The media frenzy was spiralling out of control. Every major outlet had picked up the story. Headlines like,
"CINZ UNDER FIRE FOR WORKPLACE ABUSE" and "NEW CEO, OLD SECRETS."
Flashed across news tickers and social media. Blogs, influencers, and even disgruntled former employees were all throwing their opinions into the mix. It wasn't just a corporate scandal any more—it was turning into a full-blown national conversation.
Kamila barely slept the night before. Her phone didn't stop buzzing—emails from legal teams, messages from board members, and concerned calls from investors. She barely read through them. Her mind was in overdrive, trying to figure out how to salvage the brand she had worked so hard to attach her name to.
When she arrived at the office, Chris was already waiting outside the elevator.
"There's a team waiting for you in the conference room," he said quietly as he handed her a folder. "Worker's Rights Alliance. They came unannounced. They say they're suing."
Kamila's heels clicked aggressively on the polished floors as she made her way to the boardroom. When she pushed the doors open, the room was filled with unfamiliar faces—lawyers, activists, and investigators. They all turned to her with the same expression: judgment.
A woman with a dark blue suit stood first. "Ms. Vernz. I'm Dana Richards from the Worker's Rights Alliance. We're here to officially serve Cinz with a notice of intent to sue on behalf of Melinda Harper."
Kamila sat slowly, her expression unreadable.
"You're suing me?"
"We're suing Cinz," Dana clarified, though her tone wasn't softened. "And we're also launching a probe into the company's HR practices. We believe there may be more unreported cases like Melinda's."
Kamila inhaled, her hands folded neatly on the table. "I understand your concern, but I only just acquired Cinz. This issue is a legacy one. I had no idea this kind of culture existed here until it was too late."
Dana raised a brow. "Intentional or not, as the current owner and CEO, you are liable. And our responsibility is to the victims—not the business."
Kamila's jaw clenched. She looked around the room, reading each person's cold expression.
"So, let me get this straight," she said slowly. "You're going to ignore that I came into this company only recently, that I'm the one who personally tracked Melinda down, that I'm the one actually trying to fix this?"
A man in a tan blazer responded flatly, "You can say whatever you want, Ms. Vernz. But public accountability is non-negotiable. If you're as invested in change as you say, you'll welcome the lawsuit. The court will decide the rest."
Kamila's lips curled in frustration. "So that's how it is."
Dana didn't flinch. "That's exactly how it is."
After they left, Kamila remained seated at the table, her fingers drumming against the wood. Chris entered the room cautiously.
"What now?" he asked.
She looked up at him with fire in her eyes. "Now? We fight back."
Within the hour, Kamila called for an impromptu press conference. The media, already camped outside her building, swarmed the front lobby as security ushered them into the conference hall.
Chris stood by her side, holding her notes. Cameras were flashing. Reporters were yelling over each other.
She stepped up to the podium, tall and fierce in her tailored suit. The room fell silent.
"My name is Kamila Vernz. I am the new CEO of Cinz, a position I took with pride, and one that I still hold with conviction." Her voice was strong, calm, and unwavering.
"When I purchased Cinz, I had no knowledge of the toxic practices that were being buried within these walls. What has come to light in the past few days has disgusted me as much as it has disgusted the public. And to the victim, Melinda Harper—I want to say that I hear you. I believe you. And I will not stop until justice is served."
A few murmurs spread across the room. She raised her hand.
"However," she continued, her voice sharpening, "I want to make something crystal clear. This culture of abuse was not cultivated under my leadership. But it is now my responsibility to correct it."
She paused, letting the words sink in.
"To the Worker's Rights Alliance, and to everyone watching: I welcome the investigation. I welcome the scrutiny. Because if there is one thing I am not afraid of, it is the truth. If going to court is what it takes to clean this house, then so be it. I will show up, I will fight, and I will fix what was broken."
The room erupted into flashes and noise. Questions were hurled at her from every direction.
"Ms. Vernz, how do you intend to rebuild public trust?"
"Will there be internal layoffs?"
"Is this your first major scandal since your rebranding? How does this affect your image?"
She raised a hand again. "No more questions today. You'll hear from me again soon."
As security escorted the press out, Kamila turned to Chris.
"I want a complete audit of HR. I want names. I want backgrounds. I want every report, every complaint, even if it's just someone whispering in the hallway."
Chris nodded. "I'm on it."
Kamila walked back to her office and shut the door behind her. The moment she was alone, she let her shoulders drop. Her hands trembled as she reached for the edge of her desk to steady herself.
It was all happening so fast.
She picked up the photo of Callum on her desk—his bright smile shining in his little school uniform. Her eyes softened.
Outside, the world was watching. And Kamila knew—this was the moment that would define her legacy. Not the awards. Not the revenge. But how she handled the fire when it came for her.