Chapter 205

"Do you truly believe you can oust me? Understand this, Layla, you are merely the principal designer, not even Susan wields the authority to expel me, much less you," Gioanna asserted defiantly.

Layla merely arched an eyebrow, a silent challenge in her gaze. "Feel free to attempt."

"Who do you think is afraid? Do you presume I lack influential allies? I've chosen to maintain a low profile, but you've provoked me beyond my limits. I have no qualms about revealing that my uncle is the director of the Design Department for the Americas. Do you comprehend the magnitude of that?" Gioanna declared, her voice resonating with the force of a trumpet.

"And? Are you trembling in fear now?"

Gioanna eagerly anticipated a look of dread to wash over Layla's face. Yet, it never materialized. Layla remained composed, her demeanor bordering on dismissive.

What was the director of the Design Department for the Americas to her? Samuel was the President of the Holland Group, what could she possibly say to that?

At times, when Layla encountered such self-aggrandizing buffoons, she found it impossible to suppress her laughter. It was utterly ludicrous.

People, she mused, should never behave like frogs at the bottom of a well.

"He won't be able to help you."

Gioanna's brow furrowed, her hands planted firmly on her hips. "You dare to belittle my uncle? Let me enlighten you, he has no daughters and cherishes me as if I were his own. If he discovers that you've been tormenting me, he will undoubtedly have you dismissed."

"Then, by all means, proceed."

"Very well! You've brought this upon yourself!" Gioanna whipped out her phone, dialed a number, and with a smug sneer, gave Layla a dismissive wave. "Uncle... it's me, Gioanna."

Her voice dripped with saccharine sweetness. "Uncle, a member of our team is bullying me and even intends to remove me from the Eilish Group project."

She switched on the speakerphone.

"What's her name?"

"Layla."

"Layla?"

"Yes, Uncle, Layla, a mere assistant designer, dares to defy me and wants to expel me from the project. Isn't that absurd? You're the director of the Design Department for the Americas..."

"Apologize to Layla immediately!"

Gioanna froze, the smug smile on her face morphing into a mask of shock. She thought she must have misheard. "Apologize to her? Uncle, you've misunderstood. It's Layla who's been bullying me..."

"Don't I know your temperament? If you hadn't committed some transgression, why would Layla have responded in this manner? Go and apologize this instant."

"I refuse."

"Don't be obstinate. Do you wish to retain your position or not?"

Gioanna seethed with rage.

Was her employment at the Holland Group, a company to which she had dedicated a decade of her life, now at the mercy of Layla?

"Gioanna, be reasonable."

"I..." Gioanna bit her lip, her pride preventing her from backing down. Layla's faint, mocking smile was infuriating, the blow to her ego stinging sharply.

'You think you've triumphed?'

"Gioanna, did you hear me? If you don't apologize immediately, I won't interfere in your matters any longer."

It was this final admonition that sent Gioanna into a frenzy. "I'm sorry, alright?"

"Since when is 'sorry' the antonym of an apology?" Layla retorted with a calm chuckle.

"Layla, don't push your luck."

"Gioanna, offer a sincere apology." The man's voice hardened further.

Gioanna's eyes blazed with fury, a fire seemingly ignited in her chest, causing an uncomfortable burn.

Why should she, a seasoned B-level designer with a decade of experience, be humiliated by a junior C-level assistant like Layla?

Gioanna couldn't bear it.

"Gioanna."

"I'm sorry." Having uttered those words, she abruptly ended the call and glared at Layla. "Are you satisfied now, having humiliated me in this manner?"

"Layla, it was you who initiated this. If we're discussing humiliation, the blame lies with you," Layla voiced, her belief in her own benevolence and tender-heartedness unwavering. She had mastered the art of balancing her softness with her strength, knowing when to extend a hand of compassion and when to withhold it. In her eyes, Gioanna was undeserving of such sympathy.

Layla was no stranger to individuals like Gioanna, stubborn and unyielding, their behavior unaltered even after countless pardons.

Layla's biting words left Gioanna speechless, her anger intensifying.

"Return to Susan," Layla instructed, her back turned, her patience for Gioanna's antics exhausted.

"But haven't I already sought your forgiveness?" Gioanna's face paled at the mention of Susan, aware that she would undoubtedly side with Layla.

The project commissions were significant, and Gioanna was unwilling to forfeit such a profitable opportunity. The tension between her and Layla was common knowledge, and being removed from the project would make her the company's laughingstock. She couldn't bear such a loss of face.

Gioanna's apology was irrelevant to Layla. What she sought was not remorse but a harmonious team that could work efficiently-a quality Gioanna evidently lacked.

In a desperate attempt to defend herself, Gioanna argued, "How am I lacking? I've received international accolades, you know."

"There are numerous B-level designers in the company, and you can be replaced at any moment," Layla retorted.

A shiver ran down Gioanna's spine. She was replaceable, but Layla was not. She didn't know who Layla's influential backer was, but she understood that even if she caused a hundred disruptions, Layla's position would remain secure.

She regretted ever opposing Layla, and now the situation had spiraled out of control.

"We're all colleagues, there's no need for such drama over a minor disagreement," she pleaded.

"If you believe everything that transpired was merely a minor disagreement, then we see things differently. I need team players who work diligently, not someone who constantly causes disruptions."

"I can stop arguing with you, isn't that enough?" Gioanna rushed to catch up, reaching for Layla's hand, "I admit I was wrong."

"I promise it won't happen again, Layla, just give me another chance," Gioanna pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. She had never begged so humbly in her life.

"Gioanna, I gave you a chance, but you only made things worse. We'll let Susan decide," Layla responded, pushing away Gioanna's hand and refusing to engage further.

Gioanna emerged from Susan's office in tears, sobbing as she collected her belongings and left.

The incident ignited a flurry of discussion among the team.

"Did Gioanna really get dismissed?"

"Her belongings are all packed up, what else could it be? I heard a new designer will replace her by this afternoon."

"Layla is too harsh, a real she-devil."

"Have you not heard the saying, 'If a woman isn't tough, her position won't be stable?' That applies to the workplace just the same. Layla is setting an example. Gioanna simply got what she deserved."

"I'm scared. Better be careful around her from now on; I don't want to end up like Gioanna."

"Jane, be cautious. You and Gioanna were the main instigators. You might be next."

Jane's brow furrowed in worry.

Ever since Gioanna's departure, Jane had been on edge, dreading that a call from Susan would signal her dismissal.

She knew Layla had connections, but she hadn't realized the extent of their power.

It was Jane who had pushed Gioanna into the wishing well, hoping to amplify the conflict and drive Layla away. Instead...

Kenneth had been dismissed, followed by Gioanna; within a week, they had both been let go.

Jane was genuinely concerned that she might be next.

Anxiety gnawed at Jane's heart.

No, she had to take action.