With
With 13

Chapter 13

As expected, Mercer heard all about Calla’s dinner date with Harlan.

Mercer’s grip tightened around his pen, and he wrote with heavy strokes on a document. His expression darkened immediately when he heard about it.

Simon noticed Mercer’s expression. So, he quickly said, “Mr. Garland, it’s just a blind date. It’s probably nothing…”

Simon got tongue–tied halfway through his sentence because he knew Mercer was about to lose his temper.

Mercer frowned and pondered for a moment. Then, he said, “Send the word. The company restructuring has to be completed by the end of this month, and the Riverford branch is to be dissolved at the same time!”

“Yes, sir.” Simon went to work right away.

After Simon left, Mercer pulled open his drawer and looked at the picture on the résumé.

He grunted. “Woman, how dare you go on a blind date while carrying my child?”

The blind date gave Mercer the urge to meet Calla again. It was time for him to show up. Initially, he was afraid that his true identity would frighten her.

But it seemed like she needed a fright. He can’t just leave her alone. He had to keep a close eye on her!

The following day, Calla heard her colleagues talking about something the moment she walked into the office.

“Did you see the announcement? The employees that get to stay will be confirmed by the end of the month.”

“We’re about to let go. Why are we still working?”

“Didn’t they say the restructuring will only be done by next month?”

“Who knows? Maybe it’s just at the whims of the higher–ups.”

Calla went to her desk and sat down with mixed emotions as she looked at how

anxious the rest of the people were.

She touched her belly and thought about how she would raise her baby if she got laid

off.

Peggy and Jeanne were whispering to each other at the corner of the corridor.

+15 BONUS

“It’s been a few days. Have you collected any evidence?” Peggy asked urgently.

“Not yet.” Jeanne shook her head.

“The layoffs will be finalized in a few days. It’ll be too late by then.”

Jeanne thought for a while and said, “I’ll try again when they go for lunch later. Keep an eye on them at the canteen for me. If either of them comes back, give me a call.”

“Alright. Let’s do it!” Peggy nodded.

Peggy kept scanning her surroundings during lunch break. She had her eye on every one. of the finance department’s staff.

She received a text on her phone when she was about to finish her food. So, she took it out and looked. Then, a smug smile appeared on her face.

She quickly got up and left. She sneered when she walked past Calla, who was still, eating.

Calla frowned when she saw Peggy’s smug expression.

Alicia, who was sitting across from Calla, looked at Peggy and asked, “Why do I feel like she had a very sinister expression?”

“It’s to be expected. I bet she just hopes something bad will happen to me.” Calla shrugged.

“I think she’s acting weird.” Alicia frowned.

I

Alicia called Calla out of the office and went to the spacious balcony three days later.

“What’s wrong? Why are you acting so mysteriously?” Calla asked with a frown.

Alicia hesitated for a moment before replying, “I heard a part–timer from the HR department saying that someone reported that you were pregnant out of wedlock and that you’re a problematic worker. They even provided proof.”

Calla was shocked to hear that. She thought she kept it well hidden and didn’t expect anyone to replace out.

“Reporting you at a time like this… It’s clear that the person is trying to get you laid off!”

Unexpectedly, Calla felt calm. She had been living anxiously for so many days. She was still going to be laid off despite all her hard work.

“It has to be Peggy! That’s why she gave you a weird look a few days ago!” Alicial

23

+15 BONUS

exclaimed after

thinking about it for a while.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Alicia asked anxiously when she saw that Calla wasn’t talking.

Calla walked to the railing. She looked down at the tiny people and cars below. Then, she smiled and said, “I’ve been so worried about getting laid off recently. I couldn’t even get a good night’s sleep.

“Now that I’m definitely going to be laid off, I feel much better. I’ll be sleeping well tonight. I’ll think about what I’ll do tomorrow.”

“You’re so positive. Aren’t you going to make Peggy pay for it?” Alicia shook her head in disbelief.

Calla turned around and said calmly, “Now’s not the time for that. The most important thing now is to give birth to my baby safely.”

P