There were also comforting messages from Sarah, Tyler, and others.

Ariana let out a sigh. She was able to quickly get a grip because she knew Theodore was alive and he had plans in motion. However, Sarah and Sonia were in the dark, and she intended to keep it that way. She didn't want to make matters worse.

With guilt tugging at her, Ariana had a sleepless night. She was fraught with worry for Theodore.

To distract herself from her thoughts, she woke up early the next day to attend an online prenatal class. While engaged with that, she received a call from Marge.

“Ariana, are you feeling any better today?" Marge sounded uncertain on the line.

"I'm doing okay.”

She sensed that Marge had something on her mind, so she prodded, “What's up?"

“Oh, nothing much," Marge sighed.

“I was upset about what happened yesterday. I've submitted my resignation, but I still have to pass on my duties. I'll be Leaving in about a month."

After a moment of silence, Marge added, “Also, Sarah, her team, and Tyler are thinking about cutting ties with the company. They're currently hashing it out in the conference room.”

The conference room was saturated with a tangible strain; various individuals found themselves at odds with each other. One faction consisted of Jasper, joined by the HR chief, while the other consisted of Sarah, her squad, and Tyler

A collective frown of displeasure spread across every face present, a mirror to the discordant talk of contract termination. Jasper, freshly minted as CEO, was experiencing firsthand the bitter taste of rebellion.

His authority was challenged, creating a ripple of negativity throughout the corporate sphere. This first wave of defiance led by Sarah and her team had spurred on the undercurrent of anticipation within the company, where others awaited his downfall with bated breath.

Unable to suppress his frustration, Jasper aggressively slapped the papers he held onto the table. A conceited sneer marked his face as he stared down at Sarah and her comrades.

"You'd do well to reconsider," he warned, brimming with self-importance, “Your significance outside the Anderson Group is questionable. Remember who helped you be where you are now."

Sarah held her stance, unwilling to give in.

"Your contribution or Lack thereof in our rise is irrelevant," she countered, her gaze not wavering from Jasper's.

"What matters is that we've decided to sever ties with the firm today.”

As Sarah's audacity escalated, so did Jasper's wrath.

“Fine,” he seethed, his words echoing with malice, "You ungrateful wretch! If you are determined to leave, be prepared to be slapped with a lawsuit for breaking the contract