" She publicly slandered and showed jealousy toward a new colleague , flouting all corporate protocols . If I let this slide , I lose all authority , " William said , his tone sharp and firm . His usual handsone features seemed even more distant and cold at this moment . Rachel frowned , realizing he wasn't going to back down . She took a deep breath . " What do you want to do about it , Mr. Lewis ? " " She'll resign . The company will give her one month's salary as compensation , " William said decisively . Cecilia suddenly realized how serious the situation was . She hadn't expected that just speaking up for Rachel would lead to being fired . Rachel's face went pale . She turned to William , her voice gentle but firm as she protested , " Mr. Lewis , it doesn't have to go that far . Cecilia was just trying to help me . " William's gaze hardened . " Cecilia's behavior in front of me is your fault . But since you've already been punished , we'll consider it settled . If you ask me to go easy on her again , I'll hold you responsible as well . " His warning was clear . If she kept standing up for Cecilia , the consequences would fall on her too . Rachel couldn't help but smile bitterly . After seven years , William still didn't really understand her . She wasn't the type to abandon her friends . She straightened her back , her voice unwavering as she added , " Since you put it that way , Mr. Lewis , then Cecilia's reckless behaviour is partly my responsibility too . Whether you want to fire me or anything else , I'll accept it . " At this point , the Oasis Project was already lost to her , and staying at the company didn't matter anymore . Just then , Samantha stepped forward , looking guilty . " Rachel , I'm so sorry . I didn't know you felt that way about my abilities . I've tried my best . You could've just talked to me directly instead of talking to Cecilia behind my back . " As Samantha spoke , she suddenly looked away , embarrassed . Her cheeks turned bright red . Rachel's frustration turned into a sarcastic smile . Cecilia was furious . " I saw all of this with my own eyes . It has nothing to do with Ms. Lloyd ! " " Enough ! " William's voice cut through the room . " This is a company , not a marketplace . If you want to a The decision stands . Effective immediately . " ake it outside . Without waiting for anyone to respond , he walked out of the office . Rachel looked at Samantha , a coldness in her eyes . " Tell me , exactly which part of Cecilia's accusations was untrue ? " " I … " Samantha hesitated , clearly caught off guard by Rachel's directness . Her ears turned pink with embarrassment . Rachel turned to Cecilia and said , " Come with me to my office . " Once inside , Cecilia looked at Rachel , regret filling her eyes . " I'm sorry . I didn't think Mr. Lewis would … would take your job away . You two are still married , right ? He used to love you so much and now … " Rachel remained calm . " It's fine . I don't want to work here anymore . It's been exhausting . Here's 100,000 . Though it's not much , please give it to the person you asked to help me last time . And let them know I'm sorry that I got them fired . " Cecilia's eyes widened , but Rachel didn't stop , adding , " Also , here's 50,000 for you . I'll try to talk to William and see if he'll let you stay . If not , I'll help you find another job . " درد 1/2 T49 BUNUS Cecilia shook her head vehemently at the proffered card . " No , I can't take your money , Besides , Mr. Lewis might've just temporarily believed Samantha's nonsense . Don't be so upset . Why does this feel like you're saying goodbye forever ? " An unspoken sense of finality hung between them , uncomfortably like a farewell .