Chapter 115: Argument between Anne and Lorie

Words : 1197 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

Chapter 115: Argument between Anne and Lorie A muscle ticked in Augustine’s jaw as his fury simmered to the surface. "She had the audacity to drag Anne into this and misuse the company’s portal? Get the PR team on it now. I want every trace of that post gone, and a formal warning issued—make it clear that the portal is not to be used for gossip or character assassination." He paused, then added sharply, "Anne’s name must be cleared. I don’t want to hear a single word of slander about her again." "Understood, sir," Gustave replied firmly. "I’ll handle it immediately." Unaware of Augustine’s plan to release her, Lorie was thrilled with the swirling rumors about Anne. She thought she would go find her and add fuel to the burning flame. She stepped away from her desk and made her way to find Anne. Taking the elevator down one floor, she stepped out as soon as the doors slid open and made a beeline for the open workspace. Her eyes scanned the area. The employees had yet to come back from their lunch break. In the almost empty space, she effortlessly spotted Anne getting up from her desk. She called out, approaching her, "Anne." Anne turned at the sound of her name, her expression tightening the moment she noticed Lorie. "What are you doing here?" Lorie offered a fake smile. "I came to see you. After all, despite how much I can’t stand you, we’re still sisters. And as your sister, I felt it was my duty to offer a little advice. With all the gossip floating around the office, you might want to watch yourself. Flirting with male colleagues will only make things worse for you." Anne didn’t have the time—or patience—for one of Lorie’s petty provocations. "Look, Lorie, I really can’t talk right now—I’m running late. I have a meeting to attend. We can talk some other time." She turned to leave. But Lorie wasn’t letting her off that easily. "Oh, so now you’re just going to ignore me," she snapped, her tone sharp and accusatory. "Do you know how embarrassing it is?" Anne froze for a moment, irritation flickering within her. She knew all too well that Lorie was the one behind the rumors, and now here she was, pretending to play the concerned sister. A part of Anne wanted to slap her across the face and warn her to stay out of her way. But this wasn’t the time. The meeting with the general manager was about to begin, and she couldn’t afford to be late. Taking a steadying breath, Anne swallowed her anger and kept walking, refusing to acknowledge Lorie with even a glance. Her indifference only added to Lorie’s irritation. "What’s with the attitude?" she barked. "You act like you’re above everyone. Why are you so arrogant?" Her voice rose with every word, grating on Anne’s already frayed nerves. Anne spun back to face Lorie. "You call that arrogance? I told you—I’m heading to a meeting. Where exactly do you see arrogance here? Since when is being on time a crime?" "This is nothing but a pitiful excuse," Lorie scoffed, folding her arms with a smug look. "Cut the act. You’re not that important. Don’t pretend like you run this place. Mark my words—soon you’ll be pushed out, eliminated from this firm if you continue flirting with different men. You didn’t even spare the boss." "What?" Anne stared at her in disbelief, narrowing her eyes. "Oh, don’t play innocent with me," Lorie scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You went straight to the boss the moment your interview was over. Don’t act like I don’t see what you’re doing. He is wealthy and powerful. You are clearly trying to get into his good graces, just like you did with Mr. Beaumont for the past three years." Anne’s breath quickened, her control slipping. Despite trying to stay composed, fury surged through her. "Keep talking rubbish, and I swear I’ll slap you," she warned through gritted teeth. Lorie’s eyes glinted with satisfaction, her sneer deepening. She had gotten exactly the reaction she wanted. "Touched a nerve, didn’t I?" she taunted. "You really are shameless. Trying your old tricks on the new boss. But let me tell you something — Mr. Augustine isn’t like the others. Don’t even think about getting close to him. You’ll regret it. His wife has also joined the company, and she won’t stand for anyone hovering around her husband." She shot Anne a pointed glare, clearly trying to rattle her. But Anne let out a sharp, sarcastic chuckle, amusement gleaming in her eyes as she looked Lorie up and down. ’She really is clueless,’ Anne thought. ’Storming in to warn me... about myself. How ironic.’ The only thing that made sense was that Lorie had overheard something—maybe a slip-up between Augustine and Gustave. That had to be how she knew about the CEO’s wife joining the company. "What’s so funny?" Lorie snapped, clearly irritated. Her usual smug confidence had cracked. Anne shook her head. "Oh, don’t stress about me, Lorie. I know exactly where I stand." Her tone was teasing. "But you... You might want to tread carefully. If anyone is going to come under suspicion for eyeing the CEO, it’ll be you. After all, you are his secretary, constantly nearby him." Lorie’s face flushed with anger. "I’m a professional," she spat, trying to sound composed but failing. "I would never—" "Professional?" Anne cut in, raising an eyebrow. She cocked her head, throwing her an accusatory glare. "You don’t even know how to make a report. What qualifications do you have to be the CEO’s secretary? You were previously a clerk in the sales department. How did you get the promotion? Tell me, what exactly did you do to earn it?" Lorie’s expression froze. Her mouth opened, then closed. The color drained from her face, and that was all the confirmation Anne needed. A knowing smile curled Anne’s lips. "Ah," she said softly, taking a step closer. "Did I touch a nerve?" Lorie clenched her fists, trembling with rage, but she had no words. Looking at Anne’s smirk, she lost the last bit of restraint. She raised her hand, ready to strike Anne across the face. But before she could land the hit, Anne’s hand shot up, grabbing her wrist mid-air. Without missing a beat, Anne’s other hand lashed out. Smack The slap cracked through the air like a whip. Lorie froze, dumbfounded. Her head had turned slightly from the impact, and her palm flew to her stinging cheek. Her ears buzzed. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. "You!" she hissed, teeth clenched in disbelief. "How dare you hit me?" Anne’s expression was ice-cold. "You have pushed me around long enough," she muttered tightly. "Spreading lies about me. I already know it’s you. I’m not the same Anne you used to bully. Just wait — it won’t be long before I expose you." Not waiting for a reply, Anne walked off. Lorie stood rooted in place, seething. Her face burned with humiliation. "Ugh..." She stomped her foot. "Anne, you bitch. You are going to pay for this."

Chapter 115: Argument between Anne and Lorie

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