Chapter 248: The provocation
Anne was deep in her work, juggling tasks with ease—double-checking project deadlines, calling clients for contract renewals, compiling reports. Her focus was unwavering until a shadow loomed over her desk, followed by a sharp tap.
She looked up, her expression cooling the moment she saw Megan.
"Give this to Augustine." Megan dropped a file onto the desk with a thud, arms crossed over her chest, her tone dripping with smugness. "The quarterly report. We met the client’s demands on time and without extra pay. Funny, isn’t it?"
She quirked her lips into a sarcastic smile. "Someone once said it couldn’t be done without extra funding."
Anne knew exactly who Megan was referring to. It was a deliberate jab, meant to humiliate her. But Anne remained calm.
That calm only seemed to agitate Megan more. "There are always people willing to work for lower wages," she said, the bite in her words clear. "The new team leader brought in fresh talent, more committed, more efficient. No unnecessary demands, no complaints. And look, the results speak for themselves. The new team leader is more capable than the former one."
"Good to hear the demands were met on schedule," Anne said coolly. "I doubt the boss is concerned with how it was done as long as the outcome meets expectations. Hopefully, the team stays on track and sees the project through successfully."
Megan’s mouth tightened at the lack of reaction. But Anne had already picked up the file and was scanning it, her attention sliding off Megan like rain on glass.
"Hopefully the rest of the project goes just as smoothly," Anne added without looking up.
That quiet composure was more infuriating to Megan than any argument could have been. She forced a tight-lipped smile, though it barely masked her irritation.
This wasn’t the response she had been hoping for. She had expected to see jealousy in Anne, maybe a hint of embarrassment, something to validate her pride. But Anne looked completely unbothered, which was infuriating.