The Intern Who Reported the Boss, Not Knowing the Boss Signs Her Salary Chapter 11

The Intern Who Reported the Boss, Not Knowing the Boss Signs Her Salary Chapter 11

Colton’s mother was a well–put–together woman, all pressed suits and careful presentation. But the red rims around her eyes and the exhausted sag to her face betrayed everything. 

She walked into my office clinging to a shred of dignity that had already frayed past saving. 

“Ms. Whitfield! You can’t do this to Colton! You’re the one 

who raised him up. How can you be so cruel as to send him to prison?” 

I didn’t move. I just watched her, cold. 

Diane moved to intercept. I stopped her with a look. 

“Mrs. Ashford. Sit down. Let’s talk.” My voice stayed level. 

She blinked, thrown by my reaction. Then her emotions boiled 

over. 

“Sit? My son’s life is being destroyed! Do you have any idea how much he’s sacrificed for this company? Three years of grinding, nonstop, running everything for you. Doesn’t that count for anything? All that effort? And over some small issue you’re going to bury him?” 

“Small issue?” I let out a soft, humorless laugh. “Mrs. 

Ashford, I think you’re a little confused about what counts as 

‘small.“” 

“Your son embezzled one–point–eight million over three years. Took out a five–million–dollar loan without authorization. And he was actively planning to hollow out this company. In your book, is all of that just ‘no big deal‘?” 

Her face went bloodless. Her lips moved, but no words came 

out. 

She hadn’t known. Not the real scale of it. 

“No… that’s impossible. You’re lying. My Colton would never, he’s a good boy. This is you. You were jealous he was doing better than you. You’re framing him.” 

I sighed. There was nothing left to say to her. 

“Diane. Please escort her out.” 

“Wait!” Panic shattered her composure. She dropped- actually dropped to her knees–right there on my office floor. 

“Ms. Whitfield. Please. I’m begging you. He made a stupid mistake. Just this once–show him mercy. He’s still young. You can’t ruin his whole life. If you just let him go, I’ll do 

anything. Anything.” 

She clutched at my legs, sobbing openly, all traces of that earlier poise obliterated. 

Employees were already gathering at the doorway. 

My patience ran dry. 

“Mrs. Ashford. Get up.” I tried to pry her off, but she locked 

her arms tighter. 

“Not until you say yes. I’ll stay down here forever if I have to.” 

That was it. 

“Fine. Stay there,” I said, pulling back and settling onto the 

couch. “Answer’s still no.” 

Her head snapped up, eyes blazing with venomous rage. 

“Sloane! Don’t you forget who helped you when you were at your lowest. If it weren’t for our family, for Colton, this company would’ve collapsed years ago. You ungrateful 

snake.” 

I paused. Then I understood what she meant. 

The company’s second year. Cash flow had dried up. I’d 

pitched every investor I could find and got nothing but closed 

doors. 

Colton, still an intern back then, handed over seventy 

thousand dollars. His wedding slash home fund. He gave it all 

to me. 

That was why I’d given him special treatment. Why I’d 

elevated him. 

I looked at her and almost laughed. 

“Mrs. Ashford, I repaid that seventy thousand the following year. And I gave him ten percent equity. At today’s valuation, that stake is worth somewhere around seven million. So you tell me, what exactly do I still owe your family?” 

Her mouth formed a silent “O.” Colton had clearly never told 

her. 

“And as for him helping me,” I said, rising to my feet. I spoke slowly, each word deliberate. “You’ve got the story backwards. He didn’t help me.” 

“I gave him a platform. I took a broke kid with nothing and turned him into a CEO with a seven–figure salary. I handed 

him status and wealth far beyond what he’d earned. And how did he repay me?” 

I stared down at her. “Betrayal. Scheming. He tried to steal everything I built and push me out entirely.” 

“And now you’re here asking me to forgive him?” I looked down at her crumpled form. “Tell me, Mrs. Ashford. Does he deserve it?” 

She had no answer. She just slumped on the floor, speechless. 

I didn’t look at her again. “Diane. Call security.” 

I turned and walked toward the floor–to–ceiling windows. My 

windows. 

The sun was perfect outside.