My Revenge Manifests Every Time They Slander My Name

The women in the office had a sick obsession with turning everything into a sexual rumor.

If I wore a dress, it was to seduce men. If my employee number was eight, they whispered I was a high-end escort, Technician Number Eight.

One colleague, a decent guy, once tried to defend me.

Tara Jenkins just scoffed. Its just a joke, hon. Does she still want that full-time offer or not?

That was her secret weaponholding our internships hostage.

It wasn't until the day I went to headquarters to drop off files and hitched a ride back with the Chairman that Tara finally found a rumor she could hang onto.

Hey, Andrea, she called out, pausing just long enough for the entire floor to look up. The man who drove you back today in that Maybach, he looked pretty old. Was that your dad?

Everyone knew I was an orphan. It was the one piece of personal information I couldn't hide.

Tara slapped her forehead, feigning a sudden, tragic recollection. Oh, darn it! He was being so affectionatearm around you, leaning inI just assumed he was your father. I completely forgot you dont have a dad. You're not mad, are you?

A few nervous, ugly snickers rippled through the cubicles.

I looked her dead in the eye, maintaining a professional smile.

Tara, do you genuinely believe he was my dad?

She covered her mouth with her hand, a practiced gesture of false apology.

Well, yeah! With all those wrinkles, anyone would think he was your dad. Im just kidding, though! Dont take it personally.

I wouldn't take it personally. Not anymore.

What she didn't know was that I had a system. A gift, or maybe a curse, designed to counteract the poison of public slander. I called it the Rumor Reality System.

If I was slandered exactly ninety-nine times, I could pick one, any one of those rumors, and make it irrevocably true.

Since she was so generous as to try and bless me with a billionaire father, I decided I would accept her gift.

...

I leaned forward, making my question as earnest as possible. Tara, you truly think the man in that car was my dad?

Tara covered her mouth again, her eyes shining with malicious amusement. Totally! An old guy like that standing next to you? Who else would he be? Though, she paused, leaning in conspiratorially, Maybe not a biological dad. A sugar dad, then!

She gave a high-pitched, fake laugh. Honestly, I'm just a joker. You have to get used to it. How else are you going to survive here once youre full-time?

There it was again. The threat of the full-time offer, the secret key she used to control all the interns.

The system chimed. Rumor Count: Ninety-Six.

I stayed silent, hoping my lack of reaction would make her lose interest. Please, just stop.

But as I bent over my keyboard, a phone was suddenly thrust inches from my face.

Tara held the phone toward me, a wide, predatory grin on her face. Hey, guys, look at this! Our little intern here is moving up in the world. She wont even deliver files unless its in a Maybach! Baller, right?

She turned the camera back toward herself and winked. You want to know how she lives like that? Does she rely on her mom or her dad?

She gave an overly suggestive, slow blink. Oh, right, shes an orphan. She doesnt rely on her parents. She relies on working hard all day, and working harder all night!

Her voice was thick with implication. I started to speak, ready to finally snap back.

Tara cut me off with a sickeningly sweet, fabricated smile. Andrea Hale, I mean you work so hard you take two jobs! How is that not sitting in a luxury car based on your own efforts?

A nearby colleague shifted uncomfortably. Wasn't that Maybach the Chairmans car? I think he just gave Andrea a ride because it was on the way.

Tara immediately scoffed, rolling her eyes as she returned to scrolling through her feed. My point exactly. Like you could ever afford to sit in a Maybach on your own.

I forced down the searing spike of rage and focused on my screen.

Just then, Tara burst into loud laughter. She looked up, her expression a mask of undisguised malice.

Andrea Hale, the chat thread says someone actually recognizes you!

I frowned, confused by the new angle.

Wait a minute, I think I do too Tara tapped her chin. I remember! Didn't you used to work at that spa? What was it called... The Sapphire Room!

She snapped her fingers, certainty settling on her face. Thats it! The Sapphire Room! I knew you looked familiar the first time I saw you.

The local colleagues immediately murmured in confusion. The Sapphire Room? Isn't that that high-end escort place?

