Chapter 5

Richard had been at the branch for so many years that he'd turned it into his personal fiefdom.

Everyone feared his "chairman's nephew" connections and didn't dare provoke him—some even wanted to show their loyalty by taking this opportunity.

Several security guards and male employees eager to curry favor immediately rushed at me.

With two fists against many hands, I was quickly restrained by several burly men who pinned my arms and pressed me against a nearby desk, unable to move.

Jocelyn got up from the floor, clutching her stomach, her face twisted as she walked up to me and kicked my shins twice.

"Run! Try to kick me again!" She cursed through gritted teeth.

Pinned to the desk, I stared coldly at Richard and Jocelyn, memorizing every single face present.

Just as Jocelyn was about to continue her attack, the receptionist rushed in from outside:

"Richard! Zack has arrived downstairs with people! They're coming up right now!"

Hearing this, the arrogance on Richard's face instantly froze.

If the new CEO and Zack saw the branch in such chaos on their first day, he as vice president would definitely be in serious trouble.

"Quick! Get her out of here!" Richard panicked, lowering his voice to an angry roar. "Don't let the new boss see her!"

Jocelyn's eyes rolled as she leaned in with a clever suggestion: "Richard, there's a backup freight elevator at the end of the hallway that nobody uses."

"Let's lock her in there between floors first. After the CEO finishes the inspection and leaves, we can deal with her slowly!"

"Do it! Hurry!" Richard grabbed onto this like a lifeline, waving his hands frantically.

Under Jocelyn's direction, several security guards grabbed my arms and forcibly dragged me toward the depths of the hallway.

"This is illegal detention!" I warned coldly, struggling with all my might.

"Shut up!" Jocelyn pinched my waist hard and, together with the guards, roughly shoved me into the narrow, dark backup elevator.

Bang—the elevator door closed.

I heard Jocelyn press the emergency stop button outside. The elevator lurched to a halt with a grinding sound, stuck between floors.

Jocelyn's vicious voice came from outside the door: "Stay in there and behave! After the inspection, we'll see how I deal with you, you bitch!"

The elevator was pitch black, with only a weak emergency light flickering.

I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, took a deep breath, my eyes cold as ice.

They were finished.

A few minutes later, the glass door of the main office area was pushed open violently.

Zack from headquarters, along with several headquarters executives, rushed breathlessly into the lobby.

Richard immediately put on an extremely flattering smile and led all the employees to greet them: "Zack, you're finally here! Where's the CEO? Why didn't she come up with you?"

Zack ignored his flattery. His eyes fixed on the floor.

It was covered with torn document fragments.

Zack crouched down and picked up a piece of torn paper with half a bright red seal on it. His hands began to tremble uncontrollably.

He suddenly looked up and roared at everyone: "Where did you take Miss Smith!!!"