NovelUSAChapter 218 Ailie couldn't help feeling indignant on Victoria's behalf, though Victoria herself didn't seem to mind at all.
There was nothing Ailie could do except stick close to Victoria, just in case Violet decided to make things difficult for her.
By 8:30 sharp, the executives had gathered outside the company building.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtVictoria noticed that Maynard was driving the sMercedes as before, not the usual company van. Since when did McNeil start preferring sedans? But then, it wasn't really her business.
Curtis caught sight of Victoria and, despite the surprise and a hint of confusion, looked pleased. Wasn't she supposed to conly when she felt like it? Why the sudden urgency? "Ailie, you and Ms. Turner will take the company bus," Georgia announced, appearing out of nowhere and calling Victoria out by nright in front of Curtis. Curtis had half a mind to offer Victoria a seat in his own car, but with so many people around today, it wouldn't look good. Back when Victoria was his assistant, she could get away with riding along, but now, any special treatment would have everyone talking.
Downstairs, a company shuttle waited—a minibus McNeil had arranged specifically for the top executives from Quantum Core Technologies.
A group of about thirty swarmed around, ready to depart.
McNeil's car pulled up in front of the shuttle. He stepped out to meet Violet and immediately spotted Victoria.
No longer Curtis's secretary, Victoria now stood among the executives. She wore a simple, elegant dress and let her hair fall softly around her shoulders. Her air remained gentle and serene, though there was a new sharpness in her eyes that hadn't been there when she was married.
McNeil walked straight over to Violet. "Ready?" Violet nodded. "Yes." Then, for reasons even she might not have understood, Violet turned and glanced at Victoria.
"Ms. Turner, would you like to ride with us in Mr. Langford's car?" Victoria's gaze was calm and unreadable as she met Violet's eyes.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBefore she could answer, McNeil cut in with a cold, dismissive tone. "My car doesn't have room for any more freeloaders." His rejection was loud enough for everyone to hear. The whole group, Curtis included, looked on in confusion. Still, everyone had their own theories. Sassumed Ms. Marchand was just trying to save face for Mr. Garcia, maybe offering a favor to his new flame.
"I'm fine taking the bus with everyone else," Victoria replied. She declined Violet's invitation, but to the onlookers, it looked like she was turning down a golden opportunity-how ungrateful.
Quiet murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"She cost Ms. Marchand's boyfriend tens of millions. If Mr. Garcia hadn't shielded her, she would've been fired ages ago." "Look at Ms. Marchand always putting the company first. I heard from HR that Victoria hasn't shown up for work in over two weeks, but payroll still gave her a full check." "She's obviously Mr. Garcia's mistress. Honestly, Ms. Marchand is competent and has the boss's support; she doesn't need to lower herself by asking Mr. Garcia's pet to ride with them. Disgraceful."
"Exactly! After our new glaunched, all my friends kept asking if we'd be raking in bonuses this year. Everyone's saying we developed that game. The PR and sales teams really outdid themselves, but in the end, stiny company stole the spotlight. It's embarrassing. And she walked away with half a million."
Ailie tugged at Victoria's sleeve, trying to lighten the mood. "Ms. Marchand, Mr. Langford, Mr. Garcia-us regular folks won't crowd into your fancy cars. If the company bus can't fit us, we'll just call an Uber." Violet smiled coolly. "Actually, with you two, the bus is exactly full-thirty people and the driver. Looks like we're short two seats, Mr. Garcia. What do you think we should do?"
She deliberately tossed the question to Curtis in front of everyone, knowing full well Victoria's reputation was at rock bottom in the company. Violet didn't believe for a second that Curtis would dare show her any special treatment now.
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