Goodbye Alpha, I'm Done - Chapter 29: Chapter 29

I swallowed hard, my nerves on edge as I noticed the apprehensive, even hostile, expressions on the faces of my new colleagues. It was as if they had collectively decided that I didn't belong here, that my presence was an unwelcome intrusion.
Ryker, seemingly oblivious to the tension, strode forward with an air of confidence, leading me towards a lady that was about my age with long flawless strawberry blonde hair. She was wearing a very expensive grey suit and her skirt seemed too short for her long straight legs. She looked beautiful and sophisticated but her makeup was a little over the top.
She had a severe expression on her face and her nose turned up slightly which showed she already didn’t like me.
"Selena, this is Linda, the head of the marketing team. She'll be the one to show you around and get you acquainted with your new responsibilities."
Linda's gaze swept over me, her lips pressing into a thin line. "So, you're the new hire, huh?" Her tone was clipped and dismissive, and I knew I was in for a lot of drama here.
"Yes, that's right," I replied, doing my best to maintain an air of professionalism. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Linda. I'm excited to get started."
Linda scoffed, her eyes taking a skeptical glint. "Well, let's just hope you don't screw this up, hmm?" Without another word, she turned on her heel and gestured for me to follow.
I glanced back at Ryker, my brow furrowed in confusion, only to find the alpha CEO already engrossed in a conversation with one of his other employees.
I hurried after Linda, determined to at least make a impression, despite the apparent hostility.
As she led me through the busy office, I couldn't help but notice the curious, and unkind, stares from my new colleagues. I could hear them whispering and I caught snippets of conversation - words like "Alpha Kieran's ex" and "not welcome here" - that made me roll my eyes inwardly.
It was clear that the news of my connection to Kieran had already spread, and it seemed that the employees of this company had no intention of welcoming me with open arms. I felt like an outsider,
and the realization stung more than I cared to admit.
Finally, Linda came to a halt in front of a cluttered desk, her expression solemn. "Alright, listen up, newbie. I've got an important client presentation coming up, and I need you to put together the slides and handouts. Don't screw it up, or you can kiss this job bye."
I nodded, my fingers tightening around the folder she had thrust into my hands. "I understand, Linda. I'll get started right away."
She narrowed her eyes, a slight sneer tugging at the corners of her lips. "See that you do. And remember, I've got my eye on you."
With that, she turned and stalked away, leaving me to stare after her, wondering what the hell I had gotten myself into.
Pushing aside my doubts and insecurities, I settled into my desk and got to work, pouring my heart and soul into the task I was given. I was going to show them that despite the fact that I was new, I was definitely at my job. I carefully made the slides, ensuring that every detail was polished and professional. I spent hours researching the client's needs and making the presentation perfect.
As the day drew to a close, I proudly presented my work to Linda. "Here you go, Linda. I've put together everything you asked for, and I'm confident it will impress the client."
Her eyelids lowered slightly as she flipped through the pages, her brow drawn together in what appeared to be annoyance. "Hmph, we'll see about that," she muttered and walked away.
The next day when I arrived at the office, I could sense that something was clearly off.
Suddenly, Linda's voice cut through in a sharp and accusatory tone."Selena Winters, my office, now!"
My heart started beating fast and I hurried to follow her, my mind racing with a thousand possibilities. Had I somehow made a mistake? Had my work not been up to par?
As I entered her office, she started barking at me and I could barely grasp what she was saying to me.
"I… I'm not sure what you mean. I can hardly hear what you’re saying. Please calm down, you’re talking too fast." I told her.
She shot me a death glare, her lips curving into a sneer. "Don't play dumb with me, Winters. The client presentation was a disaster! We lost the account
because of your incompetence."
I blinked, stunned by the accusation. "What? That can't be! I put in hours to ensure that everything was perfect even though it was something easy I am already used to. There must have been some kind of mix-up, or—"
"Mix-up, my ass!" Linda interrupted, slamming her hand against the desk. "Everyone saw that you sabotaged the presentation. You're nothing but a liability, and I should have known better than to trust you with such an important task."
I shook my head firmly. "No, that's not true! I would never do something like that. Please, you have to believe me."
Linda leaned across the desk, her eyes boring into mine. "I don't care what you say, Winters. The fact is, you've cost this company a valuable client, and I won't stand for it. You're done here."
I was desperate to defend myself, but before I could utter a word, the office door burst open, and Ryker strode in, looking as cold as ice.
"What the hell is going on here?" the alpha demanded, his gaze sweeping over Linda and me with a menacing intensity.
Linda straightened, her spine stiffening. "Alpha Ryker, darling, I'm afraid there's been an incident. Selena Winters has cost us a major client, and I have no choice but to terminate her employment."
She just referred to him as darling or did I mishear? I shifted my focus back to crazy drama unfolding before me. Ryker was shooting me a hard gaze asking if what Linda just said was true.
I swallowed hard. "No, Alpha Ryker, it's not. There's been a mistake, I swear. I would never sabotage the presentation, I—"
“So you’re calling me a liar now huh?” Linda spat.
"Enough," Ryker barked and he turned to me with a grave expression. Then he asked me to follow him to his office immediately.