I let out a coldugh. "Does Mr. Hastings favor me because I resorted to tricks? If so, how did you manage to be a supervisor? What kind of methods did you employ?"


    "You..." Jolene''s face turned red as whispers spread among our colleagues.


    I turned to leave and made my way to Alex''s office.


    "What now? If you want to throw a tantrum, take it outside. Thispany isn''t your yground," Alex said the moment he saw my displeased expression, his brows furrowing together.


    I hadn''t even opened my mouth before Jolene barged in behind me. "Mr. Hastings, these are the new documents that need your signature."


    Alex''s demeanor instantly shifted, bing moreposed. He took the files from her.


    Jolene brushed her hair back and feigned exhaustion. "Mr. Hastings, I stayed uptest night working on that report. Please let me know if there are any issues."


    I nearly rolled my eyes. She was so shameless. That was the report I worked on, and here she was, tantly iming credit for it in front of me.


    I nced at Alex, eager to see how he would handle this.


    He nodded and said, "Not bad. I''ve always recognized your strong work ethic."


    I silently cursed and red at him, but Alex deliberately avoided my gaze.


    "Thank you, Mr. Hastings. I''m just doing my job," Jolene replied, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she feigned humility.


    "Good," Alex said, motioning toward a massive stack of documents on the table. "These arest year''s financial reports from our subsidiaries. I need them sorted by next Monday."


    I stifled augh as I eyed the mountain of files. He was indeed experienced in the corporate world.


    Jolene''s triumphant expression


    faltered, She had clearly expected Alex''s praise toe with special treatment, not an impossible workload.


    "T-This is too much," Jolene stammered, her face pale. "Mr. Hastings, there are so many files here..."


    Alex''s brows furrowed as he looked at her. "Your work on thest report was excellent. Considering your performance, handling this should be no issue."


    A sharp glint appeared in his eyes as he added, "Or was that report not your work?"


    "N-No, no, it was me! O-Of course, it was me!" Jolene stuttered, waving her hands.


    Under Alex''s prating gaze, she gritted her teeth and said, "Since you trust me, Mr. Hastings, I''ll do my best toplete it."


    "Not only your best—you mustplete it!" Alex corrected with a firm tone.


    Jolene looked at me and asked, "Mr. Hastings, this is an important task. Can Serena assist me?"


    I red at Jolene, taken aback by her audacity. She imed credit for the report I toiled overst night, and now she wanted to use me as freebor again.


    I shot Alex a pleading look, and he nced at me with an unreadable expression.


    Then, he said, "No. Serena will be apanying me to Jershor for a business g."


    "What?"