Confused, Blake opened her work email. A notification about permanent positions caught her attention. Only three staff members were mentioned, one each from the Creative Design and Marketing Departments and Blake.Blake blinked in disbelief. She thought, 'My name is on the list!'In the background, the secretary's office buzzed with chatter."It's okay, Susan. There's always next month," one voice soothed."Exactly! It's those with connections who get ahead. Us regular folks just can't compete," another added bitterly."I can't believe how shameless some people can be."Blake tried to ignore them, but their words were too loud, too pointed.The group was consoling Susan, painting her as a victim.Frustrated, Blake slammed her desk and stood, "Enough! If you have something to say about me, say it to my face. I'm not putting up with this!"Tears streaked Susan's face as she turned to Blake, slapping her across the face.Susan said angrily, "You don't deserve this, Blake. You're
Zach normally detached himself from day-to-day staff issues at Jardin Corporation and dealt only with major company decisions.He felt that if minor problems required his intervention, it was a sign the company needed an overhaul. He paid high salaries for efficiency, not for employees to create drama.To Zach, incompetence had no place in Jardin Corporation.When Kevin arrived at the secretary's office, he was greeted by a scene of chaos. Blake, usually composed, was now in a fight with Susan, who was visibly battered.Kevin asked in disbelief, "Blake, are you acting out because I wasn't here?"He pulled Blake away, noticing the bloodied and bruised state of her neck.Blake shot back, "Yes, I am. What are you going to do? Fire me?"Kevin's expression darkened, chilling Blake to the core. She had never seen him this serious. Her bravado faltered, replaced by a sense of guilt.As Susan was hoisted up, Kevin, visibly frustrated, declared, "Take her to the hospital. I'll cover all
Kevin looked at Madelyn intently, his eyes holding back his thoughts. He stood up, staying quiet. He never really thought of Madelyn as Mrs. Jardin.Kevin was just following Zach's orders, even though he did not really want to. In a different time, Kevin could have been Zach's devoted general, unwavering in war.Perceptive to Kevin's feelings, Madelyn addressed him, "Mr. Harrison, your look says it all. I know you disapprove of me. I overheard part of your conversation. You and Zach are using women as pawns for your ambitions. Isn't that akin to exploitation?"Her voice chilled as she continued, "Whether or not you have genuine feelings for Blake, I advise you to keep your distance. It's not about suitability; it's about worthiness. You don't measure up to someone like Liam.""Don't repeat Zach's mistakes," she warned, sounding protective, almost maternal.Before leaving his office, she added, "I'll discuss Blake's situation with Zach. After all, he listens to everything I say now
Madelyn smiled as she spoke, "Blake, don't become a pawn in their power games. You're a kind soul. Perhaps it's best for you to leave Jardin Corporation. If Kevin makes it difficult, I'll speak with Zach. And between Kevin and Liam, Liam is your better choice."Blake, still grappling with the complexities of office politics, listened intently. Madelyn's insight into the power dynamics at play, particularly the unfolding rivalry between Zach and Cecilia, highlighted the precarious position Blake found herself in. Departure seemed like a prudent option.Madelyn left after tending to Blake's injuries and advising her to take care. As Madelyn entered a waiting Bentley, Blake sat there and tried to digest Madelyn's advice.In the car, Zach placed a blanket over Madelyn's legs, his concern evident. He commented, "You care for everyone, yet you often neglect me."Madelyn, unfazed, replied, "You have plenty who'd dote on you at a moment's notice."Zach drew her close and said, "Isn't bein
Blake sprinted to the upstairs conference room and noticed Kevin was not in his office. Her haste stirred curiosity in the department, but no one dared to ask. Blake's closeness to Madelyn kept them at bay.The office was alive with gossip. Some said Madelyn had scolded Kevin in the secretary's office. Others whispered about Zach's plan to fire his longtime assistant. The wildest rumor was Blake pressuring Kevin to marry her.Blake went to the ninety-ninth floor and saw Kevin coming out of Zach's office, holding some documents. He ignored her as he passed.'He's ignoring me!' Blake fumed internally.Blake impulsively seized Kevin's tie, drawing surprised stares from nearby colleagues. Kevin had underestimated Blake's boldness at work.In a dim corridor, the motion-sensor lights flickered on, then off. The emergency sign cast a faint green glow. Blake looked into Kevin's eyes as she held his necktie.Kevin's voice shattered the quiet, "Do you even know what you're doing?"Blake's
Blake realized she could not cover up any longer. She forced a smile, playfully grabbed Jill's hand, and said, "Jill, fancy seeing you here!"Then, Blake headed to her office without looking back. Her office soon buzzed with rumors about her and Kevin.When Blake arrived at her desk, she found it buried under snacks and gifts. She felt several pairs of eyes on her. However, when she looked up, the others quickly turned away.Blake did not mind the unexpected perks, knowing it was not her money that paid for them.No one mentioned the morning's incident, as everyone was aware of Madelyn's support for Blake, the new arrival.Before, the company was buzzing about Zach's favoritism toward Madelyn, stirring up rumors of the typical mistress-to-wife drama. Zach, however, had firmly shown his intolerance for such gossip last year by firing a team and halting their projects in a fit of anger, revealing that his only emotional outbursts were related to her.An old Azure Corporation employ
Margaret watched Madelyn go upstairs in confusion. She thought, 'Why is she so angry? Did something go wrong today?'Just as Madelyn went up, a voice rang behind her, "Come and see if the venue's decorations are to your liking."Madelyn immediately gripped the handrails so hard that her nails bit into the wood. She replied, "Do whatever you like."She continued to climb up the stairs weakly. After choosing the decorations, Zach turned around to look for Madelyn.Then, the manager said, "Mr. Jardin, you can rest assured that we won't disappoint Mrs. Jardin. We will use champagne roses for all the decorations at the venue."On the other hand, Madelyn went to the drawing room and locked herself inside. She sat on the couch helplessly.When Zach followed her upstairs, he knew she would be in the drawing room. As Zach tried to open the door, the handle would not budge. Zach's gaze darkened. He asked Margaret, "What did you say to her?"Margaret told him, "I didn't say anything to her
Madelyn answered him emotionlessly, "Just have it the same day." 'Zach plans to end everything on my death anniversary,' Madelyn thought.It was six in the evening, and there was still half an hour left before work was over. Blake stared at her injuries. Susan was quite violent and almost scratched her face off during the fight.Janice asked with envy, "Did Mrs. Jardin buy that ointment for you?"Blake replied smugly, "Of course. She was the one who helped apply the ointment on my face. Why do you ask anyway? It's just ointment."Janice adjusted the glasses on her nose and whispered, "Did you know that everyone else looked regretful when they saw Mrs. Jardin support you? They didn't expect you to have such a powerful person backing you." She paused and continued, "Oh yeah, I want to ask you something, Blake.""What is it?" Blake said.Janice asked, "Is Mr. Jardin afraid of his wife? I heard from those in the secretarial office that the Human Resources Department was about to pu