fantishu
Chapter 135
Chapter 135:
Kellan, naturally, paid no mind to the rumors swirling around.
But sensing Allison’s cool demeanor, he didn’t press the issue.
Instead, he simply remarked,
“I’ll head to the office first.”
Allison gave a slight nod.
“Alright, see you later.”
Once Kellan left, she checked her watch and waited, making her move exactly twenty minutes after he had arrived at the company.
She headed toward the lab.
The team, having pulled an all-nighter, shuffled in, looking worse for wear.
One young woman pulled out a mirror, examining her tired eyes before glancing at Allison’s radiant complexion.
She couldn’t hold back her frustration.
“Ms.
Clarke must’ve worked harder than the rest of us, but how on earth does she still look so fresh?”
“Not fair at all! She’s stunning and blessed with good genes.
What chance do we have?” another chimed in.
Completely oblivious to their grumblings, Allison checked her watch again.
Once everyone had gathered, she spoke up.
“Yesterday, I mentioned bonuses, and I wasn’t just throwing words around.
Because we finished our task on time, the client sent us another big order today.
So, each of you will be getting a bonus of 20% of your salary this month!”
Cheers erupted around the lab, excitement buzzing through the air.
“Wow, a few thousand dollars! That’ll cover a couple of months’ rent! All thanks to Ms.
Clarke!” someone exclaimed.
“Exactly! Had it been other leaders, they would’ve pocketed that for themselves!” said another person.
While the team celebrated, Marc sat quietly in the corner.
He knew well enough that no slice of the pie was coming his way, and the sting of their cheerful chatter wasn’t lost on him.
But Marc had thick enough skin to plaster on a smile as he approached Allison.
“Ms.
Clarke, we really owe you for steering the ship on this one.
I was wondering if there might be a little bonus for me as well? I know I didn’t contribute as much, but I did put in the effort…”
Allison’s smile was as sharp as a blade, though her tone remained light.
“You’re aware, Marc, that your negligence yesterday nearly cost the company a serious loss, right? As per policy, your annual bonus, including the year-end one, has been docked, and a large portion of your performance bonus has also been slashed.
HR has already documented the incident.”
A few coworkers quickly added fuel to the fire.
“Exactly, Marc.
Another mistake like that, and you’ll be out the door — Mr.
Lloyd made that crystal clear.”
“Yeah, Marc, don’t make things harder than they need to be.
Just focus on doing your job.”
“Thick skin won’t fill your belly, my friend,” another quipped.
Marc’s face tightened as he surveyed the lively group, fury simmering beneath the surface.
What were they all so gleeful about? Hypocrites, the lot of them!
Just then, Aimee approached Allison with a sincere smile, handing her a glass of water.
“Thank you, Ms.
Clarke.
Really.”
Aimee’s family was struggling financially, and this extra money would ease some of her burden.novelbin
Her gratitude was genuine.
Marc’s gaze darkened as it shifted toward Aimee.
The change in the lab’s atmosphere hit him like a punch to the gut.
Just a few days ago, these same people had been easy to stir.
Marc’s blood boiled.
He had been working toward something bigger — Melany’s task wasn’t complete yet — and now here he was, taking the fall while those he had quietly swayed were turning their backs for a little bonus.
Spineless cowards! But this wasn’t over.
Not by a long shot!
If he couldn’t strike at Allison directly, he’d find a way to make her underlings suffer.
Allison thought she could breeze through with a minor victory — she had no idea what storm was brewing!
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