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."

"What 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 my fair share of hard work. How dare you fire me!" Tim challenged.

Elio was unmoved as he said, "The shares you own, the salary you draw, and the dividends you receive each year-all of these are the rewards for your past efforts. The company has compensated you financially.

to our operations. It's time for you to retire and make room for

really are

the people you brought in with your connections will be

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

just a designer, yet you dare to show up

instantly understood from Tim's bitter remarks that the

words, Tim left the office

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

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

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