Rhoslyn spun around and slammed the two hundred dollars into his face.
As she stormed away, Usher muttered under his breath in disgust, “Borrows money, doesn’t even say thank you, and cops an attitude like that? What is wrong with her?”
Just then, Carmen came out of the conference room.
“Thank God for Niamh,” she said, wiping a sheen of sweat from her forehead. “If it weren’t for her, I would have been toast today.”
“I know, right?” Usher said. “Who knew Niamh was so impressive? Her German is flawless.”
“Tell me about it,” Carmen agreed. “If she hadn’t saved the day, I’d probably be packing my desk right now.”
She pressed her hands together. “Thank heavens!”
Usher chuckled. “Carmen, why are you thanking heavens? You should be thanking Niamh.”
“You’re right, you’re right. I absolutely need to thank her properly.”
“So, how are you going to thank her?”
“Maybe I’ll suggest moving her to the front desk?”
Usher shook his head with a look of pity. “The front desk? That’s still a huge waste of her talent.”
Carmen sighed. “I know it is, but what can I do? She doesn’t have the right qualifications for a better position.”
A glint appeared in Usher’s eye. “That’s just a matter of Mr. Bragg saying the word, isn’t it?”
Realization dawned on Carmen’s face. She clapped Usher on the shoulder. “You really are Mr. Bragg’s top assistant. You’ve got a sharp mind. Say, Usher, do you have a girlfriend? If not, I could introduce you to my niece.”
Usher practically fled.
“Rhoslyn, you look awfully pale. Are you feeling alright?” Carmen asked, noticing Rhoslyn’s stormy expression.
“If you’re sick, you should really see a doctor,” she added pointedly.
Rhoslyn shot the manager a glare before turning and walking away. She found a secluded corner and furiously dialed Cassian’s number.
The moment he picked up, she launched into a tirade.
“Cassian, you’re the one who told Niamh to come back, weren’t you? Who is your real daughter, her or me? I’m telling you, if you don’t get Niamh out of here, I’ll tell Mom about your little side job. Or better yet, I’ll disown you!”
She hung up without waiting for a response, trembling with rage.
The entire office was buzzing about Niamh acting as Jareth’s German interpreter. Everyone was saying she was a hidden gem and was sure to get a promotion from Mr. Bragg. The whispers were driving her insane.
It was all Cassian’s fault. If he hadn't brought that girl home from the trash, Rhoslyn wouldn't have spent her entire life feeling miserable. Niamh had always been better than her at everything, and Rhoslyn had tried countless ways to suppress her, but that girl always managed to rise above it all. No matter where she went, Niamh could shine brightly without anyone’s help.
Niamh had only been at the company for three days, but Rhoslyn could already see that Mr. Bragg looked at her differently.
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. If she didn’t get that girl thrown out soon, there would be no place left for her at Jareth Media.
Ten minutes later, after she had finished cleaning the conference room, Niamh saw Carmen standing in the middle of the office, clapping her hands to get everyone’s attention.
“Alright, everyone, listen up! I have some great news to announce!”
Niamh set down her mop and bucket, a smile gracing her lips as she watched Carmen.
“Today, the company successfully signed a fifty-million-dollar contract! Mr. Bragg has decided to treat everyone to celebrate. Tonight, we’re having dinner at Vista Gourmet, followed by karaoke at The Kaleidoscope!”
The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the office.
“Wow, that’s amazing!”
“I’ve heard the food at Vista Gourmet is the best in the city. I’ve never been!”
“Me neither!”
“I’m going to eat so much tonight.”
“I’m skipping lunch to save room for dinner.”
Niamh listened to their cheerful chatter and smiled. She knew she wouldn't be able to go. Her housekeeping shift started at seven. As much as she wanted to join the celebration, her priority was earning money to support her children. She didn’t have the luxury of her colleagues, most of whom were single or had family support, free to spend their money as they pleased.
A bitter smile touched her lips. She picked up her bucket and headed toward the executive offices. It was twenty minutes to noon. She figured she could clean Mr. Bragg's office while he was out.
Just as she reached the door, Carmen approached her. “Niamh, you were instrumental in landing this contract today. You were incredible.”

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