Chapter 4

It was the weekend, and coincidentally, my birthday.

Hoping to bond more with my coworkers, I invited everyone to celebrate.

"I have a friend whose family runs a yacht business. They're letting me use one for free, so I'm inviting everyone to join me for a party at sea."

"That's so generous of you! Are you sure? Maybe we can chip in to cover some costs?"

My coworkers were kind and considerate, offering to help pay for the event.

I smiled and waved them off. "It's my birthday, and it only happens once a year. Let's just have fun."

"Just bring yourselves," I added with a grin.

"Then we'll make sure to prepare a fantastic gift for you!" someone chimed in, and the room burst into excited chatter.

I called the yacht crew to request their most luxurious setup.

Just as I hung up, Sandra slinked over, her expression eager but calculating.

"I've never been on a yacht before, Feona," she said. "Mind if I tag along?"

I didn't bother looking at her, replying bluntly, "I'm inviting friends, not freeloaders who steal from others."

Her face froze, but she quickly forced a smile.

"Oh, come on. I'll get you a big gift. Trust me, it'll be something really nice," she promised with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Reluctantly, I agreed. Sandra practically skipped away in delight.

The moment she was gone, the other coworkers swarmed me.

"Why did you invite her? She's going to ruin everything!"

"Yeah, the last time I had a birthday party, she stole my favorite Lego set. I still have no idea how she managed to smuggle something that big out of my house!"

"Feona, you've got to be careful. Don't let her ruin your party or get away with anything."

I looked at their worried faces and smiled reassuringly. Deep down, I knew they all feared Sandra's threat, so they never dared to defy her.

"Don't worry. She won't get away with anything this time."

I glanced over at Sandra, who was eagerly stuffing plastic bags into her oversized purse, clearly planning to haul away whatever she could.

"Not only will she not profit, but I'll make sure she coughs up everything she's ever taken from all of you," I added with a wide grin.

If she loved taking advantage, I'd show her what it really meant to pay for her greed.