The Wrong Woman

Candice walked through the spacious hall, surveying her surroundings. The assistant's desk was unoccupied, and there was no sign of Sean. The CEO's office door was slightly open. Driven by curiosity, Candice moved closer and was about to knock.

Just then, she heard a noise from inside-something like a stack of papers tumbling to the floor. She edged closer and peered through the gap in the door.

Though she couldn't see anyone, she could hear Elio's cold, angry voice piercing the air. "Take your people and leave."

Then, a reply came from Tim McAree, his voice aged and resonant with authority, "Elio, curb your arrogance. When your grandfather and I were laying the foundations of this company, your father hadn't even been born.

"Your grandfather would have shown me the utmost respect if he were still alive, and your father would have done the same. Who do you think you are to dismiss my people?"

Elio's response was chillingly detached. "I'm firing you and your entire family. Now, all of you, get out."

I worked alongside your grandfather to build this company and helped your father to expand it. I may not have achieved

dividends you receive each year-all of these are the rewards for

value to our operations. It's time for you to retire

Elio, you really are something."

you brought in with your

in his 60s, stormed out of the office, followed by several young men

Tim stopped to give her a disdainful look and taunted, "So, it's you? You're just a designer, yet you dare to show up at the CEO's office? You're quite attractive. Did you sleep your way to take over from the previous design

understood from Tim's bitter remarks that the former design

words, Tim left the

hurried out, only to find Candice standing dazed at the door. His face showed a mixture of

invited her in warmly, "Don't just stand there at the

earlier, but its cold ruthlessness had been chilling.

Lowe, so I came straight here. I didn't