Chapter 108
Within minutes, the police arrived and took away the accused for questioning.
It wasn’t the crime of the century. After the investigation, the whole thing was settled with a simple apology and compensation.
But York had a flair for the dramatic. Soon enough, everyone in the office chat was buzzing about it.
“Hey, if she got nothing to hide, why worry about it, right?” One male employee scoffed, puffing on his cigarette in the break room. “I mean, if she’s not clean as a whistle and she’s sharing someone else’s bed, can she complain about the talk?”
“I’m telling you. I know a guy who’s been with Kristin. She’s got quite the reputation in our circle,” another chimed in between drags.
“She looks all sweet and innocent, but the man didn’t expect her to be one of those girls. I wouldn’t mind a piece of that pie myself,” a third snickered, exhaling a cloud of smoke.
Gossip was like wildfire. Even if it was not spread openly, it burned on in hushed tones and behind closed doors.
‘You? You’re not even in her league. The guys that Kristin beds are all loaded, trust fund babies.”
Kristin stood outside the break room, silent for a long moment before she pushed the door open. “Which friend of yours has slept with me? Bring him here to face me. And if he hasn’t, you owe me a public apology.” Her voice was slightly hoarse, betraying her frustration.
She had hoped to keep the peace, to ignore the slurs if she couldn’t hear them. But they had crossed a line.
The men in the break room were caught off guard. Seeing Kristin’s tear–stained face and her challenging stance, their bravado faltered. One tried to joke it off. “What, can’t handle the truth? How much for a night? I might not be a rich kid, but I can save a month’s salary for a good time. with you. That’s good, huh?”
“I don’t understand.” Kristin asked, her voice choking up. “Does belittling a woman you don’t even know and spreading false rumors about her bring you joy?”
“Because in the minds of men with no real substance, having one useless piece of anatomy more than a woman is all they’ve got to brag about.” a deep voice said from behind her.
Rhett stepped into view, his presence alone demanding respect.
The smokers looked up in alarm at Rhett, their cigarettes forgotten as they tried to shrink away. “Apologize, Rhett commanded, his gaze unyielding. He didn’t need to raise his voice. His authority was implicit.
Chapter 108
“Sorry…” The ringleader quickly mumbled an apology, his head bowed low.
“The FitzGerald Group doesn’t lack talent. When skills are equal, character becomes crucial,” Rhett sald, turning to the HR manager.
Lisa’s face paled. Those men were her recruits. They were hires that Nicola and Vincent had planted in advance, and one of them was her nephew. “Get back to work,” she snapped.
“In a case like this, you think a verbal apology is enough to get back to work?” York asked, genuinely puzzled. “Lisa, isn’t there a rule in HR about one’s character coming first?”
Lisa glanced nervously at Kristin. It was her first day as Rhett’s assistant, and already she’d stirred up trouble. “Kristin, about this… How would you like to handle it?”
Taking a deep breath, Kristin knew the game Lisa was playing. She had learned of Lisa’s nephew’s identity the day before from the cafeteria guy. She was aware of Clyde’s habits, his daily smoke break at 3:30 PM with his clique.
Lisa was sowing seeds for Nicola and Vincent.
“Our company doesn’t lack top university graduates but doesn’t tolerate disrespect,” Kristin stated firmly. “I request that these men write and post a formal letter of self–criticism in the work chat and that they voluntarily resign.”
Kristin left them out. Resigning would allow them to find other jobs easily, using their experience at The FitzGerald Group to their advantage. But being fired would stain their record forever.
The men stared at Kristin, their faces turning various shades of anger. “Kristin, you can’t do that! It is personal revenge!”
But they tempered their outrage before Rhett.
Kristin remained silent, hoping they’d take the hint. As Rhett’s assistant, she must shoulder the burden. Besides, what did she have to lose? Her reputation was already in tatters.
Rhett gave Kristin an approving look. It was the nod of a boss recognizing a job well done.
York also glanced at Kristin, impressed by her resilience on her first day, gifting their boss with such a bold move.
“Kristin…” Lisa began. But Kristin cut her off. “Lisa, you know the company’s reputation is everything.”
Lisa frowned, her gaze deepening as she looked at Kristin. For a moment, she saw a different woman than the timid one she’d first met, a woman who might be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
“Thank her,” Rhett said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
“Why should I thank…” Clyde began, but Lisa had the sense to cut him off. “Resigning is your choice. Write your reasons for leaving. But if the company fires you, your future employment checks will reveal why. Who will vouch for you then?”
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Chapter 108
Clyde clenched his teeth and huffed. “Fine! We apologize.”
With that, they left, their pride wounded, but their future still in their hands.
They had surrendered to Rhett’s command, and Kristin was the shrewd manipulator pulling the strings behind his influence.
“Lisa, be more careful with recruitments,” Rhett reminded her meaningfully.
Lisa inhaled deeply, nodding. “Of course, Mr. FitzGerald. If there’s nothing else, I’ll return to my office.”
Rhett exchanged a knowing look with York as the drama settled into the fabric of the FitzGerald Group’s corporate saga.
York nodded sharply, ready to deal with Clyde and his cronies.
“Did you know Clyde is Lisa’s nephew?” When Rhett and Kristin were alone, Rhett threw out the question.
Kristin sighed, avoiding Rhett’s gaze, her words tumbling in a stutter. “Yes, yes.”
She had done her homework.
Rhett cracked a rare smile, the sharpness from moments ago dissolving into amusement. Was she backing down so easily in front of him?
He seldom gave out compliments, but Kristin always managed to surprise him.
Taking a step closer, Rhett leaned to look at Kristin. “First day on the job and already making a statement?”
Rhett was too close for comfort. Flustered, Kristin stepped backward, not noticing the step leading to the smoking area. She nearly tumbled down.
Rhett’s reflexes kicked in, and they both fell against the sink behind them.
Thankfully, Rhett’s hand cushioned the fall, saving Kristin from a nasty bump.
“I’m sorry,” Kristin murmured, blushing to the tips of her ears. “This isn’t about making a statement. They’re not worth it.”
To Rhett, Clyde was just another pawn. That was just the appetizer.
Over the next few days, Kristin discreetly removed Lisa’s assistant, her nephew, and several other informers.
She was sending a clear message.
