Not Your Doormat Anymore

"Call the police?"

Lindsey was stunned by my suggestion. "But this is our company's internal affairs..." Her voice trailed off as she considered the implications.

Since things hadn't escalated too far, involving the police would just be embarrassing. We might even end up giving other companies a good joke to laugh at.

"Yes, that's right. We'll call the police." I nodded.

"Our company mainly operates offline through physical stores. We don't have a strong online presence. That video just went up this afternoon, and it's already gained so much attention-they must've spent a fortune promoting it.

"If the mastermind is willing to pour in money, then they've already planned how to steer the narrative with the comments. No matter what we do, we won't win if we keep playing by their rules. We can only win if we pull them out of their screens and face them head-on."

This had been my plan from the beginning.

Given how sharp she was, Lindsey caught on fast and gave me a look of approval. "You're smart indeed," she said.

"I'll make the call myself."

With that, I dialed the number and waited for the line to connect.

Meanwhile, something else was unfolding in Jason's office.

"Darling, you've done so much," he said. "Don't worry. With all the rumors circulating online, the board won't just sit back and do nothing. Once Jace is dismissed and I become the general manager, I'll make you my secretary right away."

He kissed Rachel's face over and over.noveldrama

She hummed playfully. "I already embarrassed myself by putting myself out there

on the Internet, so you better treat me right, Jason."

Chuckling, he replied, "Of course I will. You're my darling, after all."

Back in my office, I received a call from my parents.

"Jace, have you seen what's going on online?"

Though they were at home, their friends had already informed them about the video.

It had only been posted that afternoon but was already trending everywhere. They were worried I wouldn't be able to handle it, especially since I was new to this position.

"I've seen it. Don't worry, I can handle it."

Despite my reassurances, Dad took over the phone.

"This isn't as simple as you think," Dad said sternly. "Lindsey told me everything. Come home and let me handle the rest."

He had spent decades navigating the business world and was no stranger to blackmail.

I shook my head, insisting, "Dad, I can do this. Let me handle it myself."

"Don't be stubborn! Do you know how fast things spread online? If we don't take control now, this could ruin you!" he growled.

He had already called a few friends in the media and understood the gravity of the situation. Seeing me turn down his help only made him angrier.

"Dad, I've already taken over the company. I'm bound to face situations like these. Have faith in me. Trust your son, will you?"

Mom tried to calm him down, gently

patting his back. She said, "Let's

our son a chance. If nothing

sgive

novels

changes in two days, it won't be too late for you to step in the

Dad sighed heavily but eventually gave in. "I'll give you three days. If this isn't resolved by then, I'm taking over."

I agreed.

During this critical time, Kourtney was glued to her phone, fighting with strangers online. She was already on her fifth account, but she kept losing the argument.

Some of her accounts had been

suspended, but she didn't stop. She hated the lies they were spreading

about me because she knew

wasn't the person they claimed I was.

Her eyes reddened as she typed furiously.

Before she could create her eighth account, a commotion stirred outside.

"Why are there police cars?"

"For real? Is what they're saying online true?"

"Did they come to arrest Mr. Ranford?"

The employees crowded around the windows to look down at the company building's entrance. Some even posted about it online as a "kind" gesture, causing people online to erupt in celebration over their so-called victory.