After the New Year's Eve Tragedy Her Icy Return novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 Dismissal

+8 Pearls

Caroline said. “Even if I have to follow orders, it depends on what they are. The packing station is meant for men. Do you think it makes sense for me to work there?”

“I’m the team leader. If I say it makes sense, then it does! Whatever I tell you to do, you have to obey!”

Caroline couldn’t help but laugh, instantly drawing the attention of their colleagues.

“So, if you order me to drop dead, should I just do it?”

Louise noticed the curious glances from the other colleagues. Seeing a chance to assert her authority, she straightened her posture. If she handled this right, no one would dare disobey her in the future.”

She smirked. “I’ll give you two minutes. Get to the packing station, or I’ll report you to the manager and have

Caroline remained unfazed. “Go ahead. Don’t waste time talking–just go find Liam now. I won’t stop you.”

you fired!”

Louise was momentarily stunned.

What’s going on? Wasn’t Caroline supposed to beg for mercy? Why wasn’t she following the script?

Maybe I wasn’t harsh enough.

Thinking of that, she sneered. “Don’t forget that you’re just a maid. The only reason you’re here is because Ms. Helen took pity on you. If you get kicked out, you won’t even have a job in the Somertons anymore. By then, you—”

Slapt

Before Louise could finish, Caroline slapped her face hard.

The sharp sound echoed through the workshop, stunning everyone.

The newer employees were especially shocked–no one had expected Caroline to slap the team leader. That was beyond

hold.

Louise crouched to grab the work hat that had fallen after the slap, seething with anger.

She had wanted to assert her authority, but she never imagined Caroline would strike her in front of everyone.

Her hands trembled with rage as she snapped, “Caroline, not only did you ignore my orders, but you also dared to hit me

Caroline shot her a scornful look. “If you didn’t talk such crap, I wouldn’t have to

“You–Louise was so furious her mind went blank, unable to find the right words.

Whispers spread among the colleagues, mixed with occasional chuckles.

“Did Caroline lose her mind? She never even raised her voice before, but now she’s hitting the team leader?”

“Ms. Helen recommended Louise for this position. Caroline’s just a maid in the Somertons. After this, she’s bound to be fired.”

Some commented. “Honestly, Caroline’s got guts! Louise always bosses us around without caring about our struggles. She had il.coming!

Though the other employees spoke in hushed tones, Louise heard every word.

Louise glared at Caroline, her expression darkening. “Stay right here if you dare! The manager will fire you in no time!”

.L

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1.24 PM dd

Chapter 17 Dismissal

She had planned to send Caroline to the packing station to make her suffer, but she hadn’t expected Caroline to lash out. That was perfect–now Liam had a solid reason to fire her.

That way, Helen wouldn’t have to worry about Caroline exposing the truth about the stolen sketch and spreading rumors that could ruin her reputation.

Louise, sensing doubt, pointed at her face in frustration. “Ms. Helen, why would I lie? Look! My face must be bright red,”

The sting still burned, and in

her hurry to find Helen, she hadn’t checked herself with a mirror.

Helen had noticed the moment Louise walked in, and upon closer inspection, the redness and imprint were undeniable.

Helen hadn’t expected Caroline to hit so hard.

But the worse it looked, the better–it would fuel workplace outrage and make removing Caroline easier.

Seeing Helen remain silent. Louise pressed on. “Ms. Helen, Caroline’s getting out of control. If she’s not fired now, she might even turn against you one day!”

Helen feigned guilt. “You’re right. Caroline’s behavior has been unacceptable lately. I only wanted to discipline her by assigning her to packaging because she made a mistake at home. I didn’t expect she’d be so defiant.

“But don’t worry. Just because she works for me doesn’t mean I’ll protect her–she’ll be punished accordingly.”

Louise bit her lip. “Ms. Helen, she humiliated me in front of everyone. If she’s not fired, people will lose respect for me. Some might even think they can get away with hitting me as well.”

That wasn’t her real concern. What truly mattered was that she had just sworn in front of everyone that Caroline would be fired. If that didn’t happen, she would become a joke.

Helen already understood Louise’s motives, so she deliberately said that just now.

Remaining composed, she replied. “You have a point. Go back to work. Tell Caroline to come to my uncle’s office.”

Louise nodded and left, while Helen made her way to Liam’s office instead.