Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 134

Chapter 134 Fired

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Lydia felt a flicker of unease, but when Elena’s calm, almost indifferent expression came to mind, she forced herself to steady her nerves, tightened her grip on the phone, and continued typing her reply.

Lydia replied, “Elena was injured during the assignment and is still hospitalized, so her draft wasn’t submitted.”

Then she added, “There’s something else I’m unsure whether to mention. I’ve noticed Elena’s field assignments often run longer than others. I’m concerned she may be using that time inefficiently.”

She stared at the screen, waiting. Several long minutes passed before the response came.

Elena replied, “Noted.”

Lydia exhaled slowly. She could not tell whether Lucy, the executive president, had believed her. Still, Lydia had seniority and had originally been hired under Alexander’s leadership. That had to count for something.

She reassured herself.

The next morning, HR walked into her office.

“Lydia, this is the compensation package. Please review it.”

Lydia blinked. “Compensation for what?”

“Separation,” HR replied with a practiced smile. “You’ll receive double statutory compensation. If everything looks correct, sign and you may complete your exit procedures.”

Lydia’s grip tightened on the papers. “I was never informed of termination. I will not accept this. On what grounds am I being dismissed?”

HR’s expression remained steady. “You may wish to reflect. We’ve been informed that you transferred Elena’s draft to Camille.”

“By Elena?” Lydia demanded.

“Who reported it is not the point,” HR said calmly. “Elena provided her original files. The similarity between her draft and the one Camille submitted is substantial. You’re a veteran here, Lydia. You know the company has zero tolerance for malicious internal competition.” Lydia felt heat rise to her face. It was just Elena. Why was HR treating this so seriously?

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Chapter 134 Fired

“I was recruited by Mr. Kingsley,” she snapped. “If I’m being dismissed, he should tell me himself. I’m calling Mr. Kingsley.”

Fueled by frustration, she grabbed her phone and unlocked it with sharp, impatient movements, clearly intent on making the call.

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Across from her, HR maintained that neutral corporate composure and lifted a hand in a small, courteous gesture that said, go ahead.

She dialed Alexander’s number.

After several rings, someone answered.

“Hello.”

voice.

cognized it. Fiona Scott, Alexander’s personal secretary.

I need to speak with Mr. Kingsley.”

“What is this regarding?” Fiona asked politely.

Lydia explained the termination, her tone turning aggrieved. “I only asked Camille to refine the draft because certain details could have triggered unnecessary backlash. This hardly warrants termination.”

“The decision was reviewed and approved by Mr. Kingsley,” Fiona replied gently. “Lydia, I truly sympathize.”

Lydia froze. “Approved?”

For a moment, Lydia thought she must have misheard.

Her termination had been approved by Alexander himself.

The pieces fell into place with uncomfortable clarity. That was why HR had remained so composed when she threatened to call Alexander. They had already known exactly how the

would end.

conversati

ad never been in doubt.

ur contributions to Velmora Media,” Fiona continued. “If you require a future, you may provide my contact information. I’ll do what I can.”

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She did not want a reference. She wanted her position.

M

But she knew Alexander’s reputation. Once he made a decision, it did not reverse.

“I understand,” she said faintly.

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Before ending the call, Fiona added in a reflective tone, “I have wondered what prompted this decision. It’s rare for Mr. Kingsley to act without reason.”

“I don’t understand either,” Lydia said quickly. “If this is about that article, the punishment is

onate.”

hen sighed softly. “When someone mishandles matters involving Elena, it rarely I’m sure you’ll land somewhere just fine. Take care.”

he went dead.

d there, the phone heavy in her hand.

Involving Elena.

The realization came together all at once. At worst, this should have meant a formal reprimand, maybe a performance warning, certainly not termination. Yet Alexander had approved her dismissal without hesitation, which made it painfully clear that this was never just about internal policy. He was making an example of her, and he was doing it for Elena.

She suddenly remembered that dinner not long ago, when Alexander had mentioned Elena by name in front of everyone, casually but deliberately.

A chill crept down her spine.

So that was it.

Ever since Elena joined Velmora Media, she had carried herself with a confidence that bordered on defiance. Lydia had taken it for arrogance. Now she understood. Elena had backing, and not just anyone’s.

Lydia swallowed her frustration and signed the separation papers HR had placed in front of her. Pride would not change the outcome. She packed her belongings in silence and walked out of the office, aware that every pair of eyes outside followed her movements.

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