We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 59

Chapter 59

He turned to address the entire cafeteria. “Let me make something absolutely clear: Ms. Wright was hired based on her exceptional portfolio and innovative design concepts that impressed not only me but our executive team. Any suggestion otherwise is not only false but constitutes workplace harassment.”

Thomas then focused his gaze directly on Melissa. “Ms. Hoffman, your employment with Nest Design is terminated, effective immediately. Security will escort you to collect your belongings.”

Melissa’s face contorted with shock. “You can’t fire me for-”

“For maliciously defaming a colleague and damaging the company’s reputation? Yes, I absolutely can.” Thomas’s tone left no room for

argument.

But Melissa wasn’t finished. Her shock transformed into rage as she pointed accusingly between Thomas and me.

“This just proves everything! You’re firing me to protect your little mistress! Everyone can see what’s happening here–you two are

nothing but disgusting-”

Something inside me snapped. Before I could even process what I was doing, I grabbed the bowl of cream of mushroom soup sitting on

the table and flung its contents directly at Melissa’s face.

The thick, pale liquid splashed across her meticulously applied makeup and expensive silk blouse, dripping down onto her tailored pants.

Gasps echoed throughout the cafeteria.

*Slander, defamation, and verbal abuse,” I said, my voice steadier than I expected. “That’s what you deserve.”

For three heartbeats, nobody moved. Then came the low murmur of shocked whispers as Melissa stood there, soup dripping from her chin.

“You bitch! You’re the one who should be fired!” Melissa shouted, snapping out of her shock. Her hand flew up, aiming for my face, but

Thomas was faster–he grabbed her wrist before she could strike.

“Security, now!” Thomas called out sharply. Within seconds, two guards appeared and took hold of Melissa’s struggling form.

Thomas turned to the other staff. “As I was about to announce, the company has just sent an official email addressing this situation.

On cue, phones throughout the cafeteria pinged with notifications. Everyone reached for their devices, eyes widening as they read.

“The email contains three things,” Thomas continued. “First, conclusive evidence clearing both Ms. Wright and myself of any impropriety. Second, formal notice of Ms. Hoffman’s termination. And third, a reminder that employees who participated in spreading these rumors will face a twenty percent reduction in their quarterly performance bonuses.”

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Colleagues who moments ago had been silent observers now glared at Melissa, as if she alone were

responsible for their financial penalty.

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Chapter 59

The guards dragged Melissa toward the exit, soup still dripping from her clothes. “This isn’t fair!” she shouted, struggling against their grip. “You can’t do this to me!”

Her protests faded as the cafeteria doors closed behind her.

As the cafeteria slowly returned to normal, I couldn’t bring myself to sit down for a meal. I picked up a bagel and some cream cheese from the grab–and–go section, then headed back toward my desk.

Colleagues began dispersing, some offering awkward smiles of support, others avoiding eye contact entirely. The battlefield had cleared, but the war of office politics was far from over.

Later, as I was gathering my thoughts in my office, Thomas knocked on my door.

“I apologize for the unpleasantness today,” he said, looking genuinely contrite. “This shouldn’t have happened.”

“Thank you for stepping in,” I replied, trying to sound more composed than I felt.

“There’s one more thing,” Thomas hesitated. “Mr. Sterling has been informed of the situation. Please clear things up with him.”

I frowned. “Mr. Sterling? Surely this incident doesn’t warrant his attention.”

Thomas shifted uncomfortably. “I’m concerned he might misinterpret what happened between us. I wouldn’t want him to think…”

He trailed off, but his meaning was clear. Thomas was worried about what Ridley might think of our professional relationship.

But I didn’t quite understand. Why would Ridley personally concern himself with office gossip about me? And why did Thomas seem so anxious about Ridley’s opinion specifically?

Just then, the door burst open, and in came the person responsible for all my confusion.

We Want Mommy, Not You, Daddy!

Chapter 60