Tara turned to me, gripping my hand with a false show of motherly concern. Andrea, you need to listen to me. You cant keep working at The Sapphire Room. This company fires people for having second jobs, especially that kind.

The looks aimed at me hardened. Pity curdled into disgust.

I took a deep breath, gently pulling my hand away. Tara, you're absolutely right. We did meet at The Sapphire Room. I recognized you the first time I saw you, too.

Tara froze, the smile sliding off her face. I

I tilted my head, letting a cold smile play on my lips. Your memory must be going, Tara. You thought I was a colleague of yours.

I leaned closer, pitching my voice just loud enough for the immediate area.

I was there with an executive meeting, and I actually booked you a couple of times when you were a technician. Did you forget?

A collective snicker, then a wave of choked-off, muffled laughter, broke out across the office.

Tara shrieked in protest. You're lying! What kind of bulls**t is that? Ive never been a technician!

I covered my mouth, mirroring her earlier gesture. Oh, Tara, Im just pulling your leg! You know, making a little joke to lighten the mood!

You wouldnt mind, would you?

Tara was speechless, her face crimson with fury.

Ryan Cross, my boyfriend, rushed over and pulled me away. Tara, shes being an idiot. Ill talk to her, I promise!

He dragged me to the side of the room. What did I tell you? Shes a gossip, she doesn't have a filter, but you cant let her get to you! Does it actually hurt you to let her talk?

I laughed, a sharp, bitter sound. She just publicly implied Im a prostitute! And I cant respond?!

Ryan ran a hand through his hair, frustration etched on his face. Do you know how many people are desperate to get into Summit Group? We need this full-time offer, and we have to kiss her butt to get it. Why are you picking this fight?

I kept my face cold, refusing to answer.

A flicker of impatience crossed his features, quickly replaced by something meaner. Why is it that everyone else can handle this, but you have to make a scene? You need to look at your position here. Youre not exactly irreplaceable

I heard the last part, even though he mumbled it. Youre not exactly irreplaceable. The phrase struck me with the force of a blow.

I was about to respond when the manager walked in, announcing the dates for the mandatory annual corporate physical exams.

As soon as the manager finished, Ryan tried to approach me again. I ignored him, gathering my things and heading straight home.

The next morning, I arrived at the clinic at the scheduled time.

After completing a series of routine checks, I carried my chart to the last required stop: the pelvic examination.

The doctor didnt look up. Andrea Hale, right? Pants off, lie down.

I hesitated. I was unmarried, and this was an invasive exam. But the doctor was impatient, so I complied.

She adjusted the speculum and began the examination.

Ah! A sharp gasp escaped me. Cold sweat immediately broke out as a jolt of pain stole my breath.

The doctor froze, the instrument still inside me. Every married woman gets this exam. Stop being so dramatic!

I stared at her, stunned, before managing to explain I was not married.

Unmarried? Why are you even here for this? Are you wasting my time? The doctor was genuinely angry now. She pointed at the file note on her computer screen. It says right here your company noted you have three prior marriages and are sexually active and high-risk. Youre flagged for a full workup!

I saw the highlighted, yellow-marked text on the monitor. My mind went instantly blank.

The noise of my outburst drew the attention of the people waiting in line behind me. Their judgmental stares felt like physical blows.

I stumbled out, my brain reeling, and didnt stop until I burst back into the office.

I slapped the notes sheet down on Taras desk. How dare you tamper with my medical exam form?

Tara stifled a giggle. Consider it a free premium wellness package upgrade! Are you happy with it?

I was shaking, my teeth grinding. This is a criminal offense!

Everyone turned to look.

Taras eyes immediately welled up with fake tears. Everyone, please judge! I was worried about her health, so I upgraded her exam, and I might have accidentally checked the wrong box! She doesn't appreciate it and is trying to blame me!

One colleague spoke up to mediate. Andrea, everyone makes mistakes. You didnt suffer any real damage, did you? Dont be so unforgiving.

