Chapter 166 Got into Big Trouble

The group chat was blowing up, with messages flying in every second.

Seeing her name pop up repeatedly, Mabel scrolled up frantically until she found the source.

[Getting in through connections, acting all high and mighty, coming in late and leaving early. How are we supposed to get any work done with employees like this? How is the company supposed to survive?]

She glanced at the profile picture and, unsurprisingly, it was her direct supervisor.

Noticing Abigail looking at her from across the table, Mabel quickly masked her frustration. "I was moving stuff yesterday and got really tired. I ended up being late this morning and had a run-in with my boss," she explained briefly.

"Has Electra always been like this?"

Being late should be handled according to company policy. There was no need to air it out in the company group chat.

Abigail had been reading the chat logs too.

Mabel's direct supervisor had a notorious temper, often berating subordinates in the group chat, demeaning them, and stirring up animosity among other employees.

Mabel looked dejected. "Abigail, I'm just a junior manager. How can I stand up to her? If Ms. Ross hates me, so be it."

"You could sue her," Abigail suggested earnestly.

"It's just a small issue, not worth it. If my colleagues find out, no one will talk to me anymore." Mabel clutched her utensils, her face full of inner conflict.

Abigail studied Mabel's expression, feeling a deep sense of empathy.

She remembered her own days without any support, living a life much like Mabel's—bullied and humiliated, unable to fight back due to financial pressures.

Mabel was a mirror image of her past self.

"Do you want me to step in and talk to her?"

Abigail couldn't understand why women had to make things difficult for each other.

"No, Abigail, it's too much trouble for you. They already think I got in through connections. If you step in, they'll definitely..."

"Then what? Let her spread lies and slander?"

The screen continued to flood with messages, the insults piling up.

Seeing Electra's malicious words in the group chat, Mabel's eyes flashed with anger. She clenched her fists, struggling to keep her composure. "It's fine," she said, her voice tight. "Hardly anyone in the company even knows me."

She looked up and forced a smile at Abigail, one that anyone could see was strained.

"Let's eat," Abigail sighed.

"Yes, let's eat. The food's getting cold."

"You don't have to pretend to be happy in front of me. We're friends, aren't we?"

"Abigail..." Mabel's eyes welled up.

"Eat up. You'll need your strength to fight back, right?"

"Abigail, do you really think I should stand up to her?" Mabel put down her utensils, hesitating.

"What else?"

Mabel took a deep breath. "Abigail, I'll do as you say. I'll take some time off and find a lawyer!"

"Don't rush. I might be able to introduce you to one."

Being late was one thing, but leading a smear campaign was another. Abigail knew the difference.

"Thank you, Abigail. I don't know how to repay you. You've been so good to me."

"If you want to repay me, just finish your meal," Abigail smiled.

Mabel's spirits lifted, as if Abigail had brought rain to her parched soul.

"With your support, Abigail, I'll stand up for myself and try my best to win this case. Even if I lose my job, it will be worth it!" Mabel clenched her fist, determined.

After lunch, they returned to the office. 

As they walked into the office, Mabel noticed the odd stares—mostly at her.

The onlookers quickly averted their eyes when Abigail glanced their way.

Abigail pressed her lips together.

"Mabel, I'll be fine. You go back to work. I'll handle this," Mabel forced a smile and stepped into the elevator.

Abigail wanted to follow, but the doors had already closed.

She sighed deeply.

Back in the office, the chattering colleagues quieted down and hid their phones when they saw her.

"Is gossiping behind someone's back that fun?" Abigail said coldly before stepping into her office, leaving the employees looking at each other awkwardly.

That afternoon, news of Mabel suing Electra spread through the company chats.

Abigail was reviewing her designs when her phone buzzed incessantly. She frowned and picked it up, her expression softening as she read the messages.

Just moments ago, Mabel had declared "war" on Electra in the company group chat. Ten minutes had passed, and Electra had yet to respond.

She was so engrossed in her phone that she didn't notice Edward approaching.

"What are you looking at?" Edward leaned in, his face just inches from Abigail's.

Startled, Abigail's chair slid back, but Edward quickly steadied it.

"Careful," Edward murmured.

"Sorry."

Edward glanced at her phone. He hadn't known there was a company group chat, let alone that Daniel was the admin.

A quick scan of the messages told him everything.

Mabel had been late and violated company rules, but Electra had incited division and bullied Mabel, which was far worse.

If this information spread, the Harrison Group would have to take responsibility and earn a reputation for mistreating employees.

"She needs a lawyer," Edward stated.

Defamation cases are tough, and Mabel was under immense pressure. The company should already be talking to Mabel and Electra.

"Can you help?"

Abigail had considered asking Stuart for help, but since their split last month, he had vanished. After careful thought, she decided to let it go.

"Do you want my help?" Edward asked.

Abigail nodded.

"Just a verbal request?"

Abigail was taken aback. What else?

She bit her lip, feeling uneasy under Edward's gaze.

"What do you want?" She lowered her eyes, her lashes fluttering like a butterfly.

"In negotiations, you have to offer something. You can't just leave it to the other party."

Abigail realized Edward was taking advantage of the situation.

"I don't..." Abigail stood up, but Edward pushed her back down.

"I'll help with this. As for my request—think it over. I'll wait for your answer." Edward left, leaving Abigail in a state of confusion.