[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322F482CA-400":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},400,52,"Chapter 52: The Pocket Umbrella","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Miranda Green sat behind her desk, calmly flipping through a stack of documents.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Upon hearing the question, she looked up and glanced at the girl standing before her. \"Do you have a problem with it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jenna Lawson bit her lip and gave a small, hesitant nod.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Then why didn't you say something earlier?\" Miranda’s voice was cool, bordering on clinical. \"I believe I asked if anyone had any objections so we could address them right then and there, didn't I?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jenna kept her head down. \"I didn't want to make Arianna uncomfortable, and I didn't want to ruin our friendship.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Miranda paused, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face. \"Friendship? You and Arianna?\" Her tone turned sharp, laced with a cynical edge.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jenna couldn't quite pinpoint where that sarcasm was coming from, but she assumed a department head wouldn't waste time worrying about the office social dynamics. She nodded with a feigned, innocent sincerity. Miranda studied her for a long, silent moment before moving on.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"So, what you’re really asking is why Arianna was chosen for this business trip instead of you, right?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yes, Miranda. I just can't wrap my head around it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Because Arianna is a full-time employee.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The bluntness hit like a physical blow. Jenna’s expression froze, leaving her completely speechless.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Miranda stood up, sliding her hands into her pockets. \"Company policy strictly prohibits interns or those on probation from traveling for business. You are still on your probationary period.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh... but why didn't you pick another full-time employee? Why choose Arianna specifically?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Miranda offered a faint, thin smile. \"That was my decision to make. The rest of the team didn't have an issue with it, and I don't owe you an explanation for my management choices.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">In short: she wasn't on their level.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">A wave of humiliation rushed over Jenna, turning her face bright red. Her fingers, gripped tight at her sides, turned white as her nails dug deep into her palms. She bit her lower lip, unable to let it go. \"May I ask one more question?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Speak.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Why did you ask me to take over Arianna's work while she's away?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Miranda stepped around the desk. She was tall, her presence radiating an effortless, cold authority. She looked down at Jenna, hands still tucked in her pockets. \"Do you have a problem with that?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jenna certainly did.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna’s team had already reached the final stretch of their project; there was nothing left but tedious wrap-up work. The team had already enjoyed all the prestige and glory of the project's launch, and now that the \"fun\" was over, why should she be the one stuck cleaning up their mess?\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">But facing Miranda’s intimidating gaze, she swallowed her pride and murmured, \"Not... exactly. I just want to be sure.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"If you have something to say, say it now,\" Miranda snapped. \"Don't hem and haw and waste my time.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"If I can handle her responsibilities and get the job done properly,\" Jenna hesitated, \"will I still have to hand the position back to her when she gets back from her trip?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jenna’s eyes snapped up, bright with sudden, greedy excitement.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"If you prove you can handle it,\" Miranda said coolly, \"you’ll stay on the project team. I’ll make the necessary arrangements later.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Thank you, Miranda! I won't let you down!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jenna pushed open the door and practically bounced toward the main office area, her face unable to mask her smug triumph.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The hallway outside was empty, a soft breeze drifting through the corridor. Arianna had no interest in eavesdropping; the moment she had overheard the first few words, she had turned and quietly walked away.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">As for why she was chosen for the trip? That wasn't for her to worry about. If she wanted to climb the ladder, she had to stay grounded, focus on the present, and treat every task with care. One step at a time.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">***\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Over the next few days, Jenna’s attitude toward her was bizarre.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Every time they crossed paths, Jenna would greet her with an overly enthusiastic, saccharine smile. But Arianna wasn't naive. She could see the provocation and the gloating hidden deep in Jenna’s eyes—it was the look of someone watching a train wreck they hoped would happen.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">It was pure schadenfreude.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna remained indifferent. She treated Jenna just as she always had—either giving a polite, perfunctory response or ignoring her entirely, treating her like thin air. It all depended on her mood.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Jenna, however, didn't seem bothered by the cold shoulder. After being ignored, she would just pivot and smile just as brightly at Diana James.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Diana felt a shiver run down her spine. The two of them had been on a team together before, and their clashing working styles had led to constant friction. They were essentially enemies. Diana couldn't wrap her head around how Jenna could harbor such deep-seated resentment while wearing such a fake, sugary grin.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Whenever they saw Jenna, Diana would habitually loop her arm through Arianna’s and start pointing at random things. \"Wow, Arianna, look at that flower! Isn't it just stunning?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Look at the sky, so many clouds today.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hey, look over there—wow, why are there so many cars parked in that lot?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna: \"...Because it’s a parking lot.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I know, I know,\" Diana sighed. \"I just ran out of things to talk about. Seriously, what kind of good news did she get lately? She’s been beaming every time I see her.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I'm not sure. Probably something to do with work.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It has to be. I heard she’s moving onto your team and taking over all your responsibilities?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yeah. We've been doing the handovers these past few days.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Well, there’s your answer.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Just because of that?\" Arianna asked, genuinely puzzled. \"It’s only a four or five-day trip.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Diana scoffed. \"Trust me, she has no intention of 'giving it back' when you return. Just wait and see.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">***\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The night before the trip.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna was in her bedroom packing her suitcase, with Maxwell King standing nearby to help.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">There were only a few dresses, some t-shirts, and jeans in the suitcase. Maxwell took one look and leaned in. \"You should pack two jackets. It’s supposed to rain in Riverside tomorrow.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh? How do you know?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I checked the weather forecast.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Without another word, Maxwell pulled a compact, pocket-sized umbrella from his bag and tucked it into the corner of the suitcase. It wasn't too big, it wasn't too small; it fit perfectly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna, who had been busy folding a sweater, paused mid-motion. Her gaze lingered on the umbrella. \"Thank you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Hm.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maxwell was unusually responsive, taking her thanks in stride. He turned and headed toward the bathroom, but as he reached the door, he stopped as if remembering something.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna noticed him pause. \"Do you need to wash your hands? Go ahead, it's fine.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"That’s not it,\" Maxwell chuckled. \"I was thinking of helping you pack your toiletries, but I didn't know if that would be... overstepping.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It's fine. Go ahead.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Great,\" Maxwell said, his tone turning professional and focused. \"What do you need?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Face wash, body lotion, sunscreen... and the cosmetics from the bottom drawer. Bring me those two lipsticks on the vanity.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Got it,\" he replied.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna watched his back as he walked away, struggling to find the words to describe the complicated, burgeoning feeling in her chest.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272907420]