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

draw, and the dividends you receive each year-all of these are the rewards for your past

effective and can't add value to our operations. It's time for

really

brought in with your connections will

Startled, Candice stepped back. Tim, appearing in his 60s, stormed out of the office, followed by several young men

past Candice at the door, 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

Tim's bitter remarks that the former design director had

left the office with

hurried out, only to find Candice standing dazed at the door. His face showed a mixture of anxiousness and excitement. He hadn't expected Candice to actually show up. Candice swallowed

the office door further and invited her in warmly, "Don't

She had only heard Elio's voice earlier, but its cold ruthlessness had been chilling.

see Mr. Lowe, so I came straight here. I didn't mean to