chapter 3
The board issued a public statement: [In light of Julia Cooper's egregious personal misconduct, which has caused irreparable damage to the company's brand, the board has unanimously decided to remove her from her position effective immediately and freeze all her shares.]
I was fired from the company I built with my own hands.
The news broke, and the entire internet erupted with excitement and outrage.
On the same day, Layla's grand wedding took place.
She started a live stream of the entire event, quickly surpassing ten million viewers.
She wore an expensive custom wedding dress, with flawless makeup and a radiant smile.
She was enjoying her moment in the spotlight.
During the live stream, a viewer brought me up again. [What happened to that vicious boss? Is she dead?]
Layla immediately covered her mouth and sighed with feigned tolerance, "Oh, everyone, let's not mention her. Today is my wedding."
"Honestly, I do feel sorry for her. She has nothing now."
She looked into the camera, her eyes brimming with undisguised pride and provocation.
She said, "If she really thinks I forged documents or deceived the company in any way, she can totally hire a lawyer and sue me."
She then burst into laughter. "I'll be waiting for her lawyer's letter."
After that, everyone in the livestream started mocking me.
[Where does she have the money to hire a lawyer now?]
[Let her sue! Let's see if she can win!]
[Layla, just ignore that lunatic.]
My phone rang again.
It was a call from my mom.
Her voice trembled as she pleaded, "Julia, I'm begging you, your dad has a heart problem and is already hospitalized."
"Stop being so stubborn. We're old and really can't handle this kind of social pressure."
I hung up the phone.
Violet, who was dragged into this because of me, also messaged me to persuade me.
[I give up.]
[I can't fight them, I'm just an ordinary person.]
[You should give up too.]
I silently watched the live stream.
Just as Layla and Martin were about to exchange rings, I turned off the live stream.
At the wedding venue, the music was reaching its climax.
The host loudly announced, "Now, the groom may kiss the bride!"
The whole crowd cheered.
At that moment, the banquet hall doors were suddenly flung open.
The loud noise drowned out the music.
All the guests, along with millions of livestream viewers, turned their cameras toward the door.
The smile on Layla's face froze instantly.
When she saw it was me, her face turned deathly pale.
She pointed at me and let out a piercing scream. "Security!
"Security! Get this crazy woman out of here!
"She's here to cause trouble!"
The security guards rushed over in a panic.
I didn't stop walking.
Ignoring her screams and the shocked gazes around me, I walked straight onto the stage.
The host stared at me in shock, forgetting to speak.
Martin stood in front of Layla and shouted angrily, "What are you doing here? Get out!"
I took the microphone from the host.
I smiled slightly, my gaze falling on Layla's face.
My voice wasn't loud, but it spread through the venue and the livestream via the speakers.
I said, "Don't be afraid, Layla. I'm here to give you a gift."
I turned to the livestream camera, to all the guests.
I held up the USB drive in my hand and said, "Weren't you going to sue me? I'm here to give you the evidence."
I walked to the wedding control console at the side of the stage.
Before the staff could react, I plugged the USB drive into the computer.
A crystal-clear document appeared on the screen.
It was Layla's employment certificate from my company.
The live stream comments completely froze at that moment.
I picked up the laser pointer and aimed at the most crucial date.
Her start date was the day before she took marriage leave.
The wedding venue instantly fell into dead silence.
Then, the whole place erupted!