Chapter 11 Rethinking

• The culprit behind the tampered documents was glaringly obvious, though the underhanded tactics employed cast a shadow over the situation.
• Despite the surge of frustration and indignation bubbling within her, Athena made a conscious decision to remain composed. Instead of allowing anger to cloud her judgment, she chose to approach the situation with a level head.
• Contrary to what one might expect, Athena felt a sense of contentment wash over her.
• Assuming full responsibility for Ronnie's birthday celebration brought her a deep sense of satisfaction. The charming young boy had captured her heart with his irresistible innocence, igniting a desire within her to ensure that he experienced nothing short of perfection on his special day.
• With the materials now compromised, Athena found herself faced with the task of reorganizing her approach.
• The meticulous plan she had crafted lay in ruins, prompting a need for thorough reevaluation and adjustment. Despite this setback, Athena remained undeterred in her determination to make Ronnie's birthday nothing short of exceptional.
• Polly, unaware of Athena's genuine contentment with the situation, reacted with visible annoyance upon seeing the torn-up plans. Her eyes twitched with irritation as she voiced her frustration.
• "I can't believe Ivy would stoop to such pettiness," Polly remarked with a scowl. "She lacks any redeeming qualities beyond her work abilities. It's becoming increasingly evident that her defining trait is causing unnecessary trouble for you."
• A chorus of agreement rippled through the room as other members chimed in, echoing Polly's sentiments.
• "Absolutely," one member affirmed. "Ivy's behavior has brought this upon herself."
• "And we all worked hard on those plans," another added, their tone tinged with frustration. "It's infuriating that they were destroyed so recklessly."
• The dissatisfaction among the group continued to grow as more voices joined in, each expressing their frustration and disappointment with Ivy's actions.
• As Athena pondered how to address the growing discontent among her colleagues, she took a moment to gather her thoughts. With a determined resolve, she spoke up, her voice steady and reassuring.
• "Please, do not worry," she began, her tone calm yet resolute. "While the data may be lost, we have the capability to reconstruct it. I've encountered similar situations in the past, and I'm confident that we can recover at least seventy percent of the information."
• She paused briefly before continuing, her expression earnest. "However, I propose that we not be bound by the constraints of the original plan. In truth, over the past few days, I've had discussions with... Mr. Sterling. Together, I believe we can introduce some adjustments that will not only enhance the original plan but also elevate Ronnie's birthday celebration to new heights."
• Athena glanced around the room, meeting each colleague's gaze with sincerity. "So, I ask you all: do you have the confidence to collaborate with me on this endeavor?"
• "Well, it's clear as day, isn't it?" Polly remarked with a playful grin. "Even if we're lacking in confidence, it's our duty to collaborate with you. After all, you're the team leader now, and it's our job to assist you."
• Her tone carried a hint of humor, underscoring her genuine eagerness to lend a hand.
• Amidst the laughter, the others joined in, adding their own lighthearted comments.
• "Thea, our bonus next month is in your hands," one remarked with a grin.
• "I've had my eye on a bag for some time now and could use your help to make it mine," another chimed in, with a playful glint in their eye.
• "And I'm planning to propose with a ring, so my future happiness is entirely dependent on you," yet another added, eliciting chuckles from the group.
• As Athena listened to the banter and felt the camaraderie among her colleagues, she couldn't help but feel a sense of ease and motivation wash over her. With their support and encouragement, she felt ready to tackle the challenge ahead and make Ronnie's birthday celebration truly exceptional.
• ...
• In the confines of the Planning Department manager's office, Ivy's demeanor was anything but calm. Aileen, her assistant, watched with trepidation, wary of exacerbating her boss's already foul mood.
• Ivy's expression was a tempest of rage; her features contorted with fury as she swept the files from her desk, sending them cascading to the floor in a chaotic flurry.
• "That Athena, that conniving individual! How dare she... to usurp my project!" Ivy seethed, her voice dripping with venom as she voiced her indignation.
• Indeed, Ivy had poured considerable time and effort into the project from its inception. The prospect of its success held the promise of the prestigious Outstanding Employee Award, a recognition she had set her sights on. Such an accolade would not only affirm her contributions but also pave the way for long-awaited opportunities like overseas training, propelling her career on a trajectory of success.
• Yet, at this critical point, Athena's sudden interference felt like a betrayal. How could she not feel incensed by this apparent sabotage?
• The sense of fury simmered within Ivy as she grappled with the unexpected turn of events, her ambitions thwarted by what she perceived as Athena's deceitful actions.
• As Aileen maintained her silence, she reflected inwardly, attributing their current predicament to Ivy's penchant for unrestrained speech. If only Ivy had exercised more caution with her words, perhaps they wouldn't find themselves in this tumultuous situation.
• However, Ivy, already on edge, perceived Aileen's silence as a further irritant. "Are you suddenly struck mute?" she snapped, her frustration bubbling over. "You're usually brimming with innovative ideas, but now, when it truly matters, you have nothing to say."
• Enduring Ivy's relentless scolding, Aileen struggled to contain her growing indignation, though she knew better than to display it openly. Gritting her teeth, she spoke up in a measured tone.
• "Mrs. Young, please consider the intern's lack of experience," Aileen began, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "She's only been with us for two months, and the magnitude of Mr. Sterling's birthday banquet cannot be overstated. Any misstep could have significant repercussions."
• "Moreover, even if she has a good performance, we still hold the power to influence the outcome," Aileen continued, her tone firm but composed. "A minor alteration could spell disaster for her. Is it truly worth the risk to stir up needless trouble?"
• Ivy's features hardened as she contemplated Aileen's words. After a brief pause, the weight of their truth sank in, and she reluctantly acknowledged the validity of the argument.
• The elders of the Sterling family all loved the young boy dearly, and any misstep at his birthday banquet would be met with severe consequences. Ivy grasped the gravity of this situation, recognizing that even the smallest error from Athena could have disastrous repercussions.
• As this realization dawned upon Ivy, a wicked grin spread across her face, dispelling her earlier dark mood. "You're absolutely right," she agreed with a sinister edge to her voice. "There's no need for me to intervene. I'll simply sit back and watch Athena's downfall unfold before me."
• The two women shared a malevolent chuckle, reveling in the prospect of Athena's potential downfall, unaware of the diligent efforts Athena was putting into her work just beyond the confines of their office.
• As evening descended and her colleagues began to prepare to leave, Athena remained steadfast, immersed in the task of organizing documents.
• Approaching her with a friendly invitation, Polly suggested, "Thea, there's a movie screening later that we're all going to. Would you like to join us?"
• Athena offered a warm smile in response but declined, "Another day, perhaps. I have some documents to finalize."
• Polly couldn't help but chuckle lightly. "You're certainly dedicated on your first day."
• Athena nodded, her focus unwavering. "I simply want to ensure these documents are in order. It won't be long," she reassured her colleague, determined to complete her task with efficiency.
• After she waved goodbye to Polly, Athena resumed her work, the quiet of the office enveloping her as her colleagues departed one by one.
• As night descended and the office grew deserted, Athena suddenly realized she had forgotten something important. Her phone interrupted the silence, displaying an unfamiliar number.
• Answering the call, she was greeted by Ronnie's familiar voice on the other end. "Why aren't you home yet, Thea?" he inquired, his tone filled with concern.
• Athena's heart sank as she remembered her promise to Ronnie. She apologized profusely for forgetting and quickly made preparations to leave the office.
• However, before she could depart, her phone buzzed again, this time with a call from Thaddeus. He proceeded to inform her to just stand by at the company. Perplexed by his request, Athena pondered if he wanted to meet her in person.