I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 472

Chapter 472

Heidi was completely lost. She practically wanted to clean out her ears. She just couldn’t understand what Kate was trying to say.

She felt that Kate had always been strange.

Heidi’s straightforward mind couldn’t figure out the purpose behind Kate’s every move.

The office remained quiet for a long moment. Kate wondered if she had misspoken.

Then, Camilla knocked once on the desk and bluntly said, “First, there’s no need to come over just to remind me to assign you work. Second, Mr. Burton has no relevance to our industry, so there’s no need to bring him up.

“Third, Solaris Ventures is an investment firm. Our core staff are extremely busy. This is a fast- paced, precise environment, not a quiet, cozy place for afternoon tea. Fourth…”

Camilla’s eyes were fixed on Kate. “Take the coffee back. Spend your time strengthening your work knowledge, and focus less on unnecessary things like gossiping about your boss, making coffee for others, or relying on outside connections.”

With each word Camilla spoke, Kate’s face went from flushed red to pale.

Just when Kate thought that this woman was as insufferable as Rhea, Camilla delivered another blow.

“I’ll be sending an employee notice shortly. You’ve been slacking during work hours and badmouthing your boss to colleagues. Do you have anything to defend yourself with?”

Kate’s hands trembled as she carried the cup back, and she nearly spilled the coffee. “I didn’t! I wasn’t badmouthing anyone! I was only explaining that Rhea isn’t skipping work. I— ”

Camilla cut her off, “Did you read the employee handbook before you joined?”

Kate pressed her lips tightly together. It was obvious from her expression that she hadn’t.

Camilla, who had no tolerance for women like her, narrowed her eyes. “You don’t even know where Ms. Ravelle went, yet you’re already throwing out baseless guesses. Such talk only stirs up drama, creates rifts between colleagues, and makes future teamwork more challenging. In the long run, it could even hurt the company.”

With such a heavy accusation thrown at her, Kate was left stunned. She didn’t know why this woman was blowing things so out of proportion.

“Consider this a formal warning. Your probation will be extended by one month.” Camilla finalized her decision. “Now, get out.”

Chapter 472

+25 BONUS

Kate gritted her teeth. For the first time, she felt an urge to leverage her connections to teach someone a lesson.

However, she held it in, not letting a trace of emotion show.

She forced a calm smile. “I accept it, Ms. Hurst. You’re thorough in your work and acting only in the company’s best interest. I’ll take this as a lesson and won’t make the same mistake again.

“But I only spoke up out of concern. The project team leaders didn’t seem to be on good terms with Ms. Ravelle, and I was worried the translation team might misunderstand her as well, so I tried to explain. I didn’t consider things thoroughly. Next time, I’ll check the facts before I say anything.”

Camilla frowned, her patience thinning. “Do you not understand? The employee handbook clearly states that private discussions about colleagues, whether positive or negative, are strictly prohibited. You are here to work.”

Kate’s ears burned with shame and anger.

Camilla’s gaze drilled into her. “Since you’ve joined, you’ve repeatedly brought up Ms. Ravelle’s private matters and are always trying to tie yourself to her. What are you trying to do?”

Kate’s hands curled into tight fists.

Camilla showed no mercy. “Since you love long–winded explanations, I’ll give you a chance. Explain yourself at the company’s end–of–day meeting.”

Explain what? The reason she kept bringing up Rhea’s past? And in front of Damian and Rhea herself?

Camilla continued, “While everyone is present, lay out the entire saga of your history with Ms. Ravelle. Let Mr. Frost and Mr. Olson hear it directly, so you don’t need to run around spreading it

secretly.”

Kate felt her heart jolt and her throat tighten. She couldn’t utter a single word of defense.

Even someone as mentally strong as her was shaken at this moment. Panic welled up, and her eyes

turned red.

Camilla’s patience was completely gone. “You were so talkative earlier. What, you’ve lost all your voice now?”