GoodReadShe placed a stack of printed photographs on the table before Rylie, showcasing her lavish escapades in high-
end boutiques and opulent hotels over the last few days.
Rylie’s face turned a deep shade of red.
Yet, she continued to defend herself, “So what? | was merely taking stto unwind.
This is my personal life.
I've committed no faults at work.
Why should the company dismissover such matters?”
Stella's scoff was sharp.
“Because you took leave without any justification and were unreachable at a crucial time, risking the company’s
reputation.
Isn't that a mistake?”
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Finding herself at a loss for words, Rylie averted her gaze from Stella's piercing look.
Desperate to salvage her position, she pleaded, “I acknowledge my mistake, but please, can you give me
another chance?”
As Rylie’s defenses weakened, Stella seized the moment.
“Explain why you abruptly took leave, and | might consider mitigating your penalty.
Prosperity Group ranked among Seamarsh’s elite companies, and Rylie had worked tirelessly to secure her
position there.
The prospect of being terminated in such a humiliating manner threatened to tarnish her future career
irreparably.
Torn between her options, Rylie blurted out in distress, “Someone askedto...”
Yet, her confession trailed off into silence.
Revealing Elizabeth's involvement meant returning all the money she had received and spent.
With none left, Rylie faced a daunting dilemma.
Noticing Rylie’s hesitation, Stella probed, “Who instructed you to do this?”
In a panic, Rylie quickly retorted, “No, it’s my fault.
I've been overwhelmed lately and needed a break.
| never imagined this would happen while | was off.
I'm terribly sorry.
Please, giveanother chance, or letapologize to the customer.
At that moment, a colleague who had always harbored disdain for her scoffed, “Rylie used to work overtime
rather than take sick leave, always pinching pennies, never even splurging on a drink for herself.
And now she’s suddenly asking for a leave and shopping in luxury boutiques?”
“The kind of place where you don’t walk out without dropping tens of thousands.
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It doesn’t add up that she'd spend like that,” another colleague added.
As the murmurs grew, Rylie’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
She regained her composure and began to explain, “I... I've been putting in so much effort all this time.
Is it so wrong forto want a little reward now and then?”
Her voice, however, carried less conviction than before.
Stella had no patience for her excuses.
With an icy tone, she declared, “If you're not going to be honest with me, then we have nothing more to discuss.
Go and complete the formalities.
With that, Stella turned to leave.
Rylie, realizing Stella was dismissing her explanations, started to panic.
“Wait, I'll tell you the truth!”
Stella paused and turned to face her with a stern look.
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