A Fake Heiress’s Guide to Love and Power novel Chapter 383

After that, Vera finally let go of any pride she’d felt about her prestigious university degree. She no longer hesitated to ask questions, and instead sought guidance with genuine humility.

She had come to understand the reality: in a tiny company with just three employees and five team members, she might have the highest degree, but she was also the least experienced one there.

Fortunately, Vera was quick to adjust her attitude. She didn’t let herself. feel ashamed or inferior. Instead, she threw herself into her work, determined to close the gap. Within a week, she’d practically memorized the company manual from cover to cover.

When those days of getting paid overtime just for learning finally ended, Vera found herself oddly reluctant to let them go.

Without even realizing it, three months had already flown by. She was now a full–time employee. The company covered her meals and housing, offered comprehensive health insurance and benefits, and her base salary was a thousand higher than the industry standard. Vera was satisfied on every count.

Each month, she cut her living expenses to the bone, saving every penny she could. With every deposit into her savings, her hope for the future

grew.

But life is unpredictable. You never know which will come first–tomorrow, or disaster.

Vera knocked on the door, only entering after hearing a response from inside. Alessia sat behind her desk, looking unusually serious. Vera pressed her lips together, feeling a twinge of nerves. Her hands unconsciously straightened, her posture turning respectful.

“Boss, you wanted to see me?”

Alessia frowned, tapping a folder on her desk.

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“How many times is this now? How many mistakes have there been just this week? One more, and you can go see Lillian for a resignation form.”

Vera’s eyes widened. “I–I’m sorry. There’s been some trouble at home lately. I promise, I’ll get myself back on track as soon as possible.”

She couldn’t lose this job. Not now. If she did, her mother’s medical bills, the cost of surgery…

Vera bit her lip, eyes stinging with tears.

“I’m sorry, I’m really sorry. I’ll fix it right away.” Bowing deeply, she kept her gaze fixed on her shoes, unable to meet Alessia’s eyes.

Alessia watched her in silence, drumming her fingers on the desk.

“The company can’t shoulder losses because of your personal problems. This is your last warning.”

“I understand. It won’t happen again.” Vera felt a small sense of relief, immediately stepping forward to collect the folder. She gripped it tightly, as if letting go would mean getting fired on the spot.

Once outside, Vera placed the folder on her own desk, then hurried to the bathroom. She splashed cold water on her face, her cheeks reddening from the force. Droplets trickled down as she braced herself against the counter and took a long, shaky breath, fighting back tears.

When she finally regained her composure and reached for a paper towel, a neatly folded tissue appeared in front of her.

“Thanks.”

“What’s going on with you lately? You’ve been out of it–I even caught you dozing off. You weren’t like this before you were made permanent. Don’t get complacent just because you passed probation. The boss may be young, but she’s sharp. She won’t be fooled.”

Vera shook her head, forcing a weak smile. “Just some things going on. I haven’t managed to sort myself out yet.”

Lillian glanced at her red eyes and the dark circles beneath them, sighing

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softly as she patted Vera’s shoulder. She didn’t press for more and quietly left the bathroom.

Lillian genuinely liked Vera. She didn’t talk much, but she was

detail–oriented. Lillian had trained plenty of people before–most needed to be told the same thing three or four times. Vera, though, just needed to hear it once. She even picked up on things herself, making Lillian’s job much easier. Vera was reliable and honest; Lillian didn’t want to lose her.

But everyone has parts of themselves they’d rather keep private. No one else can walk your path for you; at most, others can offer some advice. In the end, the way forward is yours to choose.

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