Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Winter’s voice burst through the phone, bright and urgent. “Alice! Finally! You’re not coming in today p>
She then lowered her voice, “Mr. Johnson is losing it. When can you get here p>
Alice checked the time-10:30 already. Wayne was due any minute to sign the contract, and he’d insisted she handle the explanation
personally.
If she stayed away, Aurora would swoop in, close the deal, and pocket the commission. Perfect for her rival.
Alice weakly said, “Sorry, I’m in the hospital p>
“What? Is your foot acting up again?” Winter sounded startled.
Alice had come to work with her ankle wrapped in bandages, and everyone said Michael was heartless, making her run around even
though she could barely walk.
But Wayne specifically requested Alice to explain the contract terms.
“What’s going on?” Alice sidestepped the question.
Winter sighed. “Wayne’s on his way to sign, but Aurora screwed up again. Mr. Johnson was furious-but he didn’t blame her.
Instead p>
“Mr. Johnson was furious, but he didn’t blame Aurora. Instead…” Winter trailed off.
Alice directly said, ‘Instead, he thinks I didn’t prepare the materials for Aurora well and that my absence caused us to lose the
contract.
She drew a steadying breath. “Tell him I was seriously injured yesterday and rushed to the hospital. I requested leave before I passed
out. I’ll be there in an hour p>
Alice hung up the phone, and Mira angrily waved her fist. “Is he out of his mind? How can he blame you when you’re not even at
the office?
‘Someone always takes the fall for Aurora, Alice replied, emotionless. I’m resigning today anyway p>
As Alice reached the office door, she bumped into the crying Aurora running out.
‘I’m so sorry-I didn’t see you-Alice?” Aurora’s voice cracked.
Tears streaked her face, her expression pitiful.
Her gaze flickered with panic, then locked on the vivid bite mark peeking above Alice’s collarbone and the two dark hickeys on her
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neck.
She knew exactly what they signified.
Thinking about how Michael didn’t reply to her WhatsApp yesterday, Aurora understood everything.
Everyone whispered that Michael couldn’t live without Alice. It seemed painfully true.
After all the grievances Aurora suffered yesterday and being bullied by Adelaide, Michael not only didn’t comfort her but
disappeared, it turned out he went to find Alice
Aurora found Alice’s red collarbone necklace particularly annoying.
Alice brushed past the tension. ‘It’s fine. Go clean up p>
Colleagues rushed over at the commotion, clustering protectively around Alice.
Winter exhaled in relief. “Thank God you’re back. We were all doomed otherwise p>
She shot Aurora a glare. Without Aurora’s screw-up, the entire secretarial team wouldn’t face salary penalties for something they
didn’t do.
Alice returned to the office, meeting Michael’s cold gaze. “Alice, are you going to take responsibility for this p>
His eyes narrowed, tracing her face before dropping to the exposed marks on her collarbone.
Yesterday she’d fainted; Winter had thrown a loose-necked dress on her-the hickeys impossible to hide.
Aurora hovered nearby, sobbing softly, eyes pleading up at him.
Michael’s voice dropped., ‘Did you do this on purpose p>
“What?” Alice blinked, genuinely confused.
Come to my office. Michael turned and walked away, and Alice had no choice but to follow.
Alone, the air thickened, oppressive. Alice fought the urge to loosen her collar.
Michael flung the contract across the desk. Fix the Nexus Solutions deal. Fail, and you’re finished.
Alice closed her eyes for a beat, then met his gaze with cool professionalism. Mr. Johnson, I was already planning to leave.
She took out the hospital certificate from her bag. This is my hospital certificate. I need to rest for three months, so I won’t be coming to the office before I resign p>
He snatched it and ripped it apart without a glance.
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Chapter 30
“I told you, if you don’t come to work, you won’t get your bonus p>
Fine. I’ll sue. Her smile didn’t waver.
7
According to the law, I have the right to take sick leave, and since it’s a work injury, the company can t withhold my salary and
bonus or fire me during my recovery period.
She leaned in slightly, eyes locked on his. “You really want this blowing up across the industry p>
“Are you threatening me?” Michael clenched his fists.
Alice stood up straight. “No, just using the law to protect my rights p>
She tapped her phone. “I messaged you yesterday requesting leave before I passed out. Today’s absence is approved p>
Michael’s frown deepened. “Passed out p>
She ignored the prompt, smile steady. “If you insist on blaming me to cover for someone else, I’ll make this public p>
He stared, stunned. She’d never challenged him so openly.
But he knew she meant it.
His expression darkened. Control was slipping-and he despised it. When had Alice stopped being predictable?
Suddenly, the office door was pushed open, and Aurora ran in crying.
“Mr. Johnson, it’s my fault! I thought Alice was busy today, so I tried to help-and ruined everything p>
Her words died as she met Alice’s frigid stare.
She shivered, remembering the slap Alice had given her. She was afraid Alice would give her another one.
Swallowing hard, Aurora edged to Michael’s side and tugged his sleeve. Please don’t blame her. It’s all on me.
“Of course it is.” Alice flicked her hair dismissively. And as an intern, you’re not authorized to brief clients on deal terms. You violated company policy p>
She looked at Michael. It’s not all your fault. Mr. Johnson allowed your behavior, so you’re both at fault p>
‘I’m not fit to work,” Alice added. “I’m only here to pack my things p>
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11:23 Sat, Jun 20 M.
Hurry, CEO, Chase Your Escaping Ex-Girlfriend