Chapter 1055

Confused, Blake opened her work email. A notification about permanent positions caught her attention. Only three staff members were mentioned, one each from the Creative Design and Marketing Departments and Blake. Blake blinked in disbelief. She thought, 'My name is on the list!' In the background, the secretary's office buzzed with chatter. "It's okay, Susan. There's always next month," one voice soothed. "Exactly! It's those with connections who get ahead. Us regular folks just can't compete," another added bitterly. "I can't believe how shameless some people can be." Blake tried to ignore them, but their words were too loud, too pointed. The group was consoling Susan, painting her as a victim. Frustrated, Blake slammed her desk and stood, "Enough! If you have something to say about me, say it to my face. I'm not putting up with this!" Tears streaked Susan's face as she turned to Blake, slapping her across the face. Susan said angrily, "You don't deserve this, Blake. You're