Chapter 2. The Spiteful Person

Nina and Laura looked at each other, raised their faces, and looked towards the source of the sound. A man wearing a light pink shirt stood staring at them. The man's face could be categorized as handsome. Still, unfortunately, his feminine face was always adorned with a sarcastic smile, especially towards Nina.

The man was Richard, one of the employees who had worked at the company for a long time; he was in the same division as Nina. But the relationship between the two seemed less than pleasant because Richard often offended or insinuated Nina.

"Richard, what's the matter with you?" Laura said curtly.

"It's still working hours, but you two are talking." Richard acted like a supervisor.

"I know it's still working hours, but the rules of this company don't prohibit us from having a coffee to relieve our fatigue," Laura argued, "the important thing is that we don't neglect our duties and work."

"Oh, yes. It's good to get the job done well, and the boss is satisfied with the results," grinned Richard as he looked at Nina. The girl was silent as she fiddled with the almost empty coffee cup; she knew Richard was being sarcastic because he knew when Emily, Nathan's assistant, asked her to go to the boss.

"What do you mean, Richard?" growled Laura, "what are you doing here anyway? Do you want a coffee?" he sarcastically smiled.

"Haha, I was just passing by," Richard said, his eyes still fixed on Nina. "By the way, Nin. Isn't that the file you sent Yesterday? Why was it returned to you?"

Nina still didn't answer; she finished the rest of her coffee and stood up. "Ra, thank you for the coffee; I'll go first."

Ignoring Richard, Nina walked away, leaving Laura and the man visibly upset at being ignored.

"You're such an arrogant girl; you can't even do your job," Richard swore.

"What a jerk!" Laura retorted as she walked away from Richard. The man froze but grinned faintly and headed towards the CEO's room.

---

Nathan was still busily engaged in his work when Emily, his assistant, came in and informed him that Richard Stirling had requested permission to come in.

"Good afternoon, sir."  Richard greeted kindly with a smile.

"Hmm, what's the need?" asked Nathan without looking at Richard, his voice so cold.

"Well, sir. I am in the same division as Nina, the employee who joined only seven months ago. I saw her doing her work carelessly, daydreaming a lot."

Nathan raised his head, looking straight at the man standing before him.

"So?" he asked briefly, his face showing interest.

Sensing an opportunity, Richard perked up. "Well, I don't know if that girl has a problem or if she's just lazy; all I see is that she doesn't seem to be doing her job."

"Hmm, then what do you want?"

"Hehe, this is it, sir. I've been working here for almost two years. I've always been able to complete tasks well before. I saw Nina working on a new project report, but she couldn't finish it."

"So?"

"If you like, how about I complete the task? I guarantee it will be completed quickly."

"Hmm, I see," Nathan said thoughtfully.

"That's right, sir. I guarantee that by tomorrow morning, I'll be able to finish it properly."

"Are you capable?" asked Nathan to confirm, "the problem is that Nina is also handling the project."

"That's easy, sir. I can ask Nina for the data; we're in the same division, and she won't mind."

"Alright then, you can go back."

"Thank you, sir. I'll make sure everything is in order tomorrow." Richard said confidently.

"Hmm..."  Nathan returned to work but immediately called his assistant after Richard left.

"Emmy, I'd like Richard Stirling's complete data and work record during his time here."

"Yes, boss. I'll get it ready right away."

Nathan couldn't understand why any of his employees would be as devious as Richard. He likes to turn corners and make faces, currying favor here and there. Such a mentality would be very dangerous if left unchecked; it could destroy the company.

Suddenly, he remembered Nina's words; the girl had said earnestly that she had checked the report carefully, but why were there so many mistakes? Nathan nodded his head, and something crossed his mind.

After a while, the assistant came in with a bundle of files requested by the boss. Nathan flipped through and scrutinized them. Now he had an idea of what kind of employee Richard was.

"Tell Nina the report needs to be finished by tomorrow morning; ask her to give me the soft copy."

"Yes, boss."

Meanwhile, Richard, who felt he had the upper hand, entered his office with pride; he saw Nina very busy and serious in front of her computer.

"What are you busy doing, Nin?" Richard stood up with a mocking smile, "Yesterday's report? Don't bother; Mr. Nathan already handed it over to me."

Nina was stunned; she lifted her face and turned to Richard. "I see," she muttered and resumed her work.

"If you revise now, it'll be done by morning?" Richard continued to chatter, but Nina didn't care; she didn't want to bother, but Richard's next words made her stop.

"Your mistake is fatal, Nina. It wouldn't be solved even if you worked on it all day."

"How do you know it's fatal?" she demanded, leaving Richard stunned.

"Y-yeah, Mr. Nathan, from Mr. Nathan, of course. He checked your report Yesterday, right?"

Nina didn't respond but focused on the monitor screen before her. Feeling ignored, Richard became irritated, snorted, and then left Nina.

A few moments after Richard left, Emily entered; she asked Nina to finish the report quickly; it had to be finished today.

Nina was surprised but could only agree with what Nathan's assistant said. 'If Mr. Nathan had told Richard to do it, why did he still tell me to finish it immediately?' Nina thought, but she no longer had time to think about anything because every second of her time was precious; she had to race against time.

"Nina, are we going home together?" Laura walked in, surprising Nina. The office hours had arrived, and all the employees were preparing to leave for their respective homes.

"You go first, Ra. It looks like I have to work late."

"Are you sure? Why don't you continue tomorrow?"

"I can't, Ra. Mr. Nathan wants it done today."

"Crazy boss! What a killer!" cursed Laura.

"Hehe, be careful, Ra. The walls have ears here."

"What? That's scary; I'll go back instead of getting into trouble. You be careful, Nin. Take care of your health, and don't forget to eat, bye!"

"Okay, Miss Chatty, bye."

Meanwhile, a man sat casually on the sofa in Nathan's room. He was waiting for Nathan to finish his work, but after waiting for a long time, his best friend was still struggling with work.

"Tan, come on a minute. I have good news," said Michael Wilson, Nathan's only friend who had always supported him.

"What news?" asked Nathan without lifting his face.

Michael sighed; his best friend was a workaholic now. "Sonya, don't you want to know about her anymore?"

Nathan was momentarily silent; then, he raised his face to look at Michael. "Why, it has nothing to do with me."

"Are you sure, Tan?" Michael confirmed he couldn't believe his best friend had become such a chunk of ice. Nathan just nodded with certainty.

"Well then, let's go out for dinner, to a club, or wherever. Don't stay at the office, Tan; you're not a robot; you work day and night."

Nathan smiled; he knew his best friend would end up like that. "What's wrong with you, Mike? I'm just relaxed."

"Hmm, that's fine then. Have a good date with the files." Michael chuckled as he left, and Nathan just shook his head. He called his assistant, who was still waiting for his instructions.

"Emmy, how's Nina's work progressing?"

"Still working on it, boss; looks like she'll be working overtime."

"Well, then you can go home."

"Yes, boss."

In an instant, the atmosphere in the big office became quiet; the lights were on in every corner of the room, signaling that daylight had changed. Nina was still busy completing her tasks; she no longer cared about the situation around her, focusing only on her work.

Unnoticed by the girl, someone quietly entered and approached her.