r presence in his office." A voice interrupted Ann

er demeanor. Annette's pulse quickened; this summons was likely tied to her being fired

o you have an idea?" she inqui

best mood," the secretary replied before leaving abruptly, her demeanor alwa

halting the secretary in her tracks

ession puzzled. "Yes, Why do you ask? Mr

meeting in Mr. Terrence's office was about her termination. I speculated that Mr. Terrence preferred to br

ned," the secretary advised before walking away, for

nnette was determined to secure her due pay

she greeted him politely, a veneer of

focus only shifting when Annette

his displeasure. Annette obliged, mentally rehe

appointing," he began, settling back in his chair. "What h

rence, I truly didn't recognize him initially.

a sigh. "Regrettably, I lack the power to sway his decision in this

elf. With her heart sinking and her mind finally grasping the harsh reality, Mr. Terrence ex

n here," he

ed, head throbbing with indignation. "You will be compensated for t

. Terrence, the situation hardly warrants termination. I had no w

is that of a receptionist. Perception matters

tte locked eyes with him,

ave and clear out your desk" he concl

laced with sarcasm, she confronted him. "So, simply because he's the CEO,

wavering. She knew she deserved better and would

old exit. Perplexed by her refusal to accept his terms, he pondered the

inutes

pping inside as she continued her conversation with

your you," she responded with a hint of

ted with a soft sigh, her lips parting. "The news of your termination has alrea

pedited the process," Annette remarked, calling out fo

pounding headache worsening. She sighed, regretting not having any pain relievers

," Annette concluded the call, he

tended to replace those old couches before losing her job, but that plan now felt like a distant

forced them to uproot their lives, selling their family home to afford a more affordable living arrangement. As memories of her job termination replaye

proposal. She pondered over the rumors she had heard about him, questi

"Idiot," she muttered quietly, her mind in turmoil. Lost in her contemplation, Annette

uspicious gaze loc

warmly embraced her sister. She inquired about

e studied her sister. "Are you alri

lips. "Just dealing with a persiste

can run to the pharmacy for some medi

r's concern. "Thank you, Cassie, but Auntie Jane is a

ncertain. "If you're

red her, "I'll

before she continued "Alright.

reeted her: two plates of mac and cheese set on the table. A surge of warmth envel

o do something for you to show

I've always known you love me, kid," Annette reassured, pulling Ca

ed, her face lighting

served, her voice quivering, her grip o

nquired, perplexed by her

orry. I just need to freshen up. I'll be downstairs in a moment." With that,