She ced a stack of printed photographs on the table before Rylie, showcasing hervish escapades in high-end boutiques and opulent hotels over thest few days.


    Rylie’s face turned a deep shade of red.


    Yet, she continued to defend herself, “So what? I was merely taking some time to unwind.


    This is my personal life.


    I’vemitted no faults at work.


    Why should thepany dismiss me over such matters?”


    Ste’s scoff was sharp.


    “Because you took leave without any justification and were unreachable at a crucial time, risking thepany’s reputation.


    Isn’t that a mistake?”


    Finding herself at a loss for words, Rylie averted her gaze from Ste’s piercing look.


    Desperate to salvage her position, she pleaded, “I acknowledge my mistake, but please, can you give me another chance?”


    As Rylie’s defenses weakened, Ste seized the moment.


    “Exin why you abruptly took leave, and I might consider mitigating your penalty.


    ”


    Prosperity Group ranked among Seamarsh’s elitepanies, and Rylie had worked tirelessly to secure her position there.


    The prospect of being terminated in such a humiliating manner threatened to tarnish her future career irreparably.


    Torn between her options, Rylie blurted out in distress, “Someone asked me to…”


    Yet, her confession trailed off into silence.


    Revealing Elizabeth’s involvement meant returning all the money she had received and spent.


    With none left, Rylie faced a daunting dilemma.


    Noticing Rylie’s hesitation, Ste probed, “Who instructed you to do this?”


    In a panic, Rylie quickly retorted, “No, it’s my fault.


    I’ve been overwhelmedtely and needed a break.


    I never imagined this would happen while I was off.


    I’m terribly sorry.


    Please, give me another chance, or let me apologize to the customer.


    ”


    At that moment, a colleague who had always harbored disdain for her scoffed, “Rylie used to work overtime rather than take sick leave, always pinching pennies, never even splurging on a drink for herself.


    And now she’s suddenly asking for a leave and shopping in luxury boutiques?”


    “The kind of ce where you don’t walk out without dropping tens of thousands.


    It doesn’t add up that she’d spend like that,” another colleague added.


    As the murmurs grew, Rylie’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    She regained herposure and began to exin, “I… I’ve been putting in so much effort all this time.N?velDrama.Org content.


    Is it so wrong for me to want a little reward now and then?”


    Her voice, however, carried less conviction than before.


    Ste had no patience for her excuses.


    With an icy tone, she dered, “If you’re not going to be honest with me, then we have nothing more to discuss.


    Go andplete the formalities.


    ”


    With that, Ste turned to leave.


    Rylie, realizing Ste was dismissing her exnations, started to panic.


    “Wait, I’ll tell you the truth!”


    Ste paused and turned to face her with a stern look.