CHAPTER 179: TEACH A NICE LESSON

Flora stepped into the elevator and leaned back against the cold, metallic wall, releasing a quiet sigh. With a weary hand, she pressed the button for the tenth floor and watched the doors slide shut.

"They really think I’m just their errand girl," she muttered under her breath, eyes drifting to the stack of files clutched tightly in her arms. "I made wrong decisions... and now, I keep paying for it, no matter where I go."

The elevator halted at the third floor with a soft ding, and a small group of employees entered. Flora stepped aside, allowing them space, then straightened her posture and fixed her gaze on the ascending floor numbers, silently willing the ride to end quickly.

But soon, the low murmurs and stifled giggles of the women behind her pierced the silence. Their whispers weren’t subtle.

"I can’t believe she has the nerve to show her face here..."

"She should’ve resigned already."

Flora’s grip on the files tightened. Her jaw clenched, but she didn’t turn around. She stood still, doing her best to hold her composure but the remarks kept getting harsher.

"She slept with her sister’s mate. She-wolves like her are a disgrace to the pack," one of the women named Rhea, whispered cruelly. "I don’t know why Alpha Zander hasn’t kicked her out yet."

Flora’s patience snapped.

She spun around to face them with a blazing gaze. "You talk like you’ve never made a mistake in your life. If you’ve got something to say, say it to my face, not behind my back!"

One woman smirked, arms folded. "Flora, you don’t get to raise your voice when you’re the one in the wrong."

Then Rhea stepped forward with a sharp glare. "You’ve got the audacity to walk back into this office after betraying your own sister? You’re nothing but a shameless bitch."

The elevator dinged. Just as the doors slid open, Rhea made her move.

In one swift motion, she tilted her cup, spilling scalding coffee onto Flora’s blouse and chest.

"Ahhh!" Flora cried out, stumbling back in shock and pain, the files in her hands scattering to the floor.

By the time she tried to push Rhea away, Rhea had already stepped back with a smug look. The others laughed under their breath, walking out one by one, leaving Flora in the elevator, wet, burned, and humiliated.

Flora’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she crouched down, hurriedly gathering the scattered files with trembling hands.

Her fingers stung from the heat of the coffee, but she pressed on, refusing to break down.

By the time the elevator reached the tenth floor. She stepped out, ignoring the curious glances from those passing by, and made her way to the senior manager’s desk.

Without a word, she placed the files down and walked away.

The moment she entered the restroom, she locked the door behind her and rushed to the sink. Pulling out a wad of tissue, she soaked it with water and began dabbing at the coffee-stained shirt.

"They think they can break me with petty cruelty," she muttered through clenched teeth. "They think I’ll shatter because of this..."

Her reflection stared back at her, filled with pain. Tears welled up, threatening to spill, but she blinked them back fiercely.

"No," she whispered. "I won’t give them that satisfaction." She threw the wet tissues into the bin and stayed there for a moment longer before going back to her seat.

As the evening approached, Flora finally felt a small sense of peace settle over her. No one had approached her with venomous words or stinging glares since the elevator incident.

She shut down her computer, gathered her things, and made her way to the parking lot. Slipping into her car, she inserted the key, only to find the vehicle wouldn’t budge. The engine whined, but the car refused to move.

A sinking feeling settled in her stomach.

Frowning, she stepped out and walked around to inspect the vehicle. Her heart sank further when she saw the cause, every single tire had been deflated.

She stared at them in disbelief before letting out a sharp, humorless laugh. "Seriously?"

Running a hand through her hair in exasperation, she muttered, "What are they? Kids? This is their grand plan, to mess with my car like some high school revenge stunt?"

Flora looked up at the darkening sky, clenching her jaw.

"I’m not leaving the pack."

Her voice trembled because deep down, she wanted to leave. It would be impossible for her survive in the Red River Pack. But what would happen to her parents?

Leaning heavily against the car, Flora lowered her head, clutching her office bag tightly. After a moment, she flipped her hair back with a weary sigh and stepped away.

Pulling out her phone, she began to book a cab home, eager to escape the toxic atmosphere.

"Hey, Flora!" a voice called out.

She glanced up to see Harlin, a male colleague, approaching. Nearby, a group of coworkers lingered, including Rhea, whose cold gaze sent a chill down Flora’s spine.

"I’ll pass, thanks," Flora said firmly.

"Why? It’s the team dinner," Harlin replied, trying to sound casual.

"I’m not interested," she answered without hesitation.

Aven, standing close by, smirked and nudged Harlin’s shoulder. "You’ve changed ever since your affair with Alex came out. He’s no longer around. Are you still mourning for him?" he sneered. "Or are you avoiding us because of the taunts you may receive?"

"You guessed right, Aven," Flora said sharply. "I’m not interested in being bullied and humiliated by any of you. Are you happy now?"

Aven’s eyes darkened. "Look at this bitch!" he growled, stepping forward like a predator. Before Flora could back away, he shoved her hard.

"Ahh!" Flora cried out, stumbling and falling onto the cold tiled floor. A crowd quickly closed in around her.

"Hey, stop!" Harlin told Aven.

"Everyone shall stay out of this!" Aven muttered, his wolf already showing up as his eyes gleamed. "I should teach a nice lesson to her!" He declared.