Rising Above Scandal

I never went on a business trip with the boss in my past life. Instead, it was Henry who accompanied the boss, claiming he needed to procure something.

Coincidentally, my ID card, which I kept on my desk, disappeared at the same time. I tried to explain that I had taken sick leave and gone home that day, but no one believed me.

An anonymous user spread edited indecent photos of me. I wanted to report it to the police, but the boss called me before I could.

"You've damaged the company's reputation with your private life. You have to go," he said sternly.

I argued that it was all baseless rumors and insisted someone was targeting me, but he dismissed my plea.

"Rumors don't just appear out of thin air. It doesn't matter if I believe in you. Everyone else doesn't. Just move on and find a new job."

Despite his attempts to make me leave quietly, I insisted on filing a police report. During the investigation, he prevented the police from gathering useful statements from my colleagues.

I did not file a formal leave request or have any witnesses to verify my whereabouts, and with the hotel records under my name, I had no way to prove my innocence.

My husband, who initially stood by me, believed the rumors after the police visited. He immediately filed for divorce, demanding that I leave with nothing.

He drove me out of the house.

As I wandered the streets, I recalled the neighbors' whispers in the morning. I was distracted and heartbroken and eventually got hit by a truck.

When I opened my eyes again, it was that morning, back to the moment I saw Henry signing for a parcel of plus-size women's clothing.

Something clicked in my mind.

As I saw Henry's nervous reaction as Lisa revealed the exact time and place, the truth dawned on me—it was him who did all that.

I was about to expose him when Henry quickly grabbed Lisa's arm to pull her away.

"Stop talking nonsense, Lisa! Don't you see how upset Ms. Jones is? Everyone knows she's the top performing salesperson because of her hard work!"

"Henry! Am I your wife, or is it Anna?" Lisa snapped, shaking off his hand.

She glared at me angrily and continued berating Henry.

"You've been working so hard for the past five years, and yet you've never been recognized as an outstanding employee. Meanwhile, she gets promotions and raises! I'll fight for you even if I lose my job!"

The surrounding colleagues murmured in agreement, their eyes filled with disdain.

"She's right! This isn't fair!"

"Exactly. Anna should be fired!"

"I don't want to work in the same company as someone like her!"

Lisa smirked, emboldened by the support and continued, "Anna, I suggest you pack up and leave before things get worse."

In my past life, those colleagues had smashed my computer and signed a petition that led to my dismissal.

I clenched my fists, suppressed my anger, and sneered, "Show me the proof, or you're just simply defaming me!"

Lisa's face twisted in frustration. "I—I was in a hurry and didn't record it, but I saw your ID and the hotel check-in records! You can't deny the fact! It is what it is. Get back to work, everyone. Stop wasting time on trash like her."

The whispers from the crowd grew louder, convinced of the gossip.

In front of everyone, I grabbed Lisa by her hair and yelled, "How did you see it if no one else did? Let's report it to the police right now! Otherwise, you're defaming me!"

"Let go of me, you crazy woman! I'm not going anywhere!" Lisa shrieked.

Suddenly, the pantry's door swung open.

"Who called the police?" a voice asked.