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Novel Catalog
Chapter 16
“Thank you so much. I can resume tomorrow!” Loraine replied with a bright smile, her excitement palpable.
Things weren’t going according to Vickie’s plan. Her face turned livid, a mix of embarrassment and fury flooding her features.
“No way! I don’t agree!” Vickie snapped, her voice harsh as she fought to maintain control over the situation.
The third interviewer, who had been silently observing, frowned deeply at Vickie’s outburst. “Vickie, what’s wrong with you today? You asked her a question that was far more difficult than necessary. Miss Torres has proven that she’s perfect for the job. Why are you still insisting that she shouldn’t be hired?”
Vickie’s eyes narrowed, her pride making her dig in her heels. “I don’t think this plan is hers,” she said firmly. “Something tells me she stole it from somewhere. For your information, Loraine and I were once classmates. She liked to cheat during tests. It was so bad that she got expelled from school. Her qualifications are all fake. I won’t allow such a liar to work in Universe Group!”
Vickie sneered after her declaration, convinced that her lie would go unchallenged. She was certain her colleagues wouldn’t bother to check the truth—after all, Loraine had dropped out of school, and she believed that was enough to discredit her entirely.
The other two interviewers exchanged uncertain glances before looking at Loraine with renewed suspicion. One of them, his expression serious, said, “I’m sorry, Miss Torres. The interview is over. You may leave now.”
Loraine’s shoulders slumped, her initial joy fading as she prepared to leave in defeat. But just as she turned to walk away, a deep, pleasant male voice stopped her.
“Wait!”
All the interviewers stood up in unison as the voice rang out. Loraine turned to see a tall, handsome man standing in the doorway—Cayson Benton, the boss of Universe Group.
Cayson’s presence filled the room, his calm, composed demeanor juxtaposed with the tension in the air. His gold-rimmed glasses gleamed under the office lights, and his sharp jawline emphasized the seriousness of his expression. Despite his usual gentle aura, there was no mistaking the disapproval radiating from him now.
“What a disgrace!” he said, his voice low but filled with authority. “It never crossed my mind that the interviewers would jump to conclusions without solid evidence. I’m highly disappointed!”
“Mr. Benton!” the interviewers said in unison, standing at attention as their boss entered the room.
Cayson’s eyes flicked toward Vickie, his frown deepening as he addressed the group. “When did you all start depending on hearsay? Since Miss Torres was allegedly expelled from school for cheating, don’t you think evidence should be provided?”
Vickie’s mouth opened and closed, her mind scrambling for a defense. She had lied, and now she had no way to back up her claims.
“Erm…” she stammered, clearly caught off guard by Cayson’s calm and authoritative tone.
Cayson’s gaze sharpened as he sneered at her. “It seems you can’t provide evidence because there is none. You are spreading untrue rumors to taint Miss Torres’ image. How despicable.”
Vickie’s face drained of color, her smug confidence vanishing in an instant. She had been exposed, and the humiliation was palpable.
Without missing a beat, Cayson turned to the other two interviewers. “You may leave now,” he said in a dismissive tone.
The interviewers, now visibly uncomfortable, nodded quickly and exited the room.
Cayson fixed his gaze back on Vickie. “You are fired.”
Vickie’s eyes widened in shock, her mouth agape. “What? Mr. Benton, please—!”
“There’s no need for further discussion,” Cayson interrupted, his voice cold and final. “I won’t tolerate such behavior in my company. You’re dismissed.”
With that, Cayson turned to Loraine, his expression softening. “Miss Torres, I apologize for the inconvenience caused. Please, feel free to start tomorrow. You’re more than qualified to work here, and we’re lucky to have you.”
Loraine’s heart lifted at the unexpected turn of events. She had been on the verge of giving up, but now, the weight of Vickie’s lies had been shattered, and she could move forward with her head held high.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice steady with gratitude. “I’m looking forward to working here.”
As Cayson turned to leave, Vickie was left standing there, her face flushed with humiliation. She had underestimated Loraine, and now, she was paying the price for her own arrogance.
