Chapter 29

Raquelle’s methods of tormenting me went far beyond simple harassment at this point. She constantly found new ways to catch me off guard. Yet, no matter how much she humiliated or belittled me, I had already made it this far through the years; with just one month left—no way was I going to let it all fall apart now. She thought she could control me because of the money, deliberately using it to crush my self-respect and dignity. I would not let her insults win; I would meet them with perfect composure.

Raquelle’s tactics to upset me were truly nasty. Unfortunately for her, I had long since seen through her schemes, and I stood guard outside her hotel room all night. But Racquelle never called for me again. She was probably too involved in causing trouble. When morning came, I freshened up in the public restroom before heading to the office. After handing in my usual paperwork and contracts, I planned to grab lunch. However, completely ignoring everyone around them, I saw Fran heading downstairs and running into Raquelle. She was making out with Vernon.

The sight made me sick, and I picked up my pace to avoid them. I couldn't help but pity their foolishness. Gerald had made it clear that the partnership would never go to Vernon, a rookie who had just started his own company. Vernon was a nobody whose name barely registered in anyone’s mind. It was idiotic of him to think he could secure a partnership deal just by sweet-talking Raquelle. What was he thinking—if he was even capable of thinking at all?

After lunch, I returned to the company. As I pushed open the door to the storage room, Vernon suddenly appeared behind me. He looked at me with mock surprise and exclaimed, “Oh my God, isn’t this Mr. Smith? Why are you working in the storage…copier area? I’m so much more comfortable here!” He deliberately raised his voice, causing several employees to snicker. Obviously, he was trying to…

But I ignored him and sat down at my workspace, ready to get back to work. However, Raquelle appeared out of nowhere. She shot me a contemptuous glance before pulling Vernon away. She sneered, “You shouldn’t talk to trash in such a filthy place, or you might…”

Once they left, I quickly closed the door. The storage room was becoming my sanctuary—at least I could avoid their nonsense here. Talking to them was just a waste of time and energy. Vernon’s presence seemed to put Raquelle in a great mood. Even from my storage room, I could hear her laughter. Her voice was unusually gentle as she said to Vernon, “Oh, you want to see it? Alright, I’ll call him over right now!”

My heart sank. I realized they were about to use me for their entertainment again. I quickly opened my files, pretending to look busy and avoid them. Yet, just as that thought crossed my mind, my phone started buzzing. Without checking it, I knew it was Raquelle. Her voice was dripping with arrogance as she commanded, “Jeshua, get your ass to my office right now!”

“Yes, Ms. Smith,” I replied, putting down the contracts and heading to her office.