?Chapter 1156:<fn0a69> For original chapters go to Find1Novel</fn0a69>


    Lorna looked doubtful. “Sister? If you want a job here, get in line with the others. Don’t think you can just lie to get past that.”


    “I guess you really don’t recognize me,” said Isabe, holding back her annoyance at Lorna’s bluntness. “Brenna grew up with the Barrett family. I was her sister then.”


    Realization dawned on Lorna as she gave Isabe a curious look. “Oh, I see. Did you make an appointment to see Ms. Harper?”


    Isabe nodded gently and smiled. “I did. She told me toe by today so we could sign the contract.”


    Without furtherment, Lorna swung open the office door. “Go on in and have a seat. She’ll be here soon.”


    Before long, Brenna arrived, and Lorna appeared once more, this time carrying an employment contract for them both to review and sign.


    After signing, Brenna said to Isabe, “You’ll have the title of store manager, but that’s where your authority ends. The team doesn’t report to you. There’s another manager for the actual operations. You’ll be paid like a manager, but your tasks are no different from the rest of the staff. Make sure you understand that.”


    The realization hit Isabe hard. She had not expected this. “That’s not fair! You told me I’d be managing the store. How can you go back on your word?”


    “I haven’t broken any promises. Your title is manager, but with no subordinates. The real manager is someone with real experience in running a store and leading a team. I can’t risk thepany’s reputation. If you want real responsibility, prove you deserve it. Don’te to me withints or demands until then.” Brenna remained calm, her words crisp and final.


    Disappointment colored Isabe’s face as she met Brenna’s eyes. “We were family once. Isn’t that worth anything?”


    Before she could finish, Brenna’s voice cut through her plea. “I only bring in people who can actually do the job. You’re the exception, Isabe. You’re here because of your connections; I’ve already done you a favor. Without me, you wouldn’t even have this job.”


    Lorna noticed the tension and stepped forward promptly. “Miss Barrett, let me show you out.”


    Isabe, frustrated with no outlet for her anger, felt that Brenna was bullying her, but she had no means to fight back, not even the right to argue.


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    She found herself alone in the elevator, muttering under her breath, “This is so humiliating.”


    On the ny-ninth floor, Gracie lingered outside Ethan’s office, her patience thinning. The clock read half past nine, and there was still no sign of Ethan. Convinced he might skip work today, Gracie was ready to give up and leave when the elevator doors finally slid open to reveal Ethan.


    Marching over, Gracie asked, “Why haven’t you been hometely? I’ve waited for you every single day.”


    Ethan regarded Gracie with a detached look. Her makeup was impable, and her attire made her look striking. He quickly averted his gaze and stepped into his office.


    Gracie trailed behind him. “Ethan, answer me. Are you avoiding me? Is that why you have been staying away from home?”


    Ethan settled into his desk chair. “The mice in your house are gone, and the damaged furniture has been reced. It’s time for you to return to your own home.”


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