Tiara's Reign

Verdict and Vermin

TIARA'S POV

Silent whispers filled the hall as I walked in. Their eyes held scorn, words as sharp as swords. They didn't have to say a word. I saw it all.

The past few days have been the worst days of my life. It didn’t help either that Nada has been on a secret mission and I couldn't mess that up for her, since she's working towards a promotion.

So yeah, I've battled with the pain all alone. Sleep has eluded me and the luxury of peace is too expensive that I can't afford.

Since we got back from Westford, Mr. Reign has refused to say a word to me, even when I went to him to explain he shut me out.

Do I blame him? Maybe. But it still hurt.

I mean, even though I've not worked here for ten years. I have shown him all of my sincerity and loyalty.

Rosanne? Has been on Mr. Reign's beck and call.

Someone suddenly bumped into my shoulder that I almost fell. I looked to see who it was, and of course, one of Roseanne's minion.

"Better watch it, traitor" she shouted, attracting more attention from people. I rolled my eyes at her bitchy attitude.

"Not only do you leak company's secret but also have poor attitude. You bump into me and couldn't apologize"

"You bumped into me first," I replied in a cracked voice. It was too early, and I didn't want any unnecessary drama.

She burst out in laughter, "scared of taking responsibility for your actions? I'm not surprised though"

I sighed and clutched onto my bag. If I would continue working here, then I have to clear my name.

She was about to speak when everyone suddenly dispersed. The only good thing about my life in the past few days is that Mr. Reign issued a warning about bullying and that anyone caught bullying a colleague would be relieved of their duty.

He was specific, but I knew he did it for me and I really appreciated it. Maybe things would improve for the better.

I looked at the main door and Mr. Reign stood there, hands tucked in his pocket. His face was stony.

He walked in my direction, his eyes focused on me, and when he got to where I stood, he just walked past.

Wait, what was I expecting? That he suddenly cares?

I shook my head at my stupidity and walked to the elevator. Few people were inside. Instead of letting me in, they closed the door. Shutting me out.

New antics, please..

As long as people are moving, waiting for the elevator to be empty is a waste of time. So the best and safe option is the stairs.

Climbing these many steps would be a lot on my legs, but it's not like I have a choice or something.

Reaching the last step on my floor, I held onto the railing for support, panting. I felt dizzy and sick to my stomach.

I checked my wristwatch, and it was ten minutes past nine. I quickened my pace and got to my office when my phone buzzed.

A message from the HR. A disciplinary query.

My hands trembled, almost dropping my phone. A query.

I slumped in my chair, palming my face. It's not as if I was surprised. In fact, it was long overdue, but that doesn't mean I don't feel wronged.

Wiping my tears, I used a concealer to hide my dark circles. Straightened my skirt and headed to the boardroom.

I sat waiting for the disciplinary committee. My heart pounded against my chest. What would become of me in this establishment? Will I lose my job?

Several thoughts spiraled through my head.

Few minutes later, the door opened and two men and a woman walked in. We exchanged pleasantries. Thankfully, they keep things professional.

Even though they despise me deep down, they dared not act on it.

The lady started, flashing me a light smile, and it calmed my nerves a bit.

"I suppose you know why you're here," she said, and I nodded

"yes, ma'am"

"So, let's get straight into business. Shall we?" she asked in a calm voice, contrast to my cracked and taut voice.

"We will ask you some questions and we demand, honest answer," the short man amongst them, whom I assume to be the head person of the committee, chipped in.

His face was blank, and his voice, flat. His demeanor did nothing to help my situation.

"Do you understand?" His voice boomed, startling me. I looked at him and he was furrowing.

I couldn't help but ask, "like an interrogation?" Fiddling with my fingers, as tears clouded my eyes.

Of course, I'm innocent. I shouldn't be scared, but I am. I hate being in uncomfortable situations like this.

"That's right," he confirmed, and I nodded.

"After internal investigation, we discovered that Mr. Reign was personally in charge of the project, but because of his busy schedules, he involved you," he said, staring at me

"Yes, sir," I whispered.

"Mr. Reign entrusted most of the work to you, including its security and confidentiality."

Discreetly, I wiped the tears off my face. No matter how much I cry, it won't change the outcome of this meeting. I sat up, my shoulders and chin high.

I locked eyes with them, masking my inner turmoil with confidence.

"Aside from you and Mr. Reign, no one else knew a thing about the project. You are the second person that had access to the documents. So we would like to know how the information got leaked and ended up with a rival company." He sighed.

The atmosphere thickened as I didn't reply. I could perceive the irritation in his tone.

"I don't know, sir," I replied. Someone set me up and I have a gut feeling about a certain person, but accusation without evidence would only worsen the problem.

He banged his hands on the desk, "do we look like we are joking?" He seethed, but I maintained my mask.

"Is that true?" The lady asked, and I nodded.

"Okay, let's..."

The door burst open and standing before us was no other person than the devil.

"Let's not waste time. We all know what she did. After all, her loyalty lies elsewhere." She cat walked, her heels clicked the floor with every step she took.

Why is she here? I scoffed internally. On cue, the lady faced me.

"Rosanne, as part of the board and management, has a seat on the committee," she clarified.

Anger surged through my veins. I clenched my fists tightly, my teeth gritting but remained calm.

"Welcome Rosanne," the stupid man greeted. Such a clown.

"It doesn't matter if she tells the truth or not. The fact remains that she betrayed the company and was careless with confidential information.” She rolled her eyes. Her voice was loud and unpleasant.

The lady coughed, "don't jump to conclusions yet," and Rosanne hissed and faced me.

"Moving on, you won't be involved in internal meetings in the company and also demoted to the position of a clerk," she smirked.

"What?" I shouted. From board meetings to filing papers?

"You should be grateful instead of being a b***h. That's Mr. Reign's act of mercy.” She eyed me.

Laughter erupted from my throat before I could stop myself. Rosanne would never cease to amuse me.

"Be grateful?" I asked, "for Pete's sake, I didn't nothing wrong," I cried.

Being a clerk means that I'll be invisible and useless in the company. To even think Mr. Reign would do this to me.

I've deluded myself into thinking he cared. How pathetic.

He's indeed the cold and cruel monster people tagged him.