Ava’s hands trembled as she slid her resignation letter across the HR desk.
“This is my formal notice,” she said, forcing calm into her voice. “Please process it immediately.”
The woman on the other side—nervous, polite—took the envelope with a tight smile. “Of course, Ms. Hayes. We’ll begin the paperwork right away.”
Relief flooded Ava’s chest. For the first time in weeks, she felt like she was reclaiming control.
Until two hours later.
Her office phone rang. She almost didn’t pick up, but instinct won.
“Ms. Hayes,” the HR manager’s voice quivered on the other end, “I…I’m afraid we can’t process your resignation.”
Ava’s grip tightened around the receiver. “What do you mean you can’t?”
There was a pause. “Mr. Wolfe gave direct instructions this morning. Effective immediately, no ch
