Richard picked up an envelope from his desk.
“He admitted that he falsely accused you years ago to cover up what his brother had done.”
I stood motionless.
“Then why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because afterward, I decided to review your employment record as well.”
He opened the folder again.
“For six months, you’ve stayed late, helped your colleagues, and never asked for special treatment. Even on the days when your mother was in the hospital.”
I was crying silently.
“But that still doesn’t explain the photograph…”
Richard turned to the next page of the document.
And only then did I see the whole truth.
“TERMINATION OF CURRENT EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT DUE TO PROMOTION.”
I read those words several times.
“I don’t understand…”
For the first time, Richard smiled broadly.
“Emily, your old access card was deactivated because you’re no longer an ordinary employee.”
He placed a new card on the desk.
