Chapter 2

I walked into the firm, my head held high, even though my stomach was in knots.

My boss, Mr. Henderson, smiled when he saw me.

"Sarah, ready for your review? The partners are very impressed with your work on the Thompson project."

"Yes, sir. I'm ready."

We sat down in the conference room. Mr. Davies and Ms. Albright, the senior partners, were already there.

The meeting started well. They praised my designs, my work ethic.

Then, right on schedule, the door burst open.

David Miller stood there, his face red, his eyes wild.

"Sarah Miller! You thief!"

Mr. Henderson jumped up. "Mr. Miller, what is the meaning of this? This is a private meeting!"

"She's a criminal!" David yelled, pointing at me. "She's been taking kickbacks from contractors! I have proof! Give me your phone!"

He lunged for me.

In my first life, I was stunned, horrified. I fumbled.

This time, I was calm.

I stood up slowly, held out my phone.

"Here you go, Dad."

David snatched it, his fingers greasy on the screen as he scrolled.

The partners looked shocked, then concerned.

"See!" David shouted, shoving the phone towards Mr. Henderson. "Look at this! Money from contractors!"

Mr. Henderson took the phone, his brow furrowed. He looked at the screen.

Then he looked at me.

Then back at the screen.

A small smile played on his lips.

"Mr. Miller," he said, his voice dangerously quiet. "This is a Venmo request. From a colleague. For fifteen dollars."

He turned the phone so David could see. "It says, 'Pizza money for lunch order.'"

David stared, his mouth hanging open.

"My colleagues and I ordered pizza last week," I said, my voice steady. "I paid, and they reimbursed me. That's the 'damning evidence' of my corruption."

Ms. Albright chuckled. Mr. Davies shook his head, looking at David with disgust.

"Mr. Miller," Mr. Henderson said, his voice firm. "Your daughter is a valued employee, on the verge of a significant promotion. Your behavior is outrageous. I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Now."

David stammered, "But... but she..."

"Security!" Mr. Henderson called.

Two security guards appeared.

David deflated, his face turning a blotchy purple. He glared at me, pure hatred in his eyes, before the guards escorted him out.

The room was silent for a moment.

Then Mr. Henderson turned to me. "Sarah, I am so sorry you had to endure that. Your professionalism under pressure is commendable."

Ms. Albright nodded. "Indeed. If you can handle that, you can handle any client."

Mr. Davies smiled. "Well, Sarah, about that promotion to Project Lead. It's yours. And it comes with a ten percent raise."

Relief washed over me, so strong I almost buckled.

"Thank you," I managed. "Thank you all."

One down. Many more to go.