Chapter 6

Emma’s POV The HR manager straightened nervously as soon as she saw him. “Sir, we were just… resolving a situation.” “I’m not a situation,” I said, my voice low but firm. “We were asking her to leave,” the HR manager added, her eyes flicking nervously to me. “She was causing a scene but it will be resolved immediately.” I ignored her, focusing on Eric. This was my only chance to help myself so I quickly grabbed it. “Sir,” I said, meeting his eyes, “I came to request my severance. She told me I don’t exist in this company.” “There is no record of her employment at Thompson Crest Enterprises,” the HR manager said sharply, clearly expecting me to crumble. My chest tightened. “But I worked here for four years. I worked on projects with other colleagues as a team and earned my salary every month end. How can I suddenly… not exist?” “Sir, there’s no…” She faltered under Eric’s gaze. His grey eyes locked on her, piercing and cold, like he was stripping the truth bare. She swallowed hard. “Mr. Mark employed her personally,” she admitted. “All her files were handled by him. I don’t know where he kept them.” My blood boiled. Mark hadn’t just betrayed me. He’d planned to erase me entirely. Eric’s voice cut through the tension, calm but firmly. “If your direct boss hired you and ended your contract himself, I cannot override his decision. I promised my sister I wouldn’t overshadow his authority here.” A knot formed in my stomach, but I refused to break. He's Mark’s brother in law and I shouldn't expect less. He glanced at his wrist watch, already turning his attention elsewhere, then pulled out his phone. “Call my assistant.” Within moments, his PA appeared. “Give her a signed blank cheque,” Eric said flatly, eyes still on me, unreadable. “Let her fill in whatever amount she thinks she deserves. I have a meeting to attend.” He didn’t wait for me to respond. He stepped into the elevator, his figure disappearing behind the closing doors. I stood frozen, holding nothing but my shock, while the HR manager stared at me, helpless and flustered. When his PA handed me the blank cheque, I stared at it in my hand, feeling both relieved and humiliated but I knew this wasn’t the time to sulk, my grandmother’s medical bills couldn’t wait any longer. Back at May’s apartment, I sank onto the couch, still reeling from the day’s chaos. “You won’t believe what just happened,” I murmured, recounting everything. May shook her head, her voice soft with concern. “Elena… I can’t believe Mark did that to you. Wiped out your records and treated you like you never existed… I’m so sorry. That’s… awful.” I shrugged, trying to keep my pride intact. “It’s done. I just need to move on with my life.” Her eyes flicked to the envelope in my hands…the blank cheque Eric’s PA had handed me. A sly grin tugged at her lips. “And look at that… you could fill in any amount you want, and Alpha Eric wouldn’t even notice. He’s too wealthy to care. This is your chance to live life on your terms.” I hesitated as Eric’s piercing and truth blaring gaze earlier in the HR office flashed through my mind. The thought of standing under such scrutiny myself made me shiver. I shook my head, gripping the envelope tighter. “No. That’s not what I want. I’ll take only what I’m owed and I’ll deduct the hospital fees he covered. I won’t let him think I’m a gold-digger or some swindler.” May sighed, leaning back with a mix of exasperation and admiration. “You’re stubborn and principled to a fault. Mark has no idea what he lost by throwing you away.” I pressed the envelope to my chest, relief and lingering humiliation twisting together. “I don’t need anyone’s pity or their money beyond what I earned. I’ll rebuild my life on my own.” *** The next day, I stood in May’s tiny apartment, my suitcase half-packed, feeling a pang of guilt. “I really can’t stay here much longer, May. I have to start standing on my own,” I said, zipping up my bag. May frowned, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Elena… you’ve already been through so much. Are you sure? Why the hurry? I mean, this place isn’t much, but…” “I know,” I interrupted gently. “And I’m grateful, May. I couldn’t have made it through the last few weeks without you. Your love… your care… it kept me sane.” Her eyes softened, and she pulled me into a quick hug. “Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself, okay? And don’t let anyone; Mark, Eric, or anyone at all, walk over you again.” “I promise,” I whispered, stepping back. “I just… need to try.” Over the next few weeks, after sending money home to settle family debts and my grandmother’s medical bills, I used what was left to find a small pad for myself. Then I threw myself into job hunting. I sent out dozens of resumes, tailored cover letters, and prepped endlessly for interviews. My phone pinged constantly with emails: “Thank you for your interest in Edward & Co. We regret to inform you…” “We appreciate your time, but we have chosen another candidate…” And many others. Each rejection hurt a little, but I refused to let it show. I reminded myself this was temporary, that I’d bounce back. One rainy afternoon, after yet another failed interview at a mid-sized marketing firm, I lingered near the lobby to make a call. But I couldn’t shake the sinking feeling that something was wrong. “Hello, Selene?” the receptionist’s voice trailed off as I overheard the conversation on the phone behind the glass. “…Yes, I understand… No, we cannot hire her… I’ve already spoken to Mr. Mark… Yes, he insists she is unsuitable… no exceptions.” My stomach dropped. I pressed my hand to my mouth, listening to him list me off as “unsuitable” and “ineligible” without my knowledge. My anger flared. I couldn’t believe it. Mark…Mark was actively sabotaging my efforts. I dialed his number immediately. The line clicked as it connected. “Hello?” Mark’s familiar, smug voice greeted me. “Mark!” I snapped, my voice trembling despite myself. “What are you doing? Are you seriously bent on ruining my life by blocking every job I apply for?” There was a pause, then his usual indifferent drawl. “Elena… I think you’re overreacting. It’s not as deep as you sound.” “Not that deep?” I hissed. “I have no business with you anymore. You’ve married your Bella and achieved your prestigious goal. Why are you blotting me out of existence and destroying my future? How dare you?!” “Calm down,” he said, as if I were a child. “Look… I’m willing to discuss this. Meet me at the Bluebird Café. 3 p.m.” “Meet you at the Bluebird Café? Are you serious?” I snapped.