I thanked her.
Then, shortly before three, I received a message summoning me to a conference room.
When I arrived, Celeste was already waiting.
Two security officers stood near the door.
On the table lay a termination notice.
Celeste pushed it toward me.
“Sign this.”
I looked down at the document.
It accused me of harassment, theft, and inappropriate behavior toward the CEO.
Every allegation was false.
I slowly looked up.
“Who prepared this?”
Celeste smiled.
“Human Resources approved it.”
“Did they?”
She leaned forward.
“You really thought you could come into this company and compete with me?”
I remained silent.
She continued.
“Let me explain something. I’m the woman Julian goes home to emotionally, whether you like it or not. We’re practically married.”
Then she raised her left hand.
A diamond ring sparkled beneath the conference room lights.
“Julian gave me this last month.”
I recognized the design immediately.
