Chapter 41
Arriving downtown just as the evening rush hour began, I watched the endless stream of cars and hurried pedestrians, including young white collars in high heels and elaborate makeup, their steps fast.
This reminded me of when I had just graduated from university, always overwhelmed with work. Even when I was so exhausted that all I wanted to do was lie down and rest, the sight of the bustling crowds would instantly revitalize me.
Because there were countless others in this world fighting just as hard. Everyone had their aspirations, driving forces for life, and directions to move forward.
Back then, I wanted my own house. Even though I knew Austin and I weren’t exactly a perfect match, I didn’t feel any inferior to him.
I thought love was just between two people. As long as the person I chose could be all in with me, wanting to build a home together with me, that was enough.
But looking back, I guess I asked for way too little. The simpler and less you ask for, the rarer it truly is. Once it’s gone, it’s never to return.
“Maliyah works in that building over there.” Javier rolled down the car window, pointing toward an office tower nearby.
Seeing the unusual sparkle in Javier’s eyes, I nodded. “Why not give her a call and maybe grab lunch together?”
“For real?”
I parked the car by the office building, while Javier grabbed his phone, calling Maliyah.
The ringtone played for a while before Javier was about to hang up, but then Maliyah finally picked up.
“Maliyah, come down. Laurel and I are downstairs. Let’s grab lunch together.”
“It’s okay. You guys go ahead. I gotta work through lunch.” Maliyah’s voice was low.
Javier hesitated, replying somewhat reluctantly, “Alright then.”
“I get it if an ad agency has to work weekends, but seriously, no lunch breaks?” After hanging up, Javier started ranting, his eyes full of indignation.
“Maliyah’s always been obedient. Plus, she’s new at the company. Maybe she’s trying to prove herself to get hired permanently?”
“I’m just worried she’s too easygoing, you know, letting others walk all over her at work.” Javier sighed, looking all sour.
We went to a nearby burger joint, ordered two burgers, grabbed two coffees, and headed straight to Maliyah’s ad agency. But the agency’s door was already locked, so Javier called Maliyah again.
To our shock, the ringing reached our ears from somewhere near the elevator.
Me and Javier exchanged bewildered glances, then headed toward the source of the sound.
As I pushed open the fire escape door, there sat Maliyah on the stairs, wiping tears.
The sight of us made her tears flow again despite her struggle to stop them.
“Maliyah, what’s wrong?” Javier, seeing the sobbing Maliyah, urged, “Did someone pick on you? Tell me, and I’ll take care of it for you.”
Seeing the file box beside Maliyah, I frowned. “Did you quit your job?”
Javier looked shocked upon hearing this.
“No, after answering your call, HR told me not to work overtime at noon, and to go through resignation procedures, saying I’m not suitable for the company. But my probation is nearly up. I’ve been working my butt off, no extra pay for overtime, and now they just kick me out?” Maliyah explained.
“That’s too much!” Javier seethed. “During probation, getting fired entitles you to a month’s pay compensation.”
Hearing this, Maliyah shook her head, crying even harder.
My heart clenched, and I gently patted her hand, asking, “Maliyah, what happened exactly?”
Maliyah, wiping tears, sobbed, “A contract went wrong yesterday, but not my fault, I just helped revise it. I asked the manager and she reviewed it before agreeing to send it to the client. Turns out there’s a 300–thousand–dollar difference between the quoted and agreed price. The company blames me for the loss and wants to fire me.
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Chapter 41
“That’s the manager’s fault. Why you gotta take the heat?” Javier stomped in anger.
“The manager denies it, claims he personally told me to adjust the amount.” Maliyah pulled my hand, aggrieved. “Laurel, firing me is one thing, but 300 thousand dollars. How am I getting the money?”
“Maliyah, don’t cry. They’re just scaring you. 300 thousand dollars? Shameless talk.” I held Maliyah’s hand, comforting her softly, “Even if you made a mistake, you do not need to bear losses during probation.
“They’re clearly framing you. You can’t prove the manager told you to do it, he, too, can’t prove he told you so otherwise. More importantly, where’s the evidence of the alleged loss?”
Long story short, they knew Maliyah couldn’t possibly cough up 300 thousand dollars and were just worried she’d come barging back into the office again. Plus, they were hoping to hold onto the rest of her salary. Not just the salary, but compensation too–absolutely nothing.
They could even ruin her reputation for good. If she ever tried to intern at another company, they’d probably smear her name all over. Talk about shamelessness–these guys nailed it.
Really, a tiny ad agency stooping this low? Where’s their conscience?
I’m not to jump to conclusions, but I couldn’t help but wonder if Austin was getting his revenge on me.
After all, he threatened me with Maliyah and Javier before, and now both of them are caught up in this mess.
It was looking more and more real to me that Austin was the real snake in the grass here.
“Maliyah, I got this. Don’t cry anymore,” I replied.
Maliyah looked up at me, her face a mix of confusion and helplessness. “Laurel, do I really not have to pay?”
I nodded firmly. “Absolutely. Don’t worry. Not only that, but I’ll get you back every penny you earned. Forget about these scummy folks. There’s nothing worth missing. Pack up your stuff. Let’s head home.”
Maliyah looped her arm through mine and eyed the food bags in Javier’s hand. “Is this for me?” she asked, wiping away her tears.
Javier nodded. “If you’re not hungry, I’ll finish it for you.”
“Who said I’m not hungry? I’m going to turn my anger into appetite. I’ll eat till I’m stuffed and then find a job I actually love,” Maliyah retorted, grabbing the bag and taking a big bite of the beef burger.
Her gloomy mood disappeared in a flash. She perked up, looking at me. “Laurel, my mom said you married Alex. For real?”