Yeah, she was trying to help you. Thats a terrible way to talk to someone! another added.

Someone else shook their head. Ungrateful much? She gets extra benefits, and she gets mad? No good deed goes unpunished.

I was vibrating with fury. She changed my status from single to having three marriages and added a vaginal ultrasound to my required tests!

If this had gone through today, it would have been a double assaulton my reputation and my body! I yelled.

Who is going to be held accountable for that?!

The room grew quiet.

Well, thats that is a bit much.

Tara, honestly, a young woman like that, how is she supposed to get married now?

Hearing the general disapproval, Taras fake tears instantly dried up. She shouted, voice dripping with self-righteousness, I was just trying to protect all of us!

She has syphilis! Its contagious!

The office fell into a stunned silence.

When the colleagues registered what shed said, their shock turned to immediate terror.

Tara pointed at me, her voice ringing with false authority. Im in HR. I saw her file. The company cant reject a candidate just because they have a communicable disease. But a dirty disease like this could spread to all of us!

I only asked the doctor to check her thoroughly to ensure everyones safety! Is that wrong?

Blood rushed to my head. I stared at her, my voice a dangerous whisper. What did you just say?

Tara pulled up a screen shot on her phone, a supposed disease confirmation.

Some people pretend to be pure college students on the surface, but who knows what kind of depraved life they lead to catch something like this!

The colleagues erupted in an angry chorus.

What the hell! No wonder she was so angry about a simple check-up! She has something to hide!

Oh, God, I sit right next to her! Im taking the rest of the day off to go get checked!

...

The room was chaos. Tara looked at me, her eyes full of triumphant malice.

I felt a profound, chilling calmness settle over me.

Tara Jenkins, I am calling the police right now. Are you ready to take responsibility for every word you just said?

A flicker of panic crossed her face.

I pressed the call button, but the phone was suddenly snatched from my hand by Ryan, who had just walked in.

He threw my phone hard onto the floor and started yelling. How much longer are you going to keep this up? It was a few office jokes, and youre going to call the police? What a drama queen!

You clearly dont know how to navigate basic office politics. If I wasn't here to protect you, youd have been fired eight hundred times by now!

The suppressed emotion of weeks finally broke. Tears poured from my eyes. She just told the entire office I have syphilis! Am I supposed to just agree with her?!

Ryan was momentarily stunned. He dragged me out of the office.

His eyes looked genuinely hurt. Andrea, I know how hurt you are. Do you think I dont suffer when she says those things?

But we need that full-time offer! And my mom already hates your background. If we don't stay at Summit Group, shell never let us be together.

They announce the full-time transfer list tomorrow at the staff meeting. Im begging you. Youve put up with it for weeks. Cant you just hang on for one more day?

His desperate plea didn't soften me. It hardened me. In his eyes, my reputation, my dignity, and the profound trauma I'd just endured were utterly insignificant compared to his job promotion.

My last vestige of hope for him evaporated.

The system chimed. Rumor Count: Ninety-Seven. Two more.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to breathe and calm down. Given Tara's speed, Ryan's dream of a full-time offer was likely about to crash and burn.

Seeing my silence, Ryan mistook it for surrender. He was ecstatic, pulling me into a hug.

I knew you were the reasonable one! I promise, the second I get that offer, Ill go with you to sue her! I wont let her hurt you again!

The next day, during the employee assembly, the interns delivered their final reports.

Summit Group only granted a tiny fraction of full-time offers, and this year, only one person per team would be selected.

I was awarded Outstanding Intern for having the highest performance scores on the team.

The company had prepared gifts for every intern.

The first intern received a new laptop. Perfect! My old one just died! he shouted excitedly.

The next few received expensive designer scarves or limited-edition collectibles. Each gift was something the intern needed or specifically liked.

Ryan received a pricey bespoke suit. He enthusiastically thanked Tara, who presented the gifts.

When it was my turn to go on stage, everyone leaned forward, eager to see what Id receive.

A phone? A computer?

Andrea was the top performer, it has to be something expensive! Someone over there got a three-year car lease!

