The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 11

When she returned to the department, her colleagues looked at her with concern.

Penelope just shrugged. “I’ve been fired.”

A murmur went through the room—sighs, confusion, and anger. Wilma rushed over, her voice loud and indignant. “The boss has landed so many huge projects for this company! She’s the main reason we’re successful today! How can they just fire her? This is clearly…”

Casting her aside now that the hard work is done. Wilma didn’t say the words, but everyone was thinking them. They all knew that before Penelope took over, the department was struggling. She had turned everything around, rebuilding their reputation step by step, culminating in the Zenith Plaza deal that had saved the company.

And this was her reward? To have her work stolen and then be unceremoniously fired?

Penelope patted Wilma’s shoulder. “It’s fine. I was getting tired anyway. I could use a break.”

“But it’s not fair! I’m so angry for you!” Wilma pouted.

Penelope clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, let’s liven things up. I’m treating everyone to dinner tonight. Firstly, to celebrate my termination, and secondly…” She glanced toward her office, where Rebecca was just emerging, and offered a wry smile. “Secondly, to celebrate my best friend, Miss Rebecca Winters, officially taking over as your new leader!”

She started clapping again, but her colleagues were in no mood to join in. With a new leader, would their work lives remain as comfortable as they had been? No one knew.

Back in her office, Penelope began packing her things. After five years, she had accumulated quite a lot, and it quickly filled a large box.

“You can have the coffee machine,” she said to Rebecca, her tone light. “Honestly, the instant stuff in the breakroom can’t compare to a fresh grind.”

Rebecca smirked, assuming Penelope was just putting on a brave face to hide her bitterness. “Penelope, why don’t I talk to the president and ask him to let you stay in the department? That way, I can look after you.”

A cunning look crossed Rebecca’s face. “You’re not going to feed me false information out of spite, are you? Just to make sure I can’t sign the contract tomorrow?”

Penelope’s smile was sharp. “If it were anyone else, I might. But you’re my best friend. We swore we’d never betray each other. So, of course, I wouldn’t hurt you. But… have you ever done anything to hurt me?”

Rebecca’s jaw tightened. “Of course not.”

Penelope threw an arm around her shoulders, her eyes darkening slightly. “I believe you.”

That afternoon, Penelope went shopping, bought a few new outfits, got her hair done, and had her makeup applied by a professional. When she arrived at the restaurant for dinner—wearing a stunning red dress, her hair in cascading waves, a pair of chic sunglasses perched on her nose—heads turned. People whispered, wondering if she was some kind of celebrity.

When she entered the private room, her colleagues, including Rebecca, were already there. They all stared, completely captivated.