His and Her Circumstances

Chapter 7 - Striking back 2

Chapter 7 - Striking back 2

The stupid reactions of our co-workers echoed inside the room. Almost everyone is saying that I don’t have any means to escape this mess. Only the managers and those who are in the top-level management keep their mouths shut since they know the real story behind the video and images.

You messed up Lucas and Marianne. This is not even a battle of wits anymore.

I don’t even have to say a thing to counter this claim, since Anthony and his H.R. battalion already have the answer.

“You can now state your defense, Ms. Lynx.”

“Do I have to? I think all you have to do is to ask the managers present here to narrate the events hiding behind those cute little pieces of evidence.”

“We have our ways of doing things. Please explain yourself first.

Damn procedures. I don’t want to waste my saliva just to explain myself about this one. Anthony and his pettiness are not making me feel any better.

“Okay, if you say so. Mr. Chua, please show the images again, then the footage so I can explain it one by one.”

The I.T. manager navigates through the screens and the projector is now back to showing the first picture that has been presented to us. It was just me and Mr. Stevens happily dining together in a restaurant. I smiled a little after remembering the precious memory behind that image.

“This picture was taken when Mr. Stevens told me that I was being promoted to the general manager position. It was just us two in the picture, but the rest of the managers are hiding to surprise me after the announcement. Mr. Mendez, if I’m not mistaken, I think you were also present at that event. Correct?”

“We will give our statement later. Please wrap up your defense first.”

The other pictures are presented one by one and I manage to give them the explanation that they need. This is more like storytelling rather than defense. I don’t have to think much, since all I need to do is to reminisce and dig into all the events being covered by those images.

It only took me a good twelve minutes to explain all five pictures. I’ll applaud Lucas and Marianne if they confess that they used a month of their precious time just to gather those pieces of evidence. They should just use this wasted time to start a new career or own up to their cheating on me.

The video was being played again and I couldn’t help but sigh, since this is just another nonsense thing.

“This is just me and Mr. Stevens entering a hotel at the same time. We just happened to cross our paths at the entrance. I can’t see anything wrong with that.”

“Liar. Why would two people of the opposite s*x enter a hotel on a weekend? It only means one thing.”

Marianne’s loud voice made me close my eyes for a bit. Her assumption being proven wrong could be driving her to the corner. I would be sad if she was expecting me to cower in fear just because of those things.

We’ve known each other for quite some time now and I am really disappointed that she has already forgotten how mentally strong I am.

“Our company president, all of the current directors, our internal audit head, and Mr. Mendez were also present at that time. We are in that hotel for a confidential meeting which is very company-related. The expenses are filed properly so you can validate them with that. Mr. Stevens and I just happened to meet at the hotel entrance and that is all.”

“Is that all, Ms. Lynx? Do you have anything else to add?”

Too fast, Anthony. At least let me have a good eye-to-eye battle with Marianne and Lucas first before you close this one.

“That’s all from me.”

“Thank you. Now, for the result of our investigation. Ms. Lynx is not found guilty of the first charge, which is an illicit relationship with Director Stevens. They are nothing but long-time co-workers and are well respected by their subordinates. The provided pieces of evidence were all taken during company-related events. Mr. Stevens himself denied this allegation and is thinking of pressing charges. If Ms. Carnette believes otherwise, then please present much stronger proof. For Ms. Lynx, since this is a case of libel, then you may choose to sue Ms. Carnette. We will leave that to you.”

Words of disgust were flowing in the room. The once damsel in distress is now being labeled as a cheap storyteller. If this is a presidential election, then I’m surely bagging lots of votes one after the other.

I can see where we are going now. Anthony would not say the word sue if he and his team were still in the process of proving the validity of the provided claims. A decision has been long made and I’m not the only one thinking that I won this war beforehand.

Being a human resource personnel must be a pain in the neck. Their due diligence to follow the steps is truthfully terrifying.

This poor power couple is just wasting their time sitting like idiots in this fiery pit. Better use your brain next time and lead a good life.

“Moving on to the next claim - The company theft of $1,000,000 done by Ms. Lynx. Ms. Carnette emailed proof of a temporary account being created by Ms. Lynx without any prior authorization or approval from the accounting department. The said account contains the exact amount of $1,000,000 and was closed unknowingly the next day. It was charged to company expenses even though it did not match any transactions.

"Ms. Carnette. Please state how you found the account and come to the conclusion that this is a case of company theft.”

“Yes, thank you. As Mr. Mendez said, I found a temporary account that was personally made by Ms. Lynx. It is not her job and adding a temporary account requires so many approval reasons why I immediately store a copy of the said transaction. Also, the account was only undersigned by Director Stevens and Ms. Lynx. I strongly believe that the two are really in a forbidden relationship and are stealing money from the company.”

