Chapter 19

Cindy used "you all", clearly having overheard my conversation with Anika. But if she had listened more carefully, she would have understood that my ultimate purpose was to minimize the issue. It was normal for colleagues to have differing opinions, but I didn't expect her to bring Bruce into this. Since she heard us, Bruce had obviously heard everything clearly as well. It made Anika and I look like we were bad-mouthing Cindy behind her back. Anika probably didn't expect things to escalate like this either. So, she whispered, "Nance, if someone has to take the blame, I..." I gave her a look and reassured her, "I'll handle this." After saying that, I walked toward the both of them. Our eyes met, and I gently said, "Ms. Lane, I mishandled the situation, and I'm sorry you felt wronged." Suddenly, Cindy's eyes reddened, and her tears fell off like the pearls off a string. She naturally had a fair and delicate appearance. So, with tears in her eyes, she gave off a wronged and piti