chapter 14

Rita stormed into Harry’s office, her eyes burning with fury. She barely glanced at the secretary as she marched straight past her, the sharp click of her heels echoing through the hallway. She didn’t knock, just opened the door wide and let herself in, slamming it behind her.

“Harry,” she snapped, her voice laced with frustration. “The company’s management needs a serious revisiting.”

Harry was sitting behind his desk, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he watched his sister pace back and forth, her movements sharp and tense. He leaned back in his chair, doing his best to remain calm, though he couldn’t help but feel a little amusement bubbling inside him. Rita was adorable when she was angry, her cheeks flushed, her lips pursed in that familiar, fiery expression.

"Rita, calm down," Harry said, his tone soothing. He leaned forward slightly, trying to keep the situation under control. He had seen her like this before, and he knew it was just a matter of time before she'd get over her irritation.

But Rita wasn’t hearing any of it. She was too fired up, and the words came pouring out in a rush.

“That woman—Linet! She’s manipulating the manager! Seducing him, using whatever she has to get him on her side! It’s blatant, Harry! I can’t believe this is happening under my nose!” She fumed, her fists clenched by her sides, her body practically vibrating with the intensity of her anger.

Harry couldn’t suppress his grin any longer. Rita was all worked up, her voice cracking with frustration, and to be honest, it was a little endearing. He loved seeing her get passionate, even if it was over something like this. He didn’t let his amusement show though, not wanting to make her more upset. Instead, he kept his expression neutral, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms.

“I get it, Rita. I do,” he said, keeping his voice even. “But maybe… just maybe, you’re overreacting. You know how she is. She’s trying to climb her way up, and it’s not the first time she’s done this.”

Rita’s eyes flashed with anger as she turned to face him, her fists balled tightly at her sides.

“You don’t get it, Harry. This isn’t just her playing a game. She’s compromising the entire integrity of the company. The manager is falling for it—hook, line, and sinker. And now the rest of the team will see him as weak. We’ll lose their respect, and that could ruin everything. We can’t let someone like her take over, Harry. You know that.”

Harry could feel the weight of her words, and the seriousness in her eyes wasn’t lost on him. He knew she was right about one thing: the company’s management had a fine line to walk. It only took one bad move, one poor decision, and the whole thing could come crashing down. But Harry also knew this wasn’t just about Linet; it was something deeper for Rita. She hated feeling vulnerable, hated losing control. And that woman was the catalyst for all of her frustrations.

"I know you're upset," Harry said gently, "but getting worked up like this won’t help. You’re the boss here. You need to handle things with clarity, not anger. Let’s figure out a plan together."

Rita stopped pacing and stared at her brother for a long moment, her chest rising and falling as she took deep breaths to calm herself. She was still furious, but Harry’s steady presence was starting to ground her. She crossed her arms over her chest, her gaze softening as she met his eyes.

“Just—just fix it, Harry,” she muttered, a little calmer now, though the fire still simmered in her voice. “I don’t want to see her continue with this. She’s bad for the company. And for you.”

Harry’s smile finally broke through. He leaned forward, a genuine warmth in his eyes. He had a deep admiration for his sister’s drive, her unwavering dedication. He couldn’t help but feel a little proud of how much she cared about the business, even if it led her to moments like this.

“Don’t worry, Rita,” he said softly, “we’ll take care of it. But you need to trust me. You don’t have to fight every battle alone, okay?”

Rita blinked, her anger still there, but softened by his words. She sighed and sat down in one of the chairs opposite him, running a hand through her hair in frustration.

“I’m trying, Harry. But this… this just feels like a personal attack.”

“I know,” he said, giving her a sympathetic smile. “But we’ll make sure it’s handled. I’ve got your back. Always.”

Rita stared at her brother for a moment, the tension in her body starting to ease. She was still angry, but somehow, hearing him say that made her feel a little more in control. She nodded, even though part of her still wanted to keep fighting.

“Alright, then. Fix it. Fast,” she said, trying to sound firm but without the usual bite in her voice.

Harry chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. “I’ll make sure Linet knows her place. Just let me work my magic.”

Rita didn’t reply, but she gave him a look that said everything. She trusted him.

