Page 289 of Savage Bosses

“Of course, sir,” I reply, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside me.

He lingers momentarily as if he senses something is off, but then he turns and leaves without another word. I let out a shaky breath, realizing I almost let my guard down in front of him. I can’t afford to show weakness; he would only use it against me.

As I stare at the blinking cursor on my computer screen, I can’t help but wonder how much longer I can endure this torment. But there’s a fire burning inside me now, a determination to break free from his control and reclaim my control.

I pull back up the screen and continue to vent.

BBW69: writes, “You’re not alone. My boss is just as awful. It’s like they thrive on making our lives miserable. But we must remember our worth and not let them define us.”

TestyTesty: adds, “I feel you both. My boss is constantly undermining me too, and it’s so frustrating. But we’re strong and capable and find a way to rise above all this negativity.”

Reading their words, I feel a sense of camaraderie and strength. These strangers, who have never met me in person, understand me better than anyone in my real life ever could. We form a bond through shared pain and frustration, and it’s oddly empowering.

A spark of determination ignites inside me. Maybe, just maybe, I can turn this online support group into something more – a force for change that challenges the status quo and empowers people like us to take back control of our lives.

But for now, I have to focus on the present. Sterling’s demand for the reports still lingers, and I can’t afford to mess up. I take a deep breath, wiping away the tears that threatened to fall and start working on the reports.

I pour all my frustration and anger into my work with every keystroke. This is my chance to prove to Sterling that his treatment of me won’t break me. I may not have the power to change him, but I can damn well show him that I won’t be defeated.

As the day goes on, I find myself switching between my work tasks and the online forum, whereBBW69andTestyTestycontinue to offer their support and encouragement. It’s a strange balancing act, but it keeps me going, knowing that I have this virtual sanctuary to turn to when the weight of the world becomes too much.

By the end of the day, I’ve finished the reports and sent them off to Sterling’s desk. Part of me hopes that he’ll recognize my effort, but I know better than to expect praise from him.

I look at the computer screen as I pack my things to leave the office. The chat window is still open, filled with messages from my online friends. I smile, feeling a glimmer of hope.

CHAPTER 15

Sterling

I

hold the box with the tennis bracelet in my hand. I never intended to give Lux the bracelet. Instead, I wanted to illicit a reaction out of Ayana. Her fiery response doesn’t fail me. Each time I come at her, she comes back swinging and gaining more of my heart each step of the way. That woman will keep me on my toes in and out of the bedroom. I’m such an ass for playing these games. I must stop, or I will lose her. How could I be so stupid? Ayana is not like any other woman. I should’ve known the tricks wouldn’t work.

A knock sounded at the door. I slid the box with the tennis bracelet into my bottom desk drawer.

“Come in,” I call out.

I’m surprised to see the IT technician enter my office after I hear a knock and say, “Come in.”

“Sorry to bother you, sir.” Oscar shuffles on his feet, fiddling with the tablet in his hand. “But there’s an issue I need to bring to your attention.”

“No problem.” I gesture to the chair across the desk from mine. “Take a seat. What’s going on?”

“Well, it’s just, I was monitoring Ayana’s internet activity like you asked.” He sits, then reaches to set the tablet on my side of the desk. “I just wanted to report that she was on a website that isn’t on your company-approved list.”

“Was she shopping?”

“Not exactly. You’re not gonna like this.”

It’s valuable to have more material for my master plan, I pick up the tablet and see a website emblazoned with the titleBoss Be Damned.I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this gold mine. This is fantastic.

“Do you have her username?”

“She posted while on our servers, and I did a little reading.”

“And?”

“It’s—” He clears his throat. “Sorry—It’s just, well, I kind of used context clues.”

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