BuzzNovelChapter 384
Once she'd steadied herself, Vera returned to her desk and threw herself into work, eyes scanning every line as
she triple-checked for mistakes. Only when she was certain everything was perfect did she print the revised
documents, organize them neatly, and walk back to Alessia’s office, knocking softly on the door.
“Boss, here's the updated version. Could you take a look?”
Alessia nodded, taking the papers from her and flipping through them. The office was so quiet that the sound of
turning pages seemed unusually loud.
Vera's heart was pounding. She swallowed hard, picking nervously at her fingers, terrified Alessia might spot a
single error.
“No issues. We'll go with this.” Alessia signed at the bottom and handed the contract back.
“Alright, I'll get started then.”
“Wait.”
Relief flooded Vera, and she reached for the documents, ready to leave, but Alessia’s voice stopped her in her
tracks.
“Is there something else?”
“I don’t pry into my employees’ private lives. But this has started to affect your work. So, I'm giving you two
options. One, you can leave the company.”
Vera's eyes widened as she looked up sharply.
“No, please, | promise I'll get myself together. | won't let it happen again, 1-”
Alessia raised a hand, silencing her before she could finish.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
“Two, you tellwhat you need. If it’s reasonable, I'll approve paid
leave.”
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10:02
Chapter 384
Vera was so caught off guard by the sudden shift that her mind blanked for a moment. It took her a few seconds
to process what had just been
said.
“Paid leave? But | already used up all my vacation days last week...”
“That's why | said ‘if it's reasonable.’ Think of it as a reward for landing that partnership for us recently.” Alessia
tapped her fingers lightly on the desk, her tone casual-not lofty or patronizing, but more like an equal exchange.
And Vera knew full well it was just an excuse.
After all, she’d already received a nice bonus for closing that deal-enough to cover her mom's surgery-expenses.
Any extra “reward” was just Alessia’s way of helping without making it obvious.
“Thank... thank you, boss.”
Vera wasn't the type to cry, but lately the weight on her shoulders had grown unbearable. She was fresh out of
college, juggling a demanding job with mounting family troubles, and it all felt like a boulder pressing the air
from her lungs.
If she lost her job, it would be the final straw. Alessia’s offer, even if small, let her breathe just a little easier.
“No need to thankyet. If your reason isn’t valid, | won't approve it,” Alessia said, her expression unreadable,
unruffled by the tears brimming in Vera's eyes.
“I understand. But honestly, just hearing you say that means the world to me.” Vera wiped away a tear, forcing a
smile.
“It’s embarrassing, really. My family’s problems... well, they're not exactly something I'm proud of.”
Alessia nodded toward the chair across from her, inviting Vera to sit. She didn’t hesitate, settling into the seat.
Taking a shaky breath, Vera gathered her courage, as if just speaking the words would drain her of all she had
left.
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10:02
Chapter 384
“| took toff last week to go back
home. My neighbor called and sqid
something happened Om§rivom.”
Her Bide Ambled, her fingers
shaking—anger and fear tangled
together. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
“When | got there, she was already in
the hospital. Covered in bruises, hier
head “PRS iphardages The
dector Ni she'd recover, mostly:
But... she'll spend the rest of her life in
a wheelchair.” The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
“Your father did this?" Alessia’s
question was cA epee no
oe spenidil s well have been
asking if Vera had eaten lunch. The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
“Yes.”
Just one word, but it took everything Vera had to say it. She clutched her skirt, head bowed, shflooding her
for having a father like that.
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