Under the gaze of hundreds of colleagues, I slowly lifted the lid of the box.

Inside, resting on a bed of satin, was a vibrating dildo.

The entire hall erupted in a shocked murmur.

I involuntarily recoiled, letting go of the box. The item clattered to the floor.

Andrea, dont drop your gift! Handle it carefully.

Tara picked it up using two fingers, her face a mask of undisguised malice.

We appreciate your contributions to the company during your internship, Andrea. But we cant exactly endorse the methods of contribution

Four settings, portable and waterproof, with current stimulation. I figured this is the kind of repair youd need most! Dont mention it!

Taras words caused an instant uproar.

Waitwhat is she implying? That Andrea slept her way to her performance numbers?

Didnt Tara say she had a dirty disease the other day? God, it all makes sense now

The whispers, the jeers, and Taras triumphant face. The system's promptthe ninety-eighth rumorwas irrelevant now. My blood boiled over.

What the hell are you talking about now?!

Tara just smirked at me.

A sudden, terrible premonition hit me.

A collective gasp swept through the audience.

I turned to follow their line of sight.

On the massive screen behind me, my presentation slides had been replaced. In their place was a slideshow of explicit, high-definition private photos.

One after another, images flashed of my face paired with the bodies of various different men. None of the bodies were mine.

My hands and feet went ice-cold. I was rooted to the spot.

As soon as I realized what was happening, I lunged to shut off the projector.

Tara snatched the microphone. Intern Andrea Hale has engaged in promiscuous private conduct and has used inappropriate methods to gain contracts. Due to the severe damage Andreas behavior has caused to the companys reputation

I roared, cutting her off. Those are not me!

Tara gave me a look of pure contempt. Im sorry, but we received an anonymous, sworn statement.

Your full-time offer is rescinded immediately and will be offered to the next candidate.

I finally understood. I spun around and looked at the second-place candidate, Ryan Cross.

It was you!

Ryans eyes darted away. He reached out to steady me. Just calm down

Calm down?! How can I calm down! The pain, the anger, and the weeks of suppressed rage exploded.

You knew how much she was hurting me with those rumors! Why did you do this?!

Tara stepped in, playing the role of Ryan's defender. Andrea, why are you attacking Ryan? What man would tolerate his girlfriend cheating on him? If anything, Ryan is the victim here!

The colleagues joined the pile-on.

Tsk tsk. She sells her body, and she expected Ryan to keep it a secret?

If I were her boyfriend, Id charge her for emotional damages. Ryan is a saint!

The high-level executives in the room looked furious, claiming I had disgraced the company and threatening to blacklist me from the entire industry.

The wave of insults made me dizzy.

A mechanical voice cut through the haze. Ding! Congratulations, Host! Tara Jenkins has spread ninety-nine rumors. You may now select one rumor to make irrevocably true. Activate?

I didnt hesitate. Confirm.

A company representative stepped forward, demanding my ID badge and telling me to leave immediately.

Ryan's expression flickered with a hint of shame, but he remained silent.

Taras eyes narrowed, a sharp glint of triumph in them. She leaned closer and whispered, I didnt force him, he came to me. For you interns, if I want you to stay, you stay. If I want you gone, you have to pack your bags and crawl out!

Then, she waved an arm and summoned the two security guards. Strip her and search her thoroughly! She isn't allowed to leave with even a single company pen!

I fought back, pain lancing through me. Tara Jenkins, you will regret this! I swear you will!

Tara laughed dismissively. You? An intern? You don't know whose turf you're on, shouting at me like that!

Who the hell do you think you are?

She signaled the guards to move. They surrounded me.

Stop!

The main doors burst open. An older man with a shock of white hair strode quickly toward the stage. It was Wallace King, the Chairman of Summit Group.

He scanned the scenethe tear-streaked intern, the security guards, the crude image on the screenand his face turned to thunder.

Ill tell you who she is!

She is my biological daughter, lost for twenty-three years, and the sole heiress to the Summit Group!