44 Chapter 44- Fresh Start and Now Collbatues
44 Chapter 44 – Fresh Start and New Colleagues
I looked up to find a young woman with vibrant red hair, sparkling green eyes, and adorable freckles scattered across her round face. She extended a steaming coffee mug toward me with a conspiratorial grin.
Chl guided me through the Human Resources process, then introduced me to my new supervisor. As I settled into this unexpected second chance, I made a mental note to find the perfect gift for Chl. Her unwavering support had been my lifeline through this nightmare.
“Perfect! Talk to them about it, and I’ll ask my brother to reserve a special table just for
us.”
“Oh please, that’s ridiculous! I’m hardly conventional beauty material. Men don’t typically notice me in that way,” she said, tossing her gorgeous long red hair over her shoulder with practiced nonchalance. “I’m Scarlett, by the way. Welcome to the team.” Hazel’s POV
We continued chatting until Chl joined our conversation, immediately expressing enthusiasm about the bar idea. After exchanging goodbyes, we headed home together. The day had been surprisingly positive, keeping my mind occupied and distracted from darker thoughts. But despite this professional success, my heart remained shattered. That night, after taking care of my son and completing my evening routine, I cried myself to sleep once again.
When the workday ended, Scarlett walked out with me, regaling me with stories about her lawyer mother who never had time for personal relationships, her father who had married what she described as a complete witch, and her older brother who had partnered with a friend to open a Latin dance bar with live music.
Relief flooded through me so intensely I nearly trembled. I accepted gratefully, thanking him for taking a chance on me when others might have hesitated. This opportunity was exactly what I needed to rebuild my life.
“Don’t worry about remembering everyone immediately, Hazel. You’ll get to know the whole crew gradually,” she said as she settled back into her workspace.
“Are you telling me I’ve found workplace paradise?” I teased, earning a hearty laugh
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from him.
“That does sound like fun! Let me discuss it with Chl. Her boyfriend arrives this weekend, so maybe we could plan something for next week?” I agreed, mostly to avoid disappointing her, though I had zero desire to go out and socialize..
“I can already tell you’re going to fit in perfectly. You have exactly the right attitude for our culture. Fair warning though, this department runs on caffeine. You’ll constantly have colleagues offering to bring you coffee or Inviting you to join them for a cup.” His eyes twinkled with amusement as he shared this insight.
“Hazel, we absolutely must plan a night out there soon! The place has incredible energy, and the men are absolutely gorgeous,” Scarlett said with obvious excitement. The day passed remarkably quickly. Despite the department’s busy pace, the atmosphere remained friendly and collaborative. I felt genuinely comfortable there, engaging in conversations with numerous people who all seemed determined to make me feel welcome. The work itself proved both engaging and manageable, exactly as Mr. West had promised.
“Hazel, I never doubted your integrity for a second. I’ve maintained a friendship with the Dalton family for decades, and they would never stake their reputation on someone they weren’t absolutely certain about. When Oscar Dalton tells me you’re one of the most principled people he’s ever known, I believe him without question.” Adrian West’s warm smile eased some of the tension in my chest. “I wish I could offer you something comparable to your previous role, but I do have an opening in our sales department. The compensation is competitive, and given your background, you’ll find the work manageable. If you’re interested, the position is yours.”
Chapter 44 – Fresh Start and New Colleagues
“Miss Hazel, our sales department operates with a relaxed but results–driven philosophy. Revenue generation is our primary focus, so we measure success through productivity rather than rigid protocols,” Mr. Morris explained as we toured the space. “We function as a cohesive unit, supporting each other to achieve optimal outcomes. That’s why we designed this open floor plan with individual cubicles that still encourage collaboration and assistance when needed.”
“Well hello there, gorgeous! You’ve already collected about fifteen admirers just on this floor alone.”
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“That sounds ideal, sir. Having a supportive team environment is crucial for success. I’m confident I’ll integrate well with this approach.”
I shook her offered hand warmly. Her desk was positioned right next to mine, and we chatted easily for several minutes. Scarlett possessed an infectious energy, constantly smiling and making clever observations t
had me laughing. She introduced me to working in nearby cubicles and several other colleagues.
Two men
The morning sun streamed through my apartment windows as we prepared to leave. early for the office. My stomach churned with nervous energy as I dressed carefully, knowing today would determine my future. When we arrived at the building, Mr. West summoned us to his office immediately.
I straightened my shoulders, meeting his gaze directly. “Mr. West, I can’t speak to Liam’s motivations, but I want you to know that I’m completely innocent of the accusations made against me.”
“Hazel, how are you holding up? I had a long conversation with Damian yesterday, and he’s genuinely concerned about you. He briefed me on the situation without going into specifics, but it sounds like Liam made some incredibly poor decisions.”
-The warmth of my new colleagues immediately struck me. Everyone seemed genuinely
pleased to welcome me, and I felt an unfamiliar sense of belonging settling over me. Once Mr. Morris returned to his office, I sat down and began organizing my work. Within minutes, someone interrupted my concentration.
The words came out steadier than I felt inside. Part of me expected him to politely withdraw any job offer, to distance himself from the scandal that had destroyed my previous position.
We spent additional time discussing expectations and procedures. He assigned my initial projects and provided a detailed list of tasks to complete by the following day. After introducing me to the team, he finally showed me to my workspace.
“That’s incredibly sweet of you to say, but I’m certain every single man on this floor is completely captivated by you. You’re absolutely stunning,” I replied honestly, accepting the coffee gratefully.
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