Her thoughts were a jumbled mess as she replayed the events of Damian’s proposition. It had been as audacious as it was unexpected. Marrying Damian Blackwood, even temporarily, was a move that could either save her career or ruin her completely, so she intended not to accept his offer.

She strode through the glass doors of the Marshall & Hewitt Firm, her heels clicking on the polished marble floor with a confident rhythm, ignoring the whispers among her colleagues. It had been like this ever since her name hit the media. None of them offered to help her, and the firm had suddenly withdrawn their resources.

The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the modern decor in a golden light. For a brief moment, she savored the familiar scent of leather and the gentle hum of morning activity in the office. This was her domain, a world she had painstakingly built through years of hard work, late nights, and unwavering determination.

As she approached her office, her assistant, Leah, intercepted her with a strained expression.

“Elara, we need to talk,” Leah said, her voice low and urgent.

Elara frowned, her instincts immediately on alert. Leah was usually calm and composed, so whatever had her this rattled couldn’t be good.

“What is it?” she asked cautiously as she followed Leah into her office.

Leah closed the door behind them.

“Now tell me, what’s making you feel worried, Leah?” Elara inquired, settling into her chair.

“We have a big problem, Elara,” Leah responded, her voice laced with concern.

“What is it? Tell me.”

“You’re going to be dismissed.”

“What? By who?” she slammed her fist on the table. Just as she was about to speak, the door to her office opened, revealing Charles.

“Charles,” she called, rushing towards him. “Tell me it’s not true. Tell me what Leah just told me was a lie.”

“It’s true,” he responded.

“What have I done to deserve this?” she screamed. “Why?”

“I’m sorry,” Charles whispered softly. Elara looked up, meeting his gaze. She was shocked to see the guilt in his eyes. “It’s an order from the boss. I have no control over it.”

“Boss?” she repeated, her voice laced with fear.

Despite her usual strength and fearlessness, the current situation filled her with dread. The thought of her family, especially her ailing mother, made her heart bleed. If she lost her job, who would cover her mother’s medical expenses? With a tarnished reputation, finding new employment seemed impossible. “You can’t dismiss me just like that.”

“I’m sorry, but the decision is final—until further notice.” Elara grabbed Charles’ sleeve, pleading desperately. Her life felt like it was falling apart.

“Please, I beg you,” she said, dropping to her knees. Her pride was gone, overshadowed by the fear of losing her job and its impact on her family.

“Enough of this emotional blackmail,” Margaret warned. “Are you not ashamed of yourself? Because of you, the firm lost almost all its clients.” She smirked, burning with hatred.

Elara rose to her feet. Even if she was at a loss here, she could never allow the likes of Margaret to claw over her.

Her eyes burned with rage as she confronted Margaret. “The clients you’re talking about, am I not the one who brought them?”

“Quit your fantasy, baby girl,” Margaret smirked. “Stop saying nonsense and quit being pitiful.”

“I’ve given everything to this firm! I deserve a promotion, not dismissal!” she yelled, struggling to control her anger.

“Promoted?” Margaret scoffed. “Give me a break. You’ve got a bad reputation, and you still have the nerve to dream of a promotion? Are you out of your mind?” She shoved Elara in the chest. “You should be ashamed of yourself and just disappear.”

Margaret’s eyes widened with shock as she held her burning cheek. With her voice trembling, she spoke. “Did you just slap me?”

“Yes, I did,” Elara replied, attempting to slap her again. “You should learn how to shut your mouth.”