Chapter 3

I pushed open the door to the CEO's office and saw Philip Woodward sitting in his executive chair, his face as dark as thunder.

"Just look at this, Siobhan Cortez!"

He shoved an iPad in front of me, his voice as cold as ice.

I glanced at the screen and read the shocking headline. "The Dark Side of Corporate Life: Niece of Senior Executive Failed Interview Due to Aunt Replacing Her With Another Candidate".

The post was filled with photos and text. Although the name of the company wasn't mentioned, my job title, name, and even the photos I'd taken of the company that I'd only ever posted on my private Instagram were all published for the whole world to see.

The comments under the post were filled with angry netizens.

"How can someone like that still be a senior executive?"

"Fire them! Fire them immediately!"

"Poor niece. Imagine being screwed over by your own aunt."

"This is what capitalism does to you!"

I read the comments and felt my stomach churning.

"These are all fabricated claims, Mr. Woodward," I said firmly, looking him in the eye. "I have never done anything of the sort nor influenced the HR Department in their decisions. I don't even know who conducted the interview. It's obvious that this is purely malicious slander for personal gain."

Mr. Woodward took a drag of his cigar and puffed out a cloud of smoke.

"The company will investigate whether it was fabricated or not. But Siobhan, this post has caused a very negative impact on the company. Everyone online is criticizing us now.

"To quell the public outcry, you will be temporarily suspended for now. You're expected to fully cooperate with the investigation. We'll talk again once it's done."

Although I had expected this outcome, my heart still sank to the pit of my stomach when I heard that he was suspending me.

I knew very well what it meant to be suspended. If the investigation results were inconclusive, or if the public outcry couldn't be quelled despite a thorough investigation, I would be fired in the end.

And then, my professional career would most likely come to a halt then and there.

"I believe that the company will clear my name, Mr. Woodward," I said through gritted teeth, forcing back bitter tears.

"Go handle the paperwork," he said, waving his hand to dismiss me without looking up.

I walked out of the office. The moment I closed the door, I heard the sound of a coffee mug shattering violently inside.

I leaned back against the cold wall, feeling as though all of my energy had been sucked out of me.

Right then, my phone began buzzing loudly again. I looked at the screen and saw that it was a call from my husband, Nate Atkins.

"Siobhan Cortez! What on earth did you do?"

Nate's tone was anxious and accusatory.

"Your mom just called me crying, saying you've been bullying Denise and robbing Erica of her recruitment spot! And every single one of your relatives has been yelling at me and insulting me for marrying a vicious woman like you. Why don't you just explain yourself in the group chat?"

My tears finally rolled down my cheeks at his words.

So, this was my husband.

The moment something terrible happened, the first thing he did wasn't to comfort me, take my side, or ask if I was okay. Instead, he joined the others and pointed his finger at me as well.

"You don't trust me either, do you, Nate?"

My voice was hoarse and shaky.

"What's the point if I trust you or not? Where's your proof?" he replied. "Denise has all the details, and she even has a witness on her side. How are you even planning to explain yourself?

"You keep saying that you didn't do it. Then, where's your evidence? Where's your proof? Show it!"

Nate's tone got angrier on the other end of the line. "I'm outside your office building right now. Come down at once. I'm bringing you back to the Cortez manor to explain yourself and stop embarrassing us in the group chat!"

"I'm not going," I said.

"Yes, you are, Siobhan!" Nate roared. "If you still refuse, then we're done!"