At MystiArt Productions, all the employees in the Arts Department were in a frenzy. There were clusters of paper files on the desks, some computers were turned on with no one attending to them, and a lot of unfinished work rested on most desks.
But right now, none of those things bothered the employees. The only thing on their minds at the moment was the huge scandal going around in the department. They spent the whole morning talking about it, especially with this sudden turn of events.
Moments ago, the manager who was always calm and friendly entered the department with a sour expression. He neither glanced at any employee nor answer their greetings as he stormed into his office.
Since then, he never came out or even summoned any employee as he always did every morning when he needed someone to help him prepare coffee.
With the Manager’s sudden change in mood, they could only point at one thing.
“What is this world turning into? It is surprising to see people immediately reveal their true color when the opportunity presents itself.”
“Even I will be dazzled to be admired by the new CEO. But come on, she has gone too far. Annie’s actions are a revelation to me.”
“No matter how much you love yourself, it is wrong to trample upon those that admire you just because you’ve found someone better.”
“If I’m not mistaken, the new CEO seems to have taken a liking to Annie. Otherwise, why would he send his assistant to personally interrogate us about her?”
“You’re right! Imagine a man inquiring about another woman’s relationship life. What do you think he’s after?”
“Hmmm. I’m jealous of Annie. First, the manager, and now, the CEO. Do you think she saved a country in her past life?”
“Urgh! There’s nothing to admire here. She has been together with the manager for almost a year now. Everyone can tell that man loves her to the heavens. She should be ashamed of catching the attention of the new CEO.”
The employees had gathered in a corner, gossiping loudly. In their minds, if Annie had not caught the CEO’s attention, then he wouldn’t have taken a liking to her, talk more of sending his assistant here to ask questions about her.
Annie who had just arrived stared at the scene. Her lips spread into a smile as her eyes swept across the employees. Just now, she’d heard each of their words as she left the elevator. And she couldn’t help but laugh softly.
“You, Annie. You’re finally here.” One of the female employees pointed at her. “Tell us what you did to our manager! Did you break up with him because of the new CEO?”
“Yes, tell us if you have broken up already.” Priscilla chipped in, her face brightening up. Unlike the other employees who looked out of their minds with shocks written on their faces, she looked as if she had just won a lottery ticket.
“I didn’t know you guys are so interested in my personal life.” Annie folded her hands and replied calmly, “I should assume that you’re all worried for me since you’re jumping to conclusions.”
“Worried for you? Bah! Who is worried for you!” Priscilla rolled her eyes. “Every employee in this department has now known your true color, Annie. You acted like a saint in the past. And they all thought you were someone with dignity. Yet, you didn’t think twice to latch onto a bigger thigh when you found one. Aren’t you satisfied with your new position as the Manager’s assistant?”
What Priscilla was trying to imply was that, Annie used the manager as a stepping stone to attain her current position. Everyone knew she started as a receptionist but weeks later, she got a permanent job as one of the top artists, and now, a few months later, she was the Manager’s assistant.
Her success was surely fast.
“Priscilla, don’t you sound ridiculous?” Annie chuckled. “If I have used the manager as a stepping stone, do you think I would just start out as a receptionist? Considering my qualifications, wouldn’t I have leaped to my current position? Even better, I could be a manager as we’re speaking.”
That was right. Now, all eyes were on Priscilla. They didn’t know why she even brought that up out of the blue.
When Annie newly got employed, the HR department couldn’t help but upload her qualifications on the company’s portal. Her result was so outstanding that most of the managers’ felt threatened. Because she happened to graduate from the best Arts College in the city with top results.
At that time, some employees even rallied up to defend her. Because it came as a shock to them when she was just given a receptionist’s position. Unknowingly to them, Annie had personally asked for that position, to follow the same protocol as every other employee. At that time also, she was already in a relationship with the Manager.
Priscilla’s eyes turned red with anger as the employees gave her condescending looks. She opened her mouth but was unable to say any words. Therefore, she stormed back to her cubicle and dropped on her sit, making a loud displeasing sound.
“Things are not always as they seem on the surface.” Annie faced the employees and continued. “I’d appreciate it if you stop making a mountain out of a molehill. Let’s respect each other as colleagues. We’re all humans with personal lives. And airing them in the workplace, is it the right thing?”
The employees lowered their heads and most of them returned to their cubicles with dropped shoulders. Somehow, they felt ashamed. Her words were true. They all had personal lives. It was obvious that they wouldn’t like it if someone judged them without solid reasons, just the way they were doing right now.
Who would have thought that this girl who had always been quiet and minded her own business would manage to silence more than thirty employees with just a few words?
“Ah, your majesty,” Layla screamed as she walked towards Annie from the elevator. “I always held you in high regard, but from today henceforth, you’re my goddess! I never knew you possessed the power of commanding order. Tell me you were not a ruler in your past life.”
Annie dropped her bag on her desk, shaking her head.
“By the way, what happened between you and Jason?” Layla dropped her voice as she went on. “That man has been down throughout the weekend. I almost got blackmailed for playing pranks on him.”
Annie’s eyes went to the door that led to the Manager’s office. She shook her head at Layla’s question, meaning nothing happened. Then she picked up a tablet from her desk and headed to the office.
After knocking twice and getting no response, she pushed the door open only to find the man sitting across his desk. His eyes were red.