The next day at thepany, Reba presented her n to the team. Besides herself, four more participants were needed. She shared the prepared script with them.
As she had anticipated, the four participants were quickly found. Jane submitted the program <b>roster</b>.
After that, Reba resumed her work. During a restroom break, she coincidentally encountered Lisa while washing her hands.
Lisa greeted her, and Reba nodded in acknowledgment.
Lisa moved closer, eyeing their reflections in the mirror. “I went homest night and got a big sip of tea,” she said.
Reba responded earnestly, missing the implication, “Was it sweet?”
“Not that kind of tea,” Lisa said. She nced around before whispering, “It’s about Andrea’s secret.”
Reba paused, and almost instantly her guard shot up. She recalled Jessica’s warning of being wary of those who traded secrets for friendship.
“Do you know what’s going on between Andrea and Mr. Hanson?” Lisa asked quietly.
Reba wiped her hands with a tissue while answering casually, “They’re secretary and CEO, and the whole department knows about it.” Then, she turned to walk away.
“I meant their personal rtionship.” Lisa blocked her path subtly.
“No idea,” Reba said and strode out before Lisa could continue.
Back at her desk, Reba focused on work, pretending nothing happened. Though Lisa tried to spill the tea several times, Reba kept declining with “I’m busy.”
Lisa caught the cold shoulder. When the lunch break started, she hung back on purpose, hoping to talk to Reba alone. “Reba<b>, </b>did I say something that upset you?” Lisa asked.
“What?” Reba looked genuinely confused.
“You barely answered me all morning.” Lisa looked embarrassed. “I sometimes speak without thinking. If 1 said anything that rubbed you the wrong way, please don’t take it to heart.”
The old Reba would’ve ignored the ufortable apology, but now she had realized the workce left no room for pettiness.
Pressing her rosy lips, she said something that sounded nothing like her. “Oh, that?” she first murmured.
Lisa nodded. “Yeah.”
Reba continued, “You kept trying to tell me some gossip about that person earlier.” She intentionally
avoided the name. “But this <b>is </b>the workce. Peoplee and go. You never know who might overhear.”
“Then I’ll share the gossip with you after work.” Lisa changed her attitude.
“Okay,” Reba casually replied. “I’ll listen when I’m free.”
Lisa nodded. “Alright.”
Reba nodded in acknowledgment before heading to the hospital. Unbeknownst to her, Andrea immediately emerged from the adjacent conference room as soon as she left.
Lisa jumped when she saw Andrea, forcing a smile. “Hi, Andrea.”
“What gossip were you sharing with Reba earlier?” Andrea asked with her signature gentle smile that made people feel at ease. “Mind telling me too?”
Lisa’s lips parted slightly. “Well…”
Andrea pressed, “Is it perhaps gossip about me?”
“Of course not,” Lisa replied immediately.
“Just teasing you,” Andrea said casually, ncing where Reba had left. “Reba’s got a reserved nature. If she ever rubs you the wrong way, don’t take it personally. She’s lived a sheltered, privileged life since childhood, so she’s not exactly street–smart.”
“Is Reba from a wealthy family?” Lisa asked.
Andrea feigned hesitation. “Her family used to be wealthy, but after their bankruptcy, things… weren’t the
same.”
Lisa nodded in understanding. The first time she’d met Reba, she’d pegged her as raised–in–luxury because Reba had perfect skin, looked elegant, and seemed aloof and detached no matter what happened.
“Anyway, no more gossip at work,” Andrea warned after letting the revtion sink in. “Reba wasn’t entirely wrong.”
“Got it. Lisa nodded.
Reba had no idea Andrea had spilled her family history. Since returning from the hospital, she’d noticed Lisa’s odd nces but remained too absorbed in work to care.
Jane eventually pulled her aside during a break. “Pick a date for team dinner.”
Reba was confused.
Jane said, “Department dinners are held whenever there’s a new colleague.”
“Can I skip it?” Reba asked, still haunted by thest dinner experience.
Jane answered honestly, “You can. But it gives half–day leave withpany expenses. They’ve been asking
when you’re avable.”
Reba fell silent. The team clearly prioritized the half–day break over actual bonding.
Sometimes, excessivepany benefits backfired spectacrly.
“I’ll cancel citing project deadlines if you truly object,” Jane offered, noticing her hesitation. “No one will protest<b>.</b>”
Reba’s eyes lit up. “That would be wonderful. Thank you, Jane.”
Jane was both team leader and project supervisor, so her decisions carried authority.
But ns changed when Andrea announced in the group chat that the anniversary celebration was scheduled next Wednesday. She added that holidays granted Monday and Tuesday–Monday for team building, Tuesday for wee dinner.
The message also mentioned that a luxury vi had been booked for the event.
Seeing the excited replies in the group chat about the holidays, Reba felt despair creep in. If not for her lingering rationality, she would’ve immediately submitted a leave request.
Meanwhile, her colleagues were whispering to each other. “Five days off starting right after work today! Who else has this privilege?”
“Was this Mr. Taylor’s decision or Mr. Hanson’s?”
“Don’t celebrate yet. With this week’s targets unmet, prepare for a scolding in the meeting.”
Amidst mixed emotions, the Friday afternoon meeting time arrived.
The entire department sat in the conference room. At 3:30 PM, Jeffrey entered, his mere presence still making everyone uneasy despite their days of acquaintance.
Reba was still upset. When Jeffrey entered, his gaze briefly swept over her.
“No reports today,” Andrea announced beside him. “Let mey out next week’s schedule. No work needs to bepleted from Monday to Wednesday, but no one can ask for leave during the events.”
Andrea listed numerous guidelines that ultimately condensed to three rules: No leave permitted,pliance with arrangements, and safety precautions.
“Meeting adjourned,” Jeffrey dered after Andrea’s briefing, his voice cold. Then, he looked at Reba and added, “Reba remains<b>.” </b>
Reba paused while reaching for the notebook as others cast sideways nces her way.