“Is that all, Ms. Carnette?”

“Yes, Mr. Mendoza. I have a piece of very strong evidence this time and this could also be used to tie Ms. Lynx to the director.”

Foolish Marianne. What could be your problem with Director Stevens? He is a good man, I tell you. I can’t think of any reason why you are pushing for the forbidden relationship thing. This is not even an afternoon drama.

Anthony must implement a change in the hiring process of this company. Psychological aspects must be checked thoroughly before they hire another employee since this is a complete disgrace to our reputation.

“Ms. Lynx. Please state your defense of this claim against you. If you have any evidence, then please forward it to us right now.”

“I have one, but it was already in your hands.”

“Pardon. I’m not aware of that evidence. Could you please let me know its file name?”

“The footage of Ms. Carnette, that is my evidence. The account was approved at that time and I’m the one who created it since it was and still is confidential. The approval did not come from the accounting department. Yes, but I have an email from our chief financial officer confirming that we can go ahead with the transferring of the money to a temporary account.”

“Ms. Lynx. Your answer did not explain why such an account was created. Please elaborate.”

“It was my project. I noticed that the employees other than the sales personnel were feeling down after the commission had been given to the sales department. I understand that the commission is part of their remuneration, but I can’t help to think that my subordinates also did their best to meet their deadlines and so they also deserve some sort of compensation.

I discussed it with the directors and the president during the meeting that you can see in the video and they all agreed with my idea. I did not ask Ms. Carnette to create the account since she is included in the list of employees who will receive the bonus.

We are planning to surprise everyone this coming month-end and so only the heads are aware of this plan. Hope that explains it.”

Everyone gasped in awe after hearing my explanation. The woman that they have been bashing all this time just revealed that she is doing something good for them. Their reactions are such a masterpiece for me. I will not be surprised anymore if their attitude is turning a full 180 degrees right now.

But, this is not the first time as well. The good faith that I showed them will soon be forgotten and I will return to being a damn cold witch that they all think is not worthy of my position.

This phenomenon is a never-ending cycle and the loop won’t end now.

“Now, from the result of our investigation. We proved that the claim of theft against Ms. Lynx is baseless and unsupported. What Ms. Lynx just stated is completely true, including the fact that the employees will receive a surprise bonus. All of Ms. Lynx’s actions are justified by the higher management. If Ms. Carnette believes otherwise, then please present much stronger proof.”

Marianne’s face was as pale as a sheet of paper and her trembling body became noticeable. She is still young but she can’t use it as a reason for being this foolish, since this is the adult world.

We are all hunters here and the weak will only be used as the stepping stone for the strong. It is not a good idea to outrank others just because you think you can. Bold confidence will only be the cause of your downfall once you use it as your main weapon.

Even the people who once supported you will turn their backs like nothing if you become the clown of the show.

My hatred of them is starting to fade as I see the pitiful future awaiting these two.

“On to the last charge to Ms. Lynx. Ms. Lynx, you are being accused of causing bodily injury or offensive contact to Ms. Carnette. She submitted a medical report of the alleged injury together with the full details of what happened during the confrontation between the two of you. Ms. Carnette, please explain to us in detail what happened between you and Ms. Lynx.”

“Ahm, y- yes…”

Marianne’s shaking voice is only an indication that we are near the end and their doom is just right behind the door.

We are on our own after these exchanges and whatever happens to the two of them has nothing to do with me anymore.

“Ms. Lynx pushed me down the stairs last weekend after Lucas broke up with her.”

Silence filled the room after Marianne’s one sentence. The words that she said can’t even be considered a shred of evidence of her accusation of me. She looks like a woman on her last straw right now and it is definitely not helping her to do better.

“Ms. Carnette, please elaborate. When? Where? How?”

Anthony’s cold words made everyone’s whispering die down completely. He is already as scary as hell with his stoic face, so the fact that he is also stoic on the inside steeled the truth that no one can mess up with him.

“Just last weekend, Ms. Lynx pushed me down the stairs of my condominium unit. I was lucky that there are only a few steps. I did not see her face since my body was leaning toward the stairs, but Lucas witnessed it and told me afterward. Right, honey? You even told me that it is only proper to report this to the company. Please tell them what you saw.”

I did not react even a little and just intensely stared at Lucas. I saw him flinch a little and break a cold sweat. So it was you all this time. You are no prince, Lucas. I don’t know what your deal is but this will not end well for you and I will make sure that you will suffer more than anyone else.

“I don’t know what you are talking about. I was not even with you last weekend, so how can I say that it was Victoria who pushed you down the stairs?”

Game over.