3
357words
"I'm a newbie—I didn't mean it."
I sneered,"Now you remember you're a newbie?"
""You don't need to apologize to me—you should be apologizing to the victims!"
Ethan,holding Claire protectively,snapped,"Enough!She apologized—why are you so aggressive?"
Seeing how pitiful Claire looked in tears,some of my colleagues started playing the role of saints.
"Come on,Sophie,ease up.She's a newbie."
"We're all colleagues—no need to escalate."
I laughed in fury."I'm reporting this.Everyone will know what Claire did!"
"I'm the head chef!"Ethan roared."If anyone reports,it's me!Who are you to do it?"
I pulled up Claire's food storage footage and procurement records,ready to report.
Security guard Tom rushed in.
"Sophie,Ms.Harper is here and wants to see you."
Perfect—I was going to see Ms.Harper anyway.Among the leaders,I trusted her most.
Despite my skills,gender bias kept me a prep cook until Ms.Harper made me a chef.
She was my mentor,and as women,we bonded.The restaurant thrived under her.
She'd handle this fairly,I thought,heading to the meeting room.
Ms.Harper sat alone in the large room.
"Ms.Harper,here's evidence of Claire's negligence.Please look into this thoroughly!"
I placed the files and USB on her desk.
"No in a hurry,"she said,glancing at the evidence."We must give the victims'families answers,so the negligent party will face severe punishment."
I nodded—this was serious and needed strict handling.
Ms.Harper looked at me sternly."So,management has decided—you're fired."
I thought I misheard,staring in disbelief.
"What…I'm fired?"
Seeing my reaction,a strange emotion flickered in her eyes,but she said coldly,
"Your negligence nearly poisoned over 40 guests.You're fired.Pack up and leave."
"The restaurant will give you 2n+1 compensation.Be grateful."
I felt struck by lightning,my mind blank,staring at her.
How could she do this?The evidence was right there,and she didn't even look,assuming my fault.
Then Claire burst in,and it clicked.
"Mommy,why are you here?"
Claire entered,smiling sweetly,Ethan trailing behind.
I froze.
Ms.Harper was Claire's mother!
No wonder Claire was never fired despite her mistakes.No wonder a newbie got more opportunities than anyone.No wonder Ms.Harper blamed me without checking the evidence!
I forced a smile,grabbing the evidence to leave.
Ethan blocked me,snatching it.
"Be smart—take the 2n+1 severance and leave!"
