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Thirteen

In the meeting room, everyone gathered around the table, the atmosphere tense and heavy. Malia's gaze was locked onto Talia, her expression a mix of aggression and jealousy.

“What’s going on here?” Malia demanded, her voice cutting through the silence. “The sales department report didn’t meet the standards this month. Who’s responsible for this mess?” Her eyes bored into Talia with a mocking glare.

Lisa, Talia’s friend, stood up defiantly. “Are you blaming Talia for this? You only got your position because of your connections with the Donovan family, not because of your abilities,” she shot back, her voice firm and unapologetic. Talia struggled to hold back a laugh at Lisa’s boldness.

Lisa continued, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “It’s a miracle your performance ever meets the standard. Malia, you’re just a placeholder.” Malia’s face flushed with rage, but Lisa ignored her, leaning closer to Talia. “Talia, you have the Donovan name, too, right? Why don’t you get the same p