The Intern Who Reported the Boss, Not Knowing the Boss Signs Her Salary Chapter 08

The Intern Who Reported the Boss, Not Knowing the Boss Signs Her Salary Chapter 08

I watched her hurry out, and a wave of something heavy 

settled in my chest. 

Three years. I’d been careless. 

I thought giving up control was the same as giving trust. I 

never considered what unchecked power could do to a young 

person who once had vision and ambition. 

I turned back to the room. My voice turned serious. 

“I know some of you said things. Did things. You might be worried I’m about to start settling scores.” 

Several people visibly tensed. 

“I don’t have time to chase petty grudges.” I shifted my tone. 

“But let me make a few things very clear.” 

“One. Apex is a design firm. Our reputation is built on the work. I don’t care about your background or your degree. Here, ability is the only currency.” 

“If you create value, you’ll have my respect and you’ll be rewarded. If you try to climb by playing office politics and forming cliques… sorry. Apex has no place for that.” 

“Two. I respect individuality. I encourage innovation. But I expect healthy competition and real teamwork. I won’t tolerate anyone bullying or ostracizing a colleague, in any form. What I saw with Brielle ends today. I better never see it 

again.” 

“Three.” My voice hardened. “This one matters most. Loyalty. I need people who’ll stand with this company when the water 

gets rough. Not parasites looking to sell us out the second it benefits them. Colton is your cautionary tale.” Silence held. 

But I could feel the shift. The fear was still there, but underneath it, something else was stirring. Something like reflection. Maybe even relief. 

“Alright,” I said, letting my tone ease. “Everyone back to your stations. The Westfield project isn’t waiting. And I want to know more about the new client William Prescott mentioned. Derek, my office in thirty minutes. We’ll talk.” 

Derek, early forties, brilliant designer, quiet to a fault, looked startled for a second before rising to his feet with more energy than I’d seen from him in months. “Yes, Ms. Whitfield.” 

I nodded and walked out without another word, heading toward the CEO office that used to belong to Colton. 

Now it was mine. 

I knew this was only the beginning of the cleanup. 

Rebuilding order and trust would be the harder fight. 

But I wasn’t afraid. 

Because this was my kingdom. 

And I was the only queen here.