?Chapter 178:

    Katelyn focused on her work and remained determined to carry out her duties without letting irrelevant issues distract her. She had always viewed herself as someone who worked best quietly and independently.

    The two women’s faces turned pale. They had been defiantly challenging Katelyn, but now, the thought of her reporting them to Vincent caused panic to set in. What would happen if she did? Could they even handle being fired?

    Whether Vincent was fond of Katelyn or not, he definitely despised employees who engaged in gossip and spread rumors in the workce. And they… they had just vited his policies.

    The women were trapped in their own thoughts. What options did they have left? The idea of apologizing seemed demeaning—after all, they were all equals. Why should they be the ones to apologize and humble themselves?

    Suddenly, a new voice filled with sarcasm rang out from the doorway.

    “Miss Bailey, quite impressive. You’ve only been here a short while and already you’re exerting your influence, intimidating the design department staff.”

    Katelyn and the two women turned to see who it was.

    The woman who approached had short hair and metallic essories, her style somewhat resembling Aimee’s. She carried herself with undeniable authority. The two employees looked at her as though she was their savior.

    “Celia!” they both eximed.

    Katelyn’s eyes narrowed slightly. So, this was the “Celia” they had been talking about.

    She remembered correctly—this was the ally of the previous design department head, who had consistently opposed her in meetings.

    “Even though you’ve been appointed the new head of the design department, your personal life is quite controversial. Aren’t others allowed to talk about it? If you’re worried about gossip, perhaps you shouldn’t give them something to talk about in the first ce,” Celia remarked, her voice filled with malice.

    Katelyn’s expression turned mocking. “Oh, you seem quite familiar with my personal matters.”

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    Celia was clearly more challenging to handle than the earlier two employees.

    She scoffed disdainfully, her expression full of scorn. “Your scandals are all over the Inte. Like I said, if you don’t want people talking, don’t give them something to talk about. You climbed thedder by sleeping your way up. It’s vile to use your role to silence others.”

    “Anyone withmon sense knows not to take everything online seriously. However, meeting someone this gullible in person, like yourself, was unexpected.” Katelyn had no intention of holding back her thoughts. She stared at Celia with disdain.

    “I heard you were next in line for the managerial role. So why didn’t you get promoted when the position opened up? Could it be that you’re not skilled enough, or maybe you’re not even as good as your predecessor?”

    This remark struck Celia deeply, disrupting herposed demeanor. She momentarily revealed her irritation. “You only got ahead because you charmed Mr. Adams. Had you not gotten involved with him, none of this would have happened.”

    Katelyn’s face remained calm, unaffected by the usation. She even reminded her, “What you’ve just used me of is nderous without proof. I could sue you for that. And as far as I know, Mr. Adams particrly dislikes rumors within thepany. Should I mention yourments to him?”

    A hint of fear flickered in the eyes of all three women. They knew Vincent well enough to understand his disdain for office politics.

    Indeed, Vincent couldn’t stand office gossip. He had even fired several employees in the past for spreading rumors, restoring peace in the workce. But ever since Katelyn’s arrival, rumors had started swirling again.

    Celia gritted her teeth, her voice filled with hatred. “Don’t think you can silence us by bringing up Mr. Adams. Right now, he’spletely under your spell. So of course, he’ll support you. But I’m confident your true colors will show eventually.”

    Katelyn’s patience was wearing thin, and her brows furrowed slightly. “That’s my concern, not yours. Right now, I want an apology!”

    “You—!”

    Celia was so furious that she was momentarily speechless, her fists clenching tightly, her eyes burning with anger and jealousy. If she had a face as attractive as Katelyn’s, would she have been the one promoted instead? But there was no way she would apologize.

    “What we said is the truth. Why should we apologize? Go on, report us to Mr. Adams! Let him fire the entire design department. Let’s see how you manage Adams Group on your own!” Celia’s confidence surged as she made this bold deration.

    The design department employed dozens of people. No matter how much Vincent favored Katelyn, he wouldn’t fire anyone just for her.

    The two employees standing behind Celia also regained their boldness, their expressions turning smug.

    “Yeah, let’s see if Mr. Adams really fires all of us!”

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