Chapter 20 We'll See About That
As the end of the workday approached, Susan called Irene into her office to inform her of the headquarters' decision.
Irene was displeased with Susan's reporting behavior, but since she was still working under Susan, it wouldn't be beneficial to have a conflict.
Irene said, "Susan, I understand. I'll take this as a lesson and won't make such a mistake again."
Susan looked at her calmly. "Alright, the company will handle this matter privately. Don't go around talking about your salary deduction, or if things get out of hand, the company will have to deal with it more strictly."
Irene asked, "I understand, but what does the company plan to do about the person who reported me?"
A month's salary wasn't important to Irene, but she couldn't stand this kind of treatment. She had been punished, and Sharon shouldn't get away with it either!
Susan replied, "The whistleblower was anonymous, and there's no way to find out who it was. This matter is considered closed, and you don't need to worry about it anymore."
Irene gritted her teeth and said, "It must be Sharon! The progress in the report started right after she joined us a week ago. The data and timing match up."
Unexpectedly, Susan pondered for a moment and then looked at her, her tone turning cold. "You're pointing fingers at Sharon, but where's the hard proof?"
Irene replied, "The report contains our experiment records from this week, which is the evidence."
Susan's look of disapproval deepened. "Have you considered that maybe someone else on your team wants Sharon to take the blame? They've been working with you all along and know about the data manipulation. They could easily compile a report."
Irene retorted, "That's impossible. They wouldn't betray me!"
Susan said coldly, "If you're certain that Sharon reported you, then provide the evidence. If you don't have any, then keep quiet. The company has already been lenient with this matter, so don't make it worse."
Facing Susan's sharp gaze, Irene felt like she had been seen right through and couldn't help but feel a bit flustered. She lowered her head and said guiltily, "Susan, I understand. I'll get back to work now."
Susan didn't respond, picking up her documents to continue reviewing them.
Sensing Susan's anger, Irene said nothing more and left the office in embarrassment. Once back in the R&D department, she headed straight to Sharon's desk.
She said smugly, "Sharon, scheming behind someone's back isn't much of a skill. I suggest you focus on your work. After all, you still have three months left in your internship. If anything unexpected happens, you won't be able to get a permanent position, right?"
Sharon didn't respond, her eyes downcast as she continued to read through the literature.
Before Irene could finish, Elizabeth Jones, who was nearby, angrily said, "Sharon, are you deaf or something? Didn't you hear Irene talking to you?"
"Elizabeth, don't be so harsh. I'm just disappointing those who only dare to play tricks behind others' backs," Irene said with a smile.
Elizabeth snorted coldly, "If anyone tries to scheme against you again, I'll make sure they can't stay in the R&D department!"
Sharon frowned, the noise from Elizabeth and Irene's argument making it impossible for her to concentrate. Her expression gradually turned cold. "Irene, if anyone's playing tricks behind someone's back, it's you. Maybe instead of stirring trouble, you should pick up a book or two. It might save you from looking clueless when the next batch of data doesn't pan out."
Irene's face changed instantly, her angry eyes glaring at Sharon. "Fine. We'll see about that."
With that, Irene pulled Elizabeth away.
Finally, the noise subsided, and Sharon felt a sense of relief, happy to finally be able to focus on her research.
Sharon read several papers in a row, occasionally taking notes, completely immersed in her work until she gradually realized it was past quitting time.
Just then, her phone rang, and she noticed it was already past six o'clock.
"Karen, what's up?" Sharon asked.
"Sharon, nothing much. I just wanted to ask if you've started working recently?" Karen's voice was as gentle as ever.
Sharon hadn't intended to hide it from them. After all, with Irene going to the hospital, it was unlikely the secret would stay hidden for long. "Yes."
There was a moment of silence on the other end before Karen asked, "Did you and Alex have a fight?"
Sharon's heart tightened. Not long ago, she had been preparing for pregnancy, but now she had suddenly moved out and started working. It would be hard to believe there hadn't been any changes.
"Not exactly a fight." Sharon lowered her head, organizing the documents on her desk, and said slowly, "Karen, it's a long story. I'll explain it to you in detail next time we have a chance."
Karen sighed, "I don't really understand young people's issues, but Alex has a pretty good character. In marriage, you and Alex are bound to have arguments. Mutual understanding is the key to making it work."
Sharon pressed her lips together, saying nothing. Alex had indeed hidden it well. If she hadn't discovered his infidelity, she might still foolishly believe he was a good husband. She didn't want Karen to know about this and add unnecessary worries, so she gave a few simple responses and hung up the phone.
Not long after, her phone rang again, and seeing it was Alex, Sharon felt a sense of resistance.
But if she didn't answer, Alex might come to her apartment to find her. With that in mind, Sharon decided to take the call. Before she had the strength to confront Alex head-on, it was better to handle things tactfully.
"What do you want?" Her voice was cold.
Perhaps because her tone was too indifferent, Alex was silent for a few seconds on the other end and then said, "Sharon, the weather's getting cooler. The housekeeper told me you didn't take your fall clothes. I came to bring you some."
"Where are you now?" Sharon asked, looking down.
"Outside your office building."
"Give me five minutes," Sharon replied simply.
After hanging up, Sharon quickly shut down her computer, gathered her things, and left the office.
As soon as she stepped out the door, she saw a black Cayenne parked by the roadside. Alex, dressed in a gray suit, was leaning against the car. His tall, handsome appearance attracted the attention of many passersby.
Sharon walked up to him and asked indifferently, "Where are the clothes?"
When Alex saw her, a flash of joy crossed his eyes, but his expression quickly became complicated. He instinctively reached out to touch her cheek.
Sharon was startled and quickly stepped back.
"Who hit you?" Alex's gaze turned as cold as frost.
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