Chasing the Unexpected

Chapter 24

Damon gave him a cool glance. “It seems like you have a lot of free time lately.

“No, no, not at all. I still have plenty of files to sort through this afternoon… Spencer quickly ducked hist head, silently vowing to rein in his curiosity next time.

After Nyla iced her cheek for about ten minutes, the buming pain subsided, so she returned to her desk.

As soon as she sat down, her colleague, Sasha Yates, rolled her chair over and whispered, “Nyla, everyone is talking about what happened between you and Lucia. What happened? Why did she suddenly hit you?”

Nyla didn’t want to blow things out of proportion. If she made a big deal out of it, Lucia might lose her job Considering she had just joined the company, forcing Lucia out would make her colleagues think she was scheming, which would make her work life difficult.

Besides, despite Lucia’s recent data tampering, she had produced some valuable research in the p and the company would likely handle the matter privately.

past,

Nyla shook her head. “It’s nothing, just some personal issues.”

Seeing that Nyla didn’t want to elaborate, Sasha didn’t press further. “Okay, but be careful. Lucia may seem understanding and easygoing, but she holds grudges. After this, she will certainly to target you.”

“I understand.”

Nyla knew Lucia would hold a grudge but wasn’t worried. As long as she acted with integrity, she had nothing to fear from Lucia’s schemes.

Meanwhile, Lucia called her father. After explaining the situation, Clement replied, “Got it. I’ll make a call.” Lucia waited anxiously. Even if she had to leave Park Pharmaceuticals, it couldn’t be because of data tampering no other pharmaceutical company would hire her in that case.

Thankfully, Clement acted quickly. He called back shortly, reassuring her that everything was handled.

Since Lucia’s actions hadn’t caused significant damage, the company intended only a minor punishment- docking her one month’s salary and giving her a verbal warning.

Near the end of the workday, Genevieve called Lucia to her office to discuss the resolution from the headquarters.

Despite Lucia’s frustration at Genevieve for reporting the incident, Lucia knew it was unwise to confront her superior. “I understand, I will take this as a lesson and ensure it never happens again.”

Genevieve remained indiffefent. “Good. This matter is being handled privately by the company. Don’t spread the word about your salary deduction, or the company will have to take more serious action.”

“I understand… But what about the person who reported me? What does the company plan to do about

+25 BONUS

Chapter 24

them?” Losing a month’s salary wasn’t a big deal, but Lucia couldn’t let this go unchallenged. If she had to suffer, so should Nyla.

“The report was anonymous. There’s no way to find out who did it, so this matter is closed. Don’t dwell on it.”

Lucia bit her lip. “It had to be Nyla. The reported experiments match the ones we’ve been conducting since she joined. The data and timeline fit perfectly.”

Genevieve frowned, clearly displeased. “You have evidence to support that claim?”

“The timing of the experiments listed in the report is evidence.”

Genevieve’s gaze hardened. “You never considered that someone from your own team might have framed Nyla? They’ve been working with you all along and are fully aware of your data tampering. It wouldn’t be difficult for them to compile a report based on any timeframe.”