Her fate
Chapter 51 Her FateUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
X&J EMPIRE, NEW YORK. “Have you all seen this?” Carlos rushed into the office. Everyone raised their heads to look at him. “Seen what?” Joshua asked. “Check your mail.” He replied Everyone tapped on their computers quickly, and their eyes rounded like saucers at the message. Dani cursed out loud, not minding that she was on the work premises. “What the fuck? Why would they do this?” Carlos managed to find somewhere to sit. “I was just as shocked as you.” “Did you know they were going to do this, Nina?” Matilda asked. Nina blinked back into the present. Her eyes couldn’t leave the screen. The company split its department budget in half, which is very severe because they are on the verge of making more products, as prompted by market demands. “I-I have no idea. The Finance Team told us we would never have to worry about funds.” She stuttered in response. “They lied.” Dani hissed. Joshua shook his head. “This is probably a mistake. I think it is best if we ask the high-ups. Miss Baker is in charge now. We should visit her office.” “I will go,” Nina said, standing up. “Let me come with you.” Joshua offered. She waved a dismissive hand. “No, please. I am the head, after all. They would expect me to be able to make a complaint myself. I will be back soon.” Nina said, heading out. “Why do I have a feeling this won’t end well?” Carlos asked no one in particular. Nina took her steps with caution as her body swayed slowly. She probably should be resting, but there is nothing like that in her dictionary. She hasn’t seen Dawn since the day she apologized for her misconduct. Nina feels something is off with the sudden cut-off. Or it is probably Xander’s trying to frustrate all of her work so that she would leave on her own. She was inhaling as she got to the door. Nina knocked twice before letting herself in. Dawn had a strange look in her eyes when their eyes met. “Good afternoon, ma’am,” Nina mumbled. Dawn raised a brow. “Afternoon. Why are you here in my office?” She queried like she didn’t already know. She coughed slightly. “Ma, it was discovered just now that the company cut our budget in half. We would barely be able to do anything without the full sponsorship.” Dawn didn’t respond and continued with the files she signed before Nina arrived. “Miss Baker?” Nina called out. She hissed in contempt. “What is it?” “I just wanted to know if you heard me?” “Of course, I heard you. Didn’t Xander say you were competent? Now that you have less money, we can see if you are as good as everyone claims you are. Or Xander was making you feel good by pumping unnecessary money into your stupid business.” “Ma’am, we have market proof of what we are doing. There is a proper account on the in and outflow of money in our department and-” “Hush up, please. Do I look like Xander to you? Listen, I will be in charge until he returns. Do not make me lose my temper and have you fired on the spot.” Nina could feel her insides churning in frustration. But she kept her calm. “Miss Baker, please. There will be no X&J foods if there isn’t enough money to do the necessary things.” “You must think I care. Does X&J look like a poor company to you? Without the food sector, we are very fine. Make sure you do whatever you want and don’t bother me! Find your way out.” “Please, ma’am. I need you to understand how important this is-” “Enough!” Dawn yelled, slamming her hand on the table. “That’s enough. You know, I am wondering what your story is exactly. I am still very much surprised that I know nothing about who you are. Maybe this will get you more busy and keep you from calling my man whenever you deem fit.” Nina stared in confusion for a few seconds. It took her a while to piece the words together. “Wait a minute. It isn’t about the company; it’s more of a personal vendetta?” She cackled. “I guess you are smart, after all. Yes, that is what it is. Sue me. Do you think I will let things slide with your stupid apology? I knew a day would come when you would eventually be at my mercy. It’s nice to see you here now.” Her fist tightened as she glared intensely at her. “And what will you gain from this?” “Nothing much except to see you crumble under the weight and have you run far from here and away from my man.” Nina chortled dryly. “Wow! I have seen petty things, but I never knew there was this angle to them. You just had to harness your power. What happens then when the board gets to know about this?” Dawn snorted. “That is if they would ever know. I run this place after Xander. All I have to do is make it seem like you are trying to trick the company. From what I see, you have no one to yourself, Nina. And I will make sure you two never get to be friendly towards each other ever again.” “Maybe I should have bashed your face in harder.” She mocked. “How dare you!” Dawn growled. “Easy now. You don’t want to have yourself arrested for assaulting a pregnant woman.” Nina grinned. “Thanks for letting me know this was all you’re doing. I will make sure to work harder and earn my spot. You are clueless about what works best for you.” She winked, excusing herself. A few feet from the office, Nina felt her legs wobble and her chest tightened. She leaned against the wall to steady herself while the hot tears rolled down her face. It appears her fate is doomed always to have people willing to ruin her for the sake of a man everywhere she goes. How is she supposed to take revenge this way when the only resource she relies on is about to be taken away? Nina heaved as reality kept striking her. When she noticed the side glares she was getting from the other staff. She quickened her steps back to the office. Her assistants had eager looks on their faces. But when they saw Nina’s face, their expressions waned when she explained the situation. Their guesses had been correct. “That bitch!” Matilda cursed for the first time. “I had a feeling she must have done this to spite us. She doesn’t like you, Nina.” She said, “Am I that obvious?” Nina asked. “No, you are too good at hiding your emotions. I think Dawn is the one who makes it very glaring. Since she is in charge, it is no surprise that she can do such a stunt.” Joshua added. “Then we have been summoned to a challenge. I do not intend to lose this job, and I intend to do all it takes to keep it. The company needs profit, and I suggest we give it!.” Dani stated. “I second that,” Carlos said with a raise of his hand. “We are here to do whatever you want, Nina,” Matilda said. Nina smiled brightly; she wasn’t expecting their reaction. She felt grateful that they didn’t fault her for the situation. “Thank you so much, guys. Let’s get started then.” She urged even though perturbed on what to do. One thing was sure, though. Nina wouldn’t give in to defeat ever.