The Intern Who Reported the Boss, Not Knowing the Boss Signs Her Salary Chapter 04

The Intern Who Reported the Boss, Not Knowing the Boss Signs Her Salary Chapter 04

Every word she said aimed straight at a leader’s sorest spots.

I knew what Colton had been chasing during his three years running the company.

He wanted to prove himself. Step out of my shadow. Build his own absolute authority.

Brielle was nothing more than his weapon, meant to sweep through and clear out anyone he saw as a threat.

And as the lingering “symbol” of the old guard, I was naturally the first target on his list.

Colton’s gaze turned cold.

He looked at me and spoke slowly, deliberately. “Rules are rules. They apply to everyone. Sloane, as a senior employee, you should be setting an example. Brielle was doing her job. She didn’t do anything wrong.”

“So?” I asked.

“The three grand stays. And for the insubordination? Your bonus this month wiped. You’ll submit a formal written apology to my office by tomorrow morning. A thousand words.”

Colton delivered his verdict without a flicker of give.

The office fell into stunned silence.

Everyone understood what this was now. Not a punishment. A public humiliation.

Brielle didn’t bother hiding her satisfaction. She wore it openly, savoring it.

She stared at me like I was a loser who’d just been knocked out of the ring for good.

I looked at Colton. The man I’d trusted completely. The one I’d treated almost like a younger brother.

The last trace of sentiment I held for him evaporated right there, in the cold air of his judgment.

I smiled. It was a cold smile. “Colton. What if I refuse to write it?”

His eyes sharpened dangerously. “Then you’ll submit your resignation yourself. Apex doesn’t need employees who can’t follow direction.”

“Fire me?” The words hit me like the punchline of the world’s most ridiculous joke. I rose slowly and locked eyes with him. “Are you sure you have the authority to do that?”

“I’m the CEO. Firing an ordinary employee? You really think I don’t have the authority?”

My calm was getting under his skin. His voice had climbed a notch.

“Ordinary employee?” I shook my head, the smile deepening at the corner of my mouth. “Three years as CEO and you’ve clearly forgotten who this company actually belongs to.”

My voice wasn’t loud. But it detonated like a thunderclap in the dead-quiet office.

Colton’s pupils contracted.

Brielle’s smile froze on her face.

I didn’t give them time to react. My gaze swept over their white faces, and I spoke slowly, each word cut clean.

“I’m informing you now, in my capacity as founder and chairwoman of Apex Design Studio…”

“Colton. You. And your assistant, you’re both fired.”