Chapter 2

My balance was still the same. I quickly called the bank, but the representative sounded suspicious. "Ms. Lindth, are you treating us as fools? We saw with our own eyes that the money was successfully deposited into your account! "Could someone in your family have transferred the money out, or was it deducted by a service? Since that's private information, we can't look into it for you." I hung up and frowned, deeply confused. No one else knew the details of my paycheck account. And even if someone had transferred money or made a deduction, I would've received a notification. There was no way the money could've just disappeared without a trace. Just then, the finance department called, asking if my paycheck had come through. If everything was fine, they needed me to sign the payment confirmation. I had no choice but to tell them the truth. Of course, they didn't believe me. "Audrey, you've got to be kidding me. When I processed your payment, you were right there watching. Even the bank confirmed it was deposited, and now you're telling me you didn't get the money? "Do you think Ms. Shaw is easy to talk to, and you're trying to scam the company?" I was about to explain when I was cut off. "Alright, fine, I've processed the payment. Whether you sign or not, that's on you!" And with that, she hung up. I stood there, feeling frustrated and confused, my mind racing. Since the system checks were fine, this had to be something personal. But I'd always been cautious, never having made any enemies. No one should have a reason to target me. At that moment, a message from a client popped up. I quickly headed back to the office to handle the business. As soon as I walked in, I noticed my colleagues giving me strange looks. The one closest to me, Tammy Beckham, came over and whispered, "Audrey, Ms. Shaw already sent your payment twice. Why are you still saying you didn't receive it? What's going on? "Finance is pissed, and they've been ranting in the office. Now everyone thinks you're up to something." My face stiffened as I quickly tried to explain, "I don't know what's going on. There's literally no money in my paycheck account. I'm not trying to cause trouble!" I'd raised my voice a little, and others had overheard. Immediately, someone sneered. "Audrey, we all have the same payroll process, so why is it only you who can't get paid? Sure, Ms. Shaw is generous, but you can't just take advantage of her, right? What about the rest of us working hard?" Others chimed in agreement, "Exactly! Audrey, you should know your limits. Don't push it!" I felt my face turn bright red. "I'm not trying to take advantage! If you don't believe me, I can open my payroll account right now and show you!" Before I could say anything, Cecilia Young, on the other side, laughed scornfully and cut me off. "Give me a break! I bet you're using this money to support some freeloading boyfriend, and then blaming the company for not paying you. Do you think we're all fools?" Everyone around burst into laughter. My face turned pale with fury. I was about to argue when I saw Justine appear at the doorway.