Chapter 335
Levi stormed back to his office.
The rest kept chattering for a long while, their voices filled with excitement.
"Did Fanny really get fired like that?"
"Of course. Levi had the security throw her out."
"I never expected it. Back then, Fanny was so high-profile, boasting about being a female boss, and now she ended up like this."
"She brought it on herself by being too arrogant. Look, when trouble came, no one helped her."
"Who would dare? That means going against Levi directly. I've worked for years and never seen Levi that angry before."
"Fanny got what she deserved. Everyone knows their affairs. There is no need to make a scene in front of everyone, which embarrassed Levi."
"Levi is ruthless. Fanny is the woman who accompanied him from the start-up to now, and he kicks her out just like that, making her so embarrassed."
"Keep it down. Don't let Levi hear."
"Some people are going to have a hard time."
"Good luck to them." They were whispering among themselves.
The gloating eyes were all focused on Fanny's two subordinates, who used to rely on Fanny's support and had made enemies in the office. Now that their backing was gone, they would naturally have a hard time in the company.
They were like two pathetic rabbits standing there nervously. Glancing at each other, they awkwardly approached Layla.
"Layla, we're sorry for what happened before."
"We really like you. It was Fanny who forced us to target you."
"You know she had a say in the office. If we didn't agree with her, she wouldn't let us off."
"Yeah, we were also trapped in the circle and had no choice. We have no issues with you. Instead, we really like you."
Some who had supported Layla before felt victorious, chin up, looking proud. "I didn't see any reluctance before. Weren't you enthusiastic?"
"Fanny didn't force you to go against Layla, did she?"
"Now that Fanny's gone, you come to apologize. Isn't it a bit too late?"
"Hypocrites."
"I think you should leave too. Stop being a nuisance here."
"Exactly." They said one after another.
The two were almost in tears. "Layla, please forgive us."
"We won't dare do it again."
When Fanny was blurting out, Layla stayed out of it, focusing on her work. While everyone watched the drama, she concentrated on drawing, oblivious to the gossip. And now, she remained unresponsive.
"Layla." One of the two begged.
"We're colleagues. Forgive us this once, okay? I can't afford to lose this job as I still have car and house loans to pay. Without income, I can't survive."
"Me too. My dad is still in the hospital."
The two pleaded pitifully, only to receive sneers and mockery from others.
"Why not find another job? Besides kissing up to Fanny, can't you do anything else?"
"Exactly. If nothing else, you can try naked loans."
"Haha, that's true."
"Layla." They continued to beg.
Layla didn't want to engage, but the words of other colleagues were harsh. She hadn't intended to make things difficult for anyone, but their pleas made her slightly annoyed and sympathetic.
She put down her pen.
"I'm not Levi. I don't have the power to decide your fate, so you don't need to care about my opinion.
"But now that Fanny's gone, Levi values you the most." One person wiped away tears and choked up.
"Yeah, we were always with Fanny and Levi knew that. Will he find fault with us and fire us, too? Layla, please speak up for us. We'll do anything you say in the future."
"Hey, you treated Layla badly before, and now you have the nerve to ask her to speak for you? You're the most shameless people I've ever seen. Layla is beautiful and kind-hearted, but she's not stupid. Don't take advantage of her."
"Yeah! Your request is too out of line. Don't be so shameless."
"Layla, please help us."
"I won't say anything." Layla continued, "If Levi decides to dismiss you, that's his choice."
A few months ago, Layla might have been more lenient. But these months of work had taught her a lesson, which was that one can be kind but not a pushover. As an adult, one should be responsible for his or her actions. She wouldn't and shouldn't clean up their mess.
"Layla."
"Stop bothering her. Go check if other companies are hiring."
"I doubt you'll last another two days, haha." The others started laughing.
The two returned to their desks in tears, one burying her face in arms, the other sneaking off to the restroom to cry.
"Layla, it's a good thing you didn't help them. They're bad people, who don't deserve your kindness."
"Exactly. They're so bad. They don't deserve sympathy."
"I like Layla, as she has a strong moral compass and clear principles."
"Layla is amazing!" Other colleagues continued to compliment her on her merits.
These compliments made Layla feel a bit uncomfortable. 'They criticized Fanny's two subordinates, but what about themselves? They were no different, all for their interests.' She thought.
"Go back to work, everyone."
Layla focused on her drawing. Without Fanny, it was much quieter. It seemed like the first time that she could work in peace these days.
After drawing for over two hours, her neck felt stiff, so she looked up to rest.
A Facebook message came in.
Layla clicked it, surprised to see it was from Samuel.
'Haven't I already deleted him? Did he add me on my phone?'
'Does he understand the concept of respect? The phone is a private thing!' She thought.
She also noticed that his profile picture was a snapshot of them at a local construction site abroad!
Layla's heart skipped a beat, her face blushing slightly.
The text was: [Working hard to support the family.]
The photo showed his desk, black wood, emitting a subtle yet magnificent glow. A stack of files was neatly arranged on the desk.
It was the desk of someone obsessed with cleanliness and organization, very pleasing.
'Is he sharing his life?' She thought.
Layla's eyes flickered, her heart slightly trembling.
Sharing their lives was something they rarely did before. Although they were busy with their own things, their hearts were connected. They both felt good about that. But sharing was also wonderful. She thought of their chatting about work over drinks last night. At that time, they were open to each other and shared details about work, even the smallest things.
Layla hesitated.
Her gaze fell on the cup. Fanny had broken her cup last time, so she bought a new one online, which arrived yesterday. It was a cup with a SpongeBob design, a bit childish, but Layla found it cute.
She pursed her lips, turned on the camera, and took a picture.
Opening the chat box, she hesitated about sending it.
"Layla, you're in love!"
A surprised voice suddenly sounded in her ear.
Startled, Layla's hand shook as she quickly put away her phone.