Chapter 13
Daphne wasn’t ignoring Mason’s call on purpose. She had just stepped into Galaxy Entertainment, preparing for her debut as the new vice president.
Galaxy Entertainment had once been a top–tier company known for producing many stars. But with the rapid changes in the industry and outdated management practices, it had gradually been eclipsed by more innovative firms.
For years. Galaxy hadn’t catapulted any first–rate stars into the spotlight, and had only been maintaining a quiet existence
At Daphne’s first meeting as an executive, the atmosphere felt welcoming. Yer, behind the smiles in the room, she sensed the undercurrents of skepticism.
No one could really believe Daphne–gorgeous and suddenly dropped in as a high–ranking executive–was there just because of her skills
Most of the company had seen the morning’s spectacle: a jaw–dropping line of luxury cars and a squad of suited bodyguards escorting this new vice president Plus, she was personally brought here by Philip
While Galaxy was acknowledged as a top player in the entertainment circle, it barely made a dent compared to the vast empire of the Sheppard family. With Philip as her backer, her vice–presidential role felt trivializing. Some speculated she could even oust the current president if she so wished.
Everyone thought Daphne’s hiring was just a game for Philip, like he was throwing his new girlfriend into the company just for fun
The office bathrooms buzzed with gossip, and fatefully, Daphne wandered into one of these gossip sessions about herself.
As she entered the women’s restroom, she was met with hushed whispers that excalated as the discussion intensified. The voices gradually became louder, clearly audible to her.
“What can a pretty face like hers possibly do?”
“I bet she’s just another one climbing the ranks because of her looks. With a face like that, she can get whatever she wants.”
“Oh please, why doesn’t she just settle for being a trophy wife instead of trying to make an impact in our company? Did you see today’s top headline? It’s about her divorce from Yancey of the Goodman Group.”
“Oh wow, that’s shocking. She’s already been married! Does Philip have no standards at all, accepting even someone like her?”
“I have no idea what tricks she’s using, but every guy she gets is top–notch. I’m so jealous.”
“You actually admire a woman who’s so fickle? Who know how many guys she’s been with!”
The laughter that followed their reckless words echoed in the small restroom, further fueling the combat for humiliation
Just then, a stall door creaked open. Instinctively, all eyes turned toward the source of the sound, and there stood the very heroine they had been maligning
Instantly, the atmosphere shifted dramatically, the chatter that had been so animated moments ago was replaced by a petrified stillness. Each of the gossipers froze, shocked.
1
What do we do now that the new vice president caught us bad–mouthing her on her first day?‘ they thought. No one dared to speak or move startled, they instinctively backed into the comers of the restroom, hoping to disappear into the walls.
They watched wide–eyed as Daphne walked by with an unnerving calmness, stopping at the sink to leisurely wash her hands.
If Daphne had come out yelling at them, it would have been easier to predict her reaction and perhaps even respond with apologies to smooth things over. But her composed demeanor, as if she hadn’t heard a word of their gossip, was chilling
The sound of flowing water hit their hearts like a hammer, making them involuntarily start to wonder what kind of miserable end awaited them.
Getting fired would pale in comparison to the real fear gripping them–Daphne might hold a grudge and leverage her connection with Philip to blacklist them from the industry entirely.
Sameone finally cracked under the pressure and stepped forward. “Ms. Shaw,” she started, her voice trembling, “we got caught up in the rumors. We didn’t mean to talk badly about you. Please don’t take it personally”
Unintentional? Hardly, they said those words on purpose! Daphine turned slightly, offering a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She didn’t say a word, instead grabbing a tissue to wipe her hands.
The group exchanged anxious glances, panic mirrored in each other’s expressions. What should we do now? It’s evident that she’s heard everything and isn’t easily inclined to forgive!
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10:32 A
Chapter 13
“Ma Shaw, you’re so kind and understanding. Please don’t hold it against us, Tina Lennon pleaded, her voice shaking with desperation.
“Tina, why are you even begging? Worst case, we can just quit,” Miranda Lynch, the one with the high ponytail, chimed in. She’d been the most critical of Daphne and now yanked Tina back by the arm, radiating defiance.
She shot Daphne a sideways glance filled with arrogance. “Isn’t she just a trophy climbing the ranks with a man’s help? What does she have to gloat about? Without men, she’s nothing”
Daphne dried her hands and lifted her gaze to Miranda, a slight smile playing on her lips. “Do you have the looks to get a man like I can?”
The remark wasn’t overtly hurtful, but it hit Miranda squarely in her pride. Her face turned crimson, fury flashing in her eyes. “I don’t want to be like you–so dirty and gross!”
The temperature in the bathroom seemed to drop as Daphne’s eyes darkened.
Miranda felt a chill creep up her spine but tried to maintain her stance, spitting more insults towards Daphne. “Don’t think that just because you’ve won Mr, Sheppard’s favor, you can do whatever you like. A plaything will eventually be discarded.”
Just then, a loud slap echoed, bringing a sharp halt to Miranda’s insults. Stunned, she held her face, her eyes wide in disbelief as she stared at Daphne, who was calmly rotating her wrist after delivering the blow.
“Did you just hit me?” Miranda gasped, her voice shaky with fear.
Dapline lifted her gaze lazily, her expression icey. “So what if I did‘
In a split second, a bright red handprint appeared on Miranda’s face, the shape of Daphne’s fingers clearly visible–the slap was delivered with zero
Miranda, her eyes glistening with tears of anger and embarrassment, covered her face with her hands and shot Daphne a glare filled with resentment “What gives you the right to hit me?”
“The right?” D
Daphne chuckled, her laughter devoid of warmth “Because you’re an unnily person who needs a lesson.”
Daphne had planned to let it slide, but Miranda just kept pushing her buttons–she practically asked for that slap herself
That slap was more than just a physical action; it was a forceful strike against Miranda’s inflated pride, a challenge to the bravado she had built around herself.
Her face twisted in rage as she screamed, “You shameless woman. I’m going to tear that wicked face of yours apart. Let’s see how you plan to attract men after that.”
With that, she lunged forward, her sharp nails aimed straight for Daphne’s perfect face.
