The already booked the buffet area at a five–star hotel for all of you. Tonight, we party hard! Tomorrow, we’ll start enjoying your well–deserved break!”
“Wow!”
The excitement was overwhelming, and I couldn’t help but laugh and shake my head.
Just then, I spotted Sheila standing by the door, hesitating, as she looked at me. “Sylvia, can I have a word with you?”
