"If you guys really think I’m out of line, you’re totally free to report me to headquarters. Go ahead and get me replaced," Catherine said, her voice steady and unbothered. "I was the one who set up the rules for this branch. If you want to file a complaint, just send it to Aaron’s email. All you need is everyone’s signature, and it’ll be valid."
She grabbed her phone and dropped Aaron’s email in the company group chat.
"There it is. Feel free."
Ivan just stared at her, not saying a word. The whole room went silent, nobody even daring to breathe.
"If you’re not going to do that, then at least let me say a few things." Catherine stood up, leaning forward with both hands planted on the table.
"I’m sorry my personal issues brought the company some bad press. I’ve already talked to Lance about it. I admitted my mistake and explained how I plan to fix it. I’ve actually already started taking steps to turn things around…"
Compared to Ivan’s carefully rehearsed complaints, Catherine just laid out the facts, no fluff, no drama. She just told them what she’d done. Actions always speak louder than words.
Right as she finished, her phone buzzed. It was a news alert. The press had screenshotted her latest post and used it to show her relationship with Adela was solid. Just like that, yesterday’s wild rumors fell apart.
All of a sudden, the group’s attempt to back her into a corner looked forced and desperate. Ivan looked like he wanted to disappear, his face turning red, then pale.
"But Ivan’s got a point. I won’t just let this go. I’ll own up to the mess I caused, but this whole thing showed me where you all fell short, too."
Catherine’s tone shifted and she took control of the room in an instant.
Over in the corner, Neville pulled out his phone, tapped on a contact, and quietly started a video call to stream what was happening. He filmed Catherine from behind. Her loose clothes hid her pregnancy, so she still looked slim.
Whoever was watching on the other end stayed completely silent.
"The PR department failed to handle a crisis. That’s on the PR manager. Go to HR and get your resignation paperwork started today."
Suddenly, Catherine felt eyes on her back. It was a different kind of stare, sharper and stronger than any coming from the people in front of her. She glanced over her shoulder and saw only Neville standing there.

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