Morgan Price from HR spotted me on my way out. He didn't try to stop me—just said he'd have to report it to the boss.
Minutes later, Blair's announcement appeared in the company group chat: not only would my pay be docked for leaving early, but my performance bonus would be cut too. Reason: poor work attitude.
My team wasn't having it. Messages started flooding in.
"First she gives Director Lambert a 'bonus' that's actually her own gift returned, and now she's docking her pay? Does she even see our director as human?"
"Seriously! Director Lambert is always first in, last out. Even when her family was sick, she didn't take time off—she'd go to the hospital after work."
"Ms. White, aren't you worried about how this looks to your long-term employees?"
I was about to tell them to delete their messages when Blair activated the group voice call.
Her voice came through sharp with fury. "Director? Seems like you people have forgotten who's actually in charge here!"
"Bella Lambert—you're a department head. Just a department head. Is this how you teach your subordinates to behave? Do you have any respect for me as your employer?"