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Novel Catalog
Chapter 42
Despite the challenge, Loraine was determined to prove herself. For the next two weeks, she worked tirelessly, staying late into the night, pouring every ounce of focus and creativity into the project. Finally, she completed the preliminary design plan, and she felt a surge of pride. She was confident in the work she had done.
But when she presented the plan to Barry during the meeting, his reaction was far from what she expected. He flipped through the pages carelessly, barely scanning the content, before tossing it onto the table with a dismissive motion.
“Absolute rubbish!” Barry scoffed. “Is this the best you can do, Loraine? It seems you’re completely out of ideas. The concept you had during the interview was just a flash in the pan. This plan looks no better than something a high school student could come up with. I’m highly disappointed in you!”
Loraine felt the weight of everyone’s eyes on her as the words hung in the air. She frowned deeply, her gaze hardening.
Something clicked inside her. Barry wasn’t just criticizing her work; it was clear he was targeting her, likely because of what happened at the bar two weeks ago. She wasn’t going to let him get away with it.
“Mr. Gray,” she said coolly, “You barely looked at the plan. How about letting our client be the judge? Send it to them first.”
Barry’s face turned red with anger. He slapped the table, the sound echoing through the room.
“What nonsense!” he shouted. “I can’t approve of such a terrible plan. It’s my job to do what’s best for the company, and I’ve already decided to send Eliza’s plan to them instead. And what do you mean by that? Are you doubting my judgment?”
Loraine didn’t flinch. “Yes, I’m doubting your judgment,” she said firmly.
The room fell silent as Barry stood up abruptly, his face contorted with fury. He pointed at her accusingly.
“Loraine,” he seethed, “Don’t get too complacent just because Mr. Benton hired you. Have you forgotten that I’m your superior? You have one strike against you. I’m going to make sure it’s noted in your performance report!”
Loraine’s eyes narrowed, her voice steady but sharp. “Complacent? Oh, please! Is this about what happened at the bar? You’re punishing me for turning you down that night, aren’t you? You’re using your position to get back at me, hiding behind the excuse of what’s ‘good for the company.’ How could—”
Before she could finish, Barry cut her off, his face twisted with rage. “Shut up! What are you talking about? You’re a liar!”
But the damage was already done. Every person in the room stared at Barry in stunned silence, their eyes flicking between him and Loraine.
Loraine wasn’t about to let this slide. She reached into her bag and pulled out her phone. With a few taps, she played the recording of the conversation from the bar—the one where Barry had tried to pressure her into drinking and attempted to kiss her.
The room went deathly quiet as Barry’s words echoed through the speakers. He had no idea she’d recorded their conversation, but now, the evidence was clear.
The room’s atmosphere shifted instantly. Barry’s face drained of color as the workers began to murmur amongst themselves. His attempts to belittle Loraine now seemed futile in the face of undeniable proof.
