Addie's face was a colorful palette of emotions. Ashen, then pale, then finally a deathly gray. "...What did I do wrong? Why did she get picked over me? No one knows the old man better than I do..."
"You're asking me why?" The young woman sneered, "The fact that you're asking that question is the answer."
If Addie still didn't know where she went wrong, she was truly beyond saving. Even if she was called back, she'd remain the same. Not that she had planned to let Addie return anyway. She came here to find a replacement for Presley, true enough. But as for Addie, her task was to plunge her into deeper despair. She offered her a glimpse of hope, just to complete her mission.
The newly hired maid arrived with a small suitcase in no time. The woman merely said, "Let's go," and led the maid away from the office under the envious gaze of others.
The others only wanted a peaceful job to support their families. As for the commotion, they'd just watch and refrain from making any comments.
Once the commotion died down, the office resumed its usual state, everyone waiting for their work, leaving Addie alone. She remained frozen for a long time, until an office worker snapped at her. "Once you're done with the registration, find a place to wait. Don't stand in our way."d2
Addie was hardly in the mood to argue. She picked up her two suitcases, looking for a spot in the office, only to find no vacant spots. The people were staring at her with guarded and rejecting faces.
She also had no intention of squeezing in with these grubby country women. So she walked outside with her luggage. The cold wind bit into her. Addie shivered, looking at the pitch-black sky outside, with no idea what to do.
She had some money on her, but she couldn't just live off it forever. She could find a place to stay, but she had to wait for employers to pick workers. If she left, she'd miss the job opportunities. So she had to wait here.
The cold wind was biting, and she missed her life at the Harper's more than ever. By now, she'd usually be dining. Every meal at the Harper's was lavish and she'd save a portion of each dish for herself. She ate whatever the Harpers ate. From delicacies to gourmet dishes, she had tasted it all. Her past life was so beautiful that her current situation seemed particularly bleak.
She drowsily waited until the next morning. She woke up hungry and saw women happily carrying their luggage, following well-dressed people. Obviously, they had found work. She quickly got up and ran into the office.
Seeing the new office staff, she quickly asked, "Has anyone asked for me?"
The staff member took one look at her, her face hardening instantly. "What's your name?"
"Addie."
The staff member checked the registration form, looked at Addie's file, and chuckled coldly. "Minimum wage of fifteen grand? Well, you can keep waiting!"
Addie detected her sarcasm. Her body was already numb from the cold last night, but now, hearing these words, she began to feel uneasy. "I've worked at the Harper's for decades. Fifteen grand is a bargain for my experience..."
The staff member couldn't be bothered to argue, just shaking her head in silent mockery.
People around them had heard Addie's shrill voice and turned to look.
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