?Chapter 42:


    “Come on, it’s just a cup of milkshake. Is it really that big of a deal?”


    “K has good intentions. How could you be so harsh?”


    Each syble of reproach sliced through Sadie like shards of ice, her heart sinking with every word.


    She mustered a brittle smile, her face a mask of forcedposure. Drawing in a deep breath to quell the tempest of emotions churning inside her, Sadie fixed her gaze on K.


    “K, this is what you wanted, isn’t it?”


    Her response was measured and firm, the rity of her tone cutting through the murmurs of the office.


    The office fell silent, all eyes darting between the two women. K’s response was not one of irritation, but of increased radiance; her smile widened, tinged with a provocative and triumphant gleam.


    It was as if she was silently proiming her victory, suggesting that Sadie was no match for her cunning.


    With a sly smirk, K leaned in, her crimson lips hovering near Sadie’s ear, whispering just loud enough for her alone to hear. “That’s right. I’m telling you that if I wanted to strip you of everything, it would be as easy as pie.”


    The heat of her breath tickled the sensitive skin behind Sadie’s ear, sending an involuntary shiver cascading down her spine. Her fists clenched tightly, nails digging into the flesh of her palms.


    Sadie fought the fierce urge to strike K.


    But this was their workce, after all. Noah was just next door, separated only by a thin wall. Acting on impulse now would do nothing but backfire on her.


    K took silent pleasure in the way Sadie kept herself in check, as if savoring a secret triumph.


    There was something deeply gratifying about seeing Sadie so visibly disturbed yet utterly powerless; it affirmed K’s dominance,plete and undisputed.


    L?τ??τ ch?ρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?ls.????


    Straightening up, K smoothly transitioned back to her usual poised and polished demeanor. She cleared her throat slightly and raised her voice, ensuring everyone could hear her.


    “Sadie, I understand you haven’t been feeling greattely. Noah and I decided it would be best for you to take a break and focus on recovering.”


    Her voice was dripping with sweetness, her tone so tender, as if she genuinely cared for Sadie’s well-being.


    Yet, a cold shiver crawled down Sadie’s spine as anger surged within her, bubbling dangerously close to the surface.


    Her eyes widened in sheer disbelief as she fixed her piercing gaze on K, her wordsing out sharply through clenched teeth.


    “Who do you think you are to decide for me?”


    The fury in Sadie’s eyes burned brightly.


    She was baffled by K’s audacity to interfere in her life, boldly taking it upon herself to dictate her actions at work!


    Meanwhile, K adopted the facade of an aggrieved innocent. Her eyes were tinged with red, yet her tone stayed soothing and calm.


    “Sadie, don’t take this the wrong way. I’m only doing what’s best for you. You’ve been sick and overworking yourself. I just don’t want you to copse from exhaustion. “Noah and I talked it over, and this is what we decided. Isn’t that right, Noah?”


    As the words left her lips, she nced at Noah with feigned helplessness, as if seeking support, though no one had realized when he had arrived at the door.


    Noah, distinguished in a sharply tailored ck suit that highlighted his stern posture and cold aura, gave a nomittal “mm-hmm” before advising, “Pushing yourself while you’re unwell won’t do anyone any favors—it’ll just add to thepany’s burden.”


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