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."

right do you have? I worked alongside your grandfather to build this company and helped your father to expand it. I may not have achieved much, but I've put in

"The shares you own, the salary you draw, and the dividends you receive each year-all of these are

owe you nothing further. You're no longer effective and can't add value to our operations. It's time for you to retire

really are

with your connections

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

taunted, "So, it's you? You're just a designer, yet

that the

harsh words, Tim left the

mixture of anxiousness and excitement. He hadn't expected Candice to actually show up. Candice swallowed nervously and managed

in warmly, "Don't

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

straight here. I didn't mean to eavesdrop," Candice