Chapter: 168

With a firm push, Ashley entered the kitchen and swept a frosty gaze across those present.

Rather than cower, they met her stare defiantly.

“Really, Ashley? Who do you think you're glaring at? Can we believe a word you say? I can't believe I actually trusted you!" one of them said.

"Just the other day, you swore you'd help me land a spot at headquarters. Looking back, it's downright ridiculous! You're still here, and Mr. Hewitt certainly hasn't swooped in to save you!”

Another colleague burst into loud laughter, piling on.

“Don't forget, it was Mr. Hewitt who had to send someone to squash the rumors about their affair! Ashley, even your attempts at rumor- mongering caught the head office's eye!"

With each biting remark, Ashley's expression turned icier. She bit back the urge to retaliate, recalling how Alan had decisively distanced himself from her.

Devoid of any real influence, she realized that stirring trouble now could ruin any slim chance of reconnecting with Alan.

Ashley clenched her jaw and decided to bear it. She grabbed her mug and exited the kitchen, leaving the laughter and taunts behind.

For days, the rumors at the subsidiary swirled relentlessly. Her colleagues, including the manager, went out of their way to make her life difficult, gradually cutting her off from the team.

"Have this document translated by noon. You were a top student, right? This should be a piece of cake for you." Megan Green dropped a stack of papers on Ashley's desk with a tone far from friendly.

"Do it yourself. That's not my responsibility." Ashley shot her a fierce look and flung the papers to the floor.

She wasn't going to be pushed around by anyone.

Megan clenched her jaw and exclaimed in frustration, “Just you wait, Ashley!"

Ashley ignored her completely. She pulled out a lipstick from her bag and refreshed her makeup.

Later that day, Ashley made her way to the restroom. Just as she was about to step out, a bucket of ice-cold water drenched her.

Muffled laughter echoed outside the stall, quickly followed by fading footsteps.

Her clothes, shoes, and hair were completely soaked.

Ashley pushed open the door, only to find the restroom deserted.

The voices she heard suggested at least three people were nearby.

Humiliation washed over her.

Tidying herself up, Ashley still appeared disheveled.

In frustration, she snatched an extra jacket from her desk to conceal her soaked clothing.

As she exited the building, a sneeze erupted from her.