The office was buzzing with the usual noise of ringing phones, chatter, and the clattering of keyboards when Linet entered, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. She strode in confidently, her posture perfect, her smile radiant as if she were a queen gracing her kingdom. Her eyes gleamed with self-satisfaction, and she couldn’t resist flaunting her success as she looked around the room.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Linet called out with a sweet, almost saccharine tone, her voice carrying clearly across the open-plan office. She knew exactly how to make an entrance. She leaned casually against a nearby desk, glancing at her colleagues as if waiting for them to notice her presence.

Almost immediately, a few of the employees looked up from their work, their expressions shifting from indifference to curiosity. Linet soaked in the attention, a smug smile curling on her lips as she began her tale.

"Ah, it’s been such a productive day," she began, her voice dripping with false humility. "You know, the manager and I had a wonderful conversation earlier." She paused dramatically, letting the words settle. "It seems he has taken quite a liking to me, and, well, he’s promised to look into some new opportunities for me here. Isn’t that just… sweet?"

The office fell into a stunned silence, and Linet reveled in the effect her words had on everyone. A few of her more supportive colleagues exchanged glances, a couple of them nodding slightly in agreement, though others looked away, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

Linet leaned in slightly, as if to share a secret, her voice dropping to a low whisper that could still be heard across the room. "It seems the manager is so impressed with my work ethic and dedication that he’s planning on giving me a little more responsibility. After all, he said I deserve it—far more than some people around here."

She glanced pointedly over at Rita, who was sitting at her desk, silently observing the drama unfold. Linet’s eyes flashed with triumph as she spoke again, her tone now almost too sweet. "I guess it’s true what they say: when you truly dedicate yourself, people start noticing. Not everyone can handle the pressure, you know?"

A few murmurs rippled through the office, and Linet could feel the tide shifting. She knew she had the upper hand now.

Rita remained silent, her jaw clenched, but Linet’s words were like daggers. She could feel the weight of the growing gossip and the looks from her colleagues. Some were even nodding, agreeing with Linet’s insinuations. They whispered amongst themselves, casting furtive glances at Rita, who sat in her chair, seething with fury but still holding her composure.

"Well, it’s clear that some people have the manager’s respect, while others..." Linet let the sentence hang in the air, her eyes flashing with subtle disdain. She turned her gaze toward Rita again, her words cutting. "It’s just unfortunate that some people don’t know how to handle themselves in such an environment. Don’t you think, Rita?"

Rita’s knuckles whitened around the edge of her desk, her body tense with barely contained rage. The mocking tone in Linet's voice was unmistakable, and the air around them seemed to grow heavier by the second.

One of the younger employees, Karen, who had always been a bit of a sycophant, spoke up nervously, her voice laced with uncertainty. "I... I think Linet’s right, you know. She’s been putting in a lot of extra effort lately. It makes sense the manager would want to acknowledge that."

Rita’s gaze shot over to Karen, her eyes narrowing. She didn’t say a word, but the contempt in her stare was enough to make Karen look away awkwardly. Rita wasn’t stupid; she knew the game Linet was playing.

Another employee, Chris, leaned in to join the conversation. He had always been friendly with Rita, but his loyalty seemed to waver. "I mean, maybe Rita’s a little too... hard on people. Not everyone can keep up with that level of intensity, you know?"

Rita felt the sting of Chris’s words, but her expression remained impassive. This was no longer about what they said—it was about what they were doing. They were beginning to take sides.

Linet could hardly hide her smugness now. Her plan was working perfectly. She could see the divide growing, a subtle but clear shift in allegiances. A few others, like Jen and Mark, had begun nodding in agreement, their eyes darting nervously between Rita and Linet. They, too, seemed to be leaning in Linet's favor.

Rita stood up suddenly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. The movement was sharp, and everyone in the office seemed to stop in their tracks, watching her closely. The tension in the air was palpable.

"Well, Linet," Rita said, her voice controlled but icy, "I’m glad you’ve found your place here. But don’t mistake kindness for weakness." She let that last statement hang in the air, her gaze locking with Linet’s for a beat too long.

Without waiting for a response, Rita grabbed her things, her eyes never leaving Linet as she walked briskly toward the exit. The office was eerily silent as the employees watched her leave, the undercurrent of shifting loyalties running thick between them.

Linet let out a satisfied breath as Rita disappeared out the door. Her eyes gleamed with victory, her presence now undeniably solidified in the office.

As Rita walked down the hallway, the whispers began to swirl—those who had once backed her now exchanged hushed words about her “overbearing attitude” and “unwillingness to adapt.” It was clear now: Linet had begun her reign, and the office had already begun to turn its back on Rita.