Chapter 4- Does it have to be this way?

Sally swallowed her anger and stormed out of Edmund’s office. She had no kind words; only curses for him.

At lunchtime, she sat with Derek, eating. She was so angry that she poked her salad with her fork as if the vegetables had offended her.

“If the carrots were people, I am sure they would be crying out for mercy by now. What’s eating you up?” Derek asked.

“Oh! I wish I could poke him so hard he would cry for mercy. He deserves nothing less,” Sally spat, her forwn deepening.

“Girl, you are feisty. Who hurt you, your boyfriend? Did he break your heart? You can tell me,” Derek replied.

Sally shot him a sharp look. “Boyfriend? I wish! It is your horrible boss who is frustrating me. He thinks he can make my life a living hell just because I work for him. He’s such a pain. I wouldn’t mind smacking that good-for-nothing a hundred times. That is the least he deserves after everything he’s done to me.”

Sally would have continued venting, but she heard a warning voice behind her.

“Do you speak about the head of Perfect White Group of Companies in that manner? My boyfriend will not be disrespected by you!”

Sally turned to see who was defending her boss.

It was a beautiful blonde in a fitted dress that hugged her curves perfectly. She wore expensive jewelry and had the look of a supermodel.

“I am speaking to you, aren’t I? Stand up already,” the blonde insisted.

Derek stood there shaking, but Sally did not comply. What right did this woman have to push her around?

Derek tried to pull Sally’s hand, but she shook him off.

The blonde grew angrier. “So, you won’t stand? Don’t you feel guilty for speaking about your boss in such a condescending manner?”

People had started to gather and stare. Sally noticed the onlookers and steeled her nerves. She was already in a bad mood, and she did not want anyone to trigger her anger. “What did you hear me say?” Sally asked.

The blonde frowned. “You are indeed shameless. Shall I remind you?” The woman decided to mimic Sally's earlier words. “It is your horrible boss who annoys me. He thinks he can make my life a living hell just because I work for him. He is such a pain. I would not mind smacking that good-for-nothing a hundred times. That’s the least he deserves after everything he has done to me.”

“And who is complaining about the boss in this company?” Everyone recognized Edmund’s voice and turned.

“Jasmine, did you really say that about me, honey?” Edmund asked, surprise etched on his face. He had been feeling a bit tense and decided to take a walk. It was then that he stumbled upon this scene and overheard Jasmine's words.

Jasmine’s face flushed. “No, honey. I was just repeating what that worker said about you. I want her to admit her mistake.” Jasmine walked over to Edmund and took his hand.

“Honey, you are like the sun to me. I would never say anything against you. She is the one at fault here. She made slanderous remarks about you,” Jasmine said, pointing at Sally.

Sally remained calm. “Can you prove what you just said? Or do you think you can bully me just because I work here? Do you expect me to just rise to your demands?”

Jasmine gasped, “Oh my! She is such a liar, honey. The man sitting next to her heard everything. He can tell you the truth.” Jasmine looked over at Derek. “Come on, tell your boss the truth, and I promise you will be rewarded for doing the right thing.”

Derek shook his head. “I know nothing.”

“How dare you?” Jasmine shot back.

Finally, Sally stood up. “Miss Jasmine, you cannot buy everyone with your money. And you cannot frame someone without proper evidence. He who asserts must prove. Am I right? Or do I have no rights just because you are richer than I?”

“How dare you?” Jasmine pointed at Sally, her face flush with anger. Then she turned to Edmund. “Honey, please do not let me be humiliated like this. I need justice!”

Edmund was entertained by the drama but decided to intervene. “Sally and Jasmine, let us go to my office for further inquiry into this matter. I dislike public scenes.” He turned and left, with the two women following him.

The three of them entered the elevator, where an awkward silence fell over them. Edmund could sense the tension between the two women, feeling as though he could cut it with a knife. This was going to be interesting, he thought.

Jasmine’s eyes scanned Sally. While Sally was somewhat attractive, she dressed like a student who had spent too many nights studying. Jasmine assumed Sally must be a very boring person based on her attire.

The elevator doors opened, and Edmund stepped out.

“Stop scanning me with those eyes. It is not like they have lasers that can bore holes in my skin,” Sally mocked as she exited the elevator. Jasmine's face was burning with anger.

They entered Edmund’s office, where he was already seated. “You ladies took a while,” he commented.

Jasmine sat across from Edmund, while Sally remained standing. “Have a seat,” Edmund offered, and Sally sat down.

“Jasmine, please tell me your grievances,” he prompted.

Jasmine recounted everything once more.

“She can’t prove anything,” Sally responded.

Edmund pondered for a moment. “Well, Jasmine, do you have any evidence?”

Jasmine was taken aback. “Honey, do you not believe me?”

Edmund replied, “Of course, I believe you, honey. I always do. But I can't mix business with pleasure. Every allegation must have proof; otherwise, it is your word against hers.”

He then turned to Sally. “You have only been employed here for two days. The least you can do is avoid trouble.”

That seemed to resonate. “Is she the new employee whose office is near yours?” Jasmine asked remembering what the secretary had told her.

“Yes,” he replied.

Jasmine nodded. Sally was her adversary. " It seems you really spoil her."