From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

Lizzie turned and left.

The gathered employees erupted in whispers. "Manager, Cindy doesn't deserve a spot in our company!"

"Yeah, she's got to go!"

"Fire her already!"

The manager turned his gaze to Cindy and said, "Head to payroll and settle up for the month. Don't bother coming in next month."

Cindy felt her world crumble. She had dedicated nearly two decades to her job, always diligent, never a mistake. Retirement was just around the corner, with a pension and benefits in sight, and now the company was showing her the door!

"No, you can't fire me!" she pleaded.

Those who got the axe never saw a pension or benefits. And at her age, what was she going to do? Where could she find work? It'd be nothing but back-breaking jobs that couldn't hold a candle to her current position.

"We can't have someone who's morally bankrupt working here," the manager stated firmly before turning to a security guard. "Please escort her out."

It was less of an escort and more of a drag.

Once outside, Cindy was a mix of anger and frustration. She snatched up her phone and called Malcolm.

Malcolm rushed over, his heart breaking at the sight of her. "Sweetheart, don't you worry. I'll give that girl a piece of my mind when I get back!"

"Now I've lost my job, my dignity... Malcolm, I might as well be dead. I can't go on!"

"Lost a job? So what! From now on, I'll give you three grand a month. I'll take care of you!"

A glimmer of hope sparked in Cindy's eyes.

That's right. Who cared about a job when Malcolm was rolling in dough? Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

But Cindy kept sobbing, knowing the more pitiful she appeared, the more Malcolm would resent his daughter and ex-wife.

Surely, Malcolm would demand justice for her.

Back at home, Malcolm was fuming. "Lizzie has really crossed the line this time!" pointing an accusatory finger at Gina. "How on earth did you raise her?"

Gina frowned slightly. "What did Lizzie do now?"

"She made a scene at Cindy's workplace, got her fired! I've told you, I've cut ties with that woman. Why do you have to keep antagonizing her?"

"I believe Lizzie did nothing wrong," Gina said coolly.

If it weren't because of Malcolm, Gina would have taken action herself.

Malcolm was livid. "Did you put Lizzie up to this? I knew it! A kid like her couldn't be this cunning. Gina, you've disappointed me!"

Gina just stared at him. "Are you telling me you haven't thought about breaking it off with her?"

"There's nothing between us now! It's you two who've let me down!"

"Really? Then call her now. Let's settle this, all three of us, face to face."

"What are you planning to do?" Malcolm asked, wary.

"Nothing," Gina went on. "I just want her to realize that being the 'other woman' comes with a price."

"No way!" Malcolm balked.

Gina laughed lightly, "Malcolm, you don't really want to break it off with her, do you?"

"Gina, I'm sorry! I apologize! But please, don't take it out on Cindy. I beg you!"

"Do you want to break it off or not?"

"Yes! Right away!" Malcolm was quick to agree.

"So, why the hesitation? We're going to clash sooner or later. If you don't call her out today, this is far from over."

"Gina, please! I realize my mistake, please don't make this hard for Cindy!" Malcolm said, dropping to his knees and clutching at Gina's legs.

"For her, you kneel?" Gina's tears began to flow. "Is she really worth all this?"

Twenty years of marriage, and Malcolm had never so much as washed a dish for her. He claimed a true man shouldn't be seen doing women's work. Gina had thought it was the mark of a real man, a man of principles. Now, she wondered if she had ever really known him at all.