After a while, Stanley had completed his task, wondering when and where the meeting had taken place. He headed towards the office door as a muffled conversation echoed from behind the walls. As he was about to question what the others could be talking about, the door creaked open. Hilary walked out, excusing herself and going past Stanley.

Stanley noticed the others staring at him, now exposed to the public. The boss and the employees glared at Stanley as he took a seat across from Jordan. The atmosphere grew quiet and severe, making Stanley's hands clamp with sweat. Why didn’t anyone say anything?

“So, um, w-what did I miss?” Stanley asked, finally breaking the silence.

“That’s not important right now.” The boss said in a harsh tone. “So, is what Jordan said true?”

“About what exactly?”

“The intern approved of this place, but because you blackmailed her?”

Stanley’s heart dropped. “Wait; what? I didn’t do such a thing!” Stanley exclaimed, taken aback by the harsh words. “What did Jordan tell you?”

“It’s true; he’s lying to your faces,” Jordan recalled. “I also caught the two going to some love motel.” He took out some photos and dropped them onto the table. “Here’s the proof.”

Stanley extended his arms to grab some and skimmed them. His eyes widened, and his grip tightened upon seeing the photos.

“No, this can’t be me! These photos got to be fake!”

“Oh yeah? And where is your proof?” Jordan asked with his hands on his hips. “What did you do yesterday?”

“Uh... well...” Stanley stammered.

“See? Can’t even muster up an excuse or lie to back himself up.”

“I can’t believe this,” The boss shook his head, surprised. “How could you do this?”

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“I...” Stanley didn’t know what to say now.

In the meantime, all Jordan could do was brag under his breath. “You should’ve known better than to mess with me...”

The remark made Stanley’s blood boil with every word coming out of that man’s mouth, seeing the expressions and inflictions on Jordan’s face.

“You don’t deserve to be with Hilary at all!” He snapped.

“Oh my, first Melody, now Hilary? You want to be a two-timer now?” Jordan asked in a condescending tone.

“How could you do such a thing?” The boss questioned Stanley, appalled by the remark he heard.

“Let’s face it. That guy is just a weak-willed wimp, with no heart, brain, courage, or dignity.” Jordan glanced over to Stanley. “No offense.”

That was when Stanley finally had enough of his nonsense. “You want to know something?” He clenched his fists and ground his teeth, stomping over to Jordan and poking him in the chest. “You’re a complete jerk who has no soul, no offense! First, you stole my appearance, then my job, my apartment, and now you’re going to steal away my friend too? You’re stealing my life!”

Stanley grabbed him by the shirt collar and slammed him down onto the table, dragging him across and throwing him toward a wall. Jordan tried to get up, but Stanley marched over and sucker-punched him in the face, causing the man to topple onto the floor. Jordan rubbed his head and coughed up blood. He looked up at Stanley in horror and surprise. Everyone else glanced at Stanley as their eyes widened in shock.

Stanley wondered why until he noticed something across his face in the corners of his eyes. He touched and rubbed the substance, only to find blood dripping from his fingertips. Strange, but Stanley didn’t feel any pain or sorrow; it felt good. Stanley laughed out loud, trying to hold back the tears from pouring out of his eyes as they burned like mad.

The employees made worried glances; they backed away, wondering what was up with the guy. When Hilary entered the room, she swung the door open, marched over to Stanley, and slapped him hard.

The room grew silent and cold afterward. Hilary’s hand shook in the air; she glanced down at her trembling hands, as her face became somber upon realizing what she has just done. Hilary shook her head and stormed out while tearing up.

Jordan got up and followed her out, hoping to catch up to her and cheer her up. Stanley placed his hand on his cheek and widened his eyes upon realizing what he did. The other employees turned to glare at Stanley. The boss narrowed his eyes at him.

“Stanley, you have a lot to think about.” The boss told him, crossing his arms over his chest. “Turn in your uniform and don’t bother coming back.”