Ethan Sullivan paid no heed to the gossip swirling around him.
But he noticed Sophia Sullivan's reluctance to discuss the matter further.
He chose to respect her wishes.
"I'll head to the office first," he said calmly.
Sophia gave a slight nod.
"See you later."
After watching Ethan leave, Sophia deliberately waited twenty minutes.
Only then did she make her way to the laboratory.
The team had worked through the night.
Now, exhaustion was evident on everyone's faces.
A young woman pulled out a compact mirror and examined herself.
She sighed at the dark circles under her eyes.
Glancing at Sophia's flawless complexion, she couldn't help but murmur in awe.
"Ms. Sullivan worked even harder than us yesterday."
"How does her skin still look this perfect?"
"Life just isn't fair."
Sophia didn't notice the whispers.
She checked her wristwatch.
Once confirming everyone had arrived, she spoke.
"The bonus I promised yesterday will be issued today."
"The client was extremely satisfied with our project results."
"They've entrusted us with another major order."
"Each of you will receive an additional 20% of this month's salary as a bonus."
The lab erupted in cheers.
Excited voices overlapped.
"This bonus covers two months' rent!"
"All thanks to Ms. Sullivan!"
"Some people would've taken all the credit for themselves!"
Nothing spoke louder to employees than cold, hard cash.
Only Caleb Vance sat in the corner with a dark expression.
He knew this money wasn't for him.
The thinly veiled jabs stung even more.
But Caleb had thick skin.
He forced a smile and approached Sophia.
"You're truly remarkable, Ms. Sullivan."
"Will there be a bonus for me?"
"I may not have contributed much, but I did put in effort..."
Sophia's lips curved slightly.
But her gaze remained icy.
"You know exactly what happened yesterday."
"Your negligence nearly caused significant losses."
"According to company policy, your annual bonus is revoked."
"Your performance-based pay will also be reduced."
"This has been noted in your personnel file."
Others chimed in.
"Mr. Sullivan said one more mistake and you're fired."
"Better shape up, Caleb."
"Shamelessness won't earn you money."
Caleb watched the jubilant crowd.
Rage burned in his chest.
These spineless opportunists!
Charlotte Vance quietly handed Sophia a glass of water.
Her gratitude was genuine.
"Thank you, Ms. Sullivan."
"You're truly kind."
She came from a poor family and desperately needed the money.
This bonus was a lifeline.
Caleb's venomous stare fixed on Charlotte.
The lab's sudden shift in attitude infuriated him.
He'd made no progress on Ms. Evans' task.
Instead, he'd landed himself in trouble.
These easily bought traitors!
Wagging their tails for scraps!
"Just wait," Caleb sneered inwardly.
If he couldn't touch the new supervisor, he could certainly target her underlings.
That bitch would learn who really ruled this lab.