SHARON'S POV: THE OFFICE
I walked into the office, the fluorescent lights overhead illuminating the sleek, modern decor. The hum of computers and muted conversations filled the air as I made my way to my desk, I missed a week already and it felt like a month.
As I settled in, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease not even from Angel and David anymore. Ace's behavior yesterday had left me on edge. I wasn't sure what to make of his cold demeanor, but I knew I needed to be professional.
Just as I was starting to get settled, my phone buzzed with a message from Beatrice. "Meet me at the conference room on the 3rd floor. Urgent."
My curiosity piqued, I grabbed my notebook and headed to the conference room. What could Beatrice want?
As I entered the conference room, Beatrice was already seated, her expression stern. "Sharon, I need to talk to you about something."
I took a seat, my mind racing with possibilities. What had I done wrong now?
"I wasn't sure if I should mention this, but I think you should know. I overheard a conversation last week...about you."
I became curiosity. "What kind of conversation?"
Beatrice hesitated, glancing around the room as if ensuring they we were alone. "It was between Angel and David. They were discussing something, and I caught a few words...about someone in Ace's office. I wasn't sure if it was you at first, but something about the way they mentioned it...I don't know, it just seemed off."
My mind was racing. What could Angel and David be saying about me?
"What exactly did they say?"
Beatrice's expression turned grave. "I couldn't hear everything, but it sounded like they were discussing ways to...compromise someone in Ace's office. I didn't think much of it at first, but after what happened with Ace and Diana...I think you should be careful, Sharon. Especially around Angel. She's not what she seems."
My instincts told me to trust Beatrice, but a part of me was skeptical. What did Beatrice really want or was she just been a good friend? "Thanks for telling me, Beatrice. I'll be careful."
Beatrice nodded, her eyes serious. "Just watch your back, okay?"
As I walked back to my desk, my conversation with Beatrice lingered in my mind. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.
By the time I got to my office, Tia and Gabriel's concerned expressions didn't help as they approached me either.
"Hey, girl, we've been worried about you," Tia said, her voice soft. "You look a bit off again" Gabriel nodded too
I just smiled at them
" It's great to see you!" Tia said, her voice warm. "We've missed you around here. How are you feeling now?"
I smiled again, feeling a bit more at ease. "I'm feeling much better, thanks for asking. It was just a long recovery, but I'm all good now."
Gabriel nodded, his eyes still searching. "We're glad to have you back. You took a week off , and now you're just getting back to work? You must have been really sick."
I chuckled. "Yeah, I was. But I'm all good now, thanks for checking in on me."
Tia smiled. "We're just glad you're back. We've got a lot of work to catch up on."
Just as we were about to continue our conversation, the door burst open and one of the assistants rushed in. "Everyone, attention! We have an urgent meeting in the conference room with the CEO. Please report there immediately."
My heart sank as I exchanged curious glances with Tia and Gabriel. What could the CEO want? I stood up, smoothing out my dress, and followed the others to the conference room. David and Angel were already there, Angel's eyes gleaming with curiosity.
I walked into the conference room, expecting a routine meeting with our CEO, Aec. But as I took my seat, Ace walked in, his expression plain as always. "I'm not sure why I've been called to this meeting," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "The founder of the company requested the meeting."
I felt a jolt of surprise. The founder of the company? I didn't know he was involved here.
The room murmred with whispers and curious glances. I leaned in, my phone discreetly in my hand, and caught a few murmurs from nearby colleagues.
"...Founder's involved, this doesn't look good..."
I exchanged a questioning glance with Tia and Gabriel, who were sitting close to me. "Isn't the founder...?" I whispered, my eyes darting towards Ace.
Tia's eyes met mine, and she nodded subtly. "Yeah, Ace's father is the founder."
My eyes widened in surprise as I glanced at Ace, who was sitting calmly, oblivious to the whispers around him. I felt a sense of shock and curiosity.
The murmurs died down as Mr Langley, Ace's father, walked into the room, his presence commanding attention. Everyone stood up, their faces respectful. "Good morning, sir," they murmured in unison.
Mr Langley's gaze swept the room, his expression unyielding. "Good morning."
Everyone remained standing until he at down
"Not many of you know me physically because I've been away for a long time and because my son run's this place but there's no need to panick"
I watched him closely and the way he spoke felt calm and calculated,not rude and not cold.
" I'm just here for a little adjustment, I've been reviewing the company's files, and I'm appalled at what I've found. It seems we have some staff members who are merely collecting a paycheck without putting in any effort"
His voice was stern, his words dripping with disappointment.
"It's clear that we've let things slide, and it's time for change."
The room was silent, with everyone holding their breath. Mr Langley's eyes scanned the room, his gaze piercing.
"Today, I'm terminating a few employees who are not meeting expectations. I could feel the fear in everyone and then I heard my name
"Miss Sharon Jenkins"
My heart sank as he called out my name, his eyes scanning the room as if expecting me to stand up. But he didn't know me, and his eyes passed over me without recognition.
" Come forward for your letter, Ms. Jenkins. You're terminated."
I felt a lump form in my throat as I stood up, my eyes meeting Ace's for a brief moment. He was expressionless, giving away nothing.
He called out two more names, and the room fell silent, with everyone frozen in fear. "Emily Patel ... Josh Lee... you're both terminated, effective immediately."
The atmosphere was tense, with everyone wondering who would be next. I felt a chill run down my spine as I made my way out, my termination papers clutched in my hands..
"Sharon Jenkins" Mr Langley called out loud for everyone to hear "your performance has been lacking" then he looked at the other two " I wish you the best"
I could hear low chuckle's from the background and my legs felt too weak
" This will be constant now, so if you don't work hard we'll hand you your termination letter like an award" Mr Langley continued before leaving the conference room with Aec , leaving total chaos behind
I was ashamed to even lift my head but I was able to look at Aec's direction before he left and his face gave nothing.
He meant it when he asked me to leave for good.