Chapter 9 - The Merciless Reckoning
Arthur Whitworth’s voice did not rise in volume, but it cut through the room like a freshly sharpened guillotine. "You are absolutely right about one thing, Eleanor," he stated, stepping slightly in front of Lily to shield her. "She doesn't belong in this store as a customer. She belongs here as your boss." He paused, letting the finality of his words settle over the disgraced manager. "You have exactly three minutes to clear out your desk before my security team throws you onto the street. You are done in this city." Eleanor gasped, a pathetic, broken sound escaping her throat as the reality of her instantaneous ruin set in. As she stumbled backward and fled toward the back offices in ultimate disgrace, the remaining floor staff immediately rushed forward, offering tissues and apologies, desperately realigning their loyalty to the young heiress.
