“I’ve added you to the team and informed management that you’re part of our project now. This is the password and access.” He pointed at his screen. “Check your email. You should have received everything. You can start working on the pending tasks from now.”
“Great, thank you!” Celia beamed at him.
She turned around and walked away.
It was later in the afternoon when Sam came looking for her again.
Celia was sitting at her desk, surrounded by a few colleagues as they gossiped about the latest news and office affairs. She laughed lightly, leaning back in her chair, completely at ease.
Suddenly—
Heavy, aggressive footsteps approached from behind.
Before anyone could react—
BANG!
Sam slammed his hand down on her desk.
The loud sound echoed across the office.
Everyone jumped.
Celia flinched and quickly turned around in her chair, startled, only to see Sam standing behind her. His face was red with fury, his jaw tight.
“Sam? What’s wrong?” Celia asked, her eyes widening as she looked up at him. “Are you okay? What happened?”
“How dare you give my project access to ten more people?!” he shouted, his face red with rage.
His chest rose and fell rapidly.
“I told you we don’t have space! It’s a small project!” he continued angrily. “How dare you give access to ten more people when I only gave access to you, andspecifically told younot to share it with anyone else?”
The office had gone completely silent.
All eyes were on them.
Celia slowly rose to her feet, though she looked reluctant.
Her eyes moved around nervously.
The people who had gathered near her were the same ten employees she had added to the project. Just moments ago, they had been laughing and gossiping with her. Now they hovered close, as if ready to support her.
She turned back to Sam, arranging her expression into gentle concern.
“It’s all right, Sam. Everything is fine. Don’t be so overdramatic,” she said softly.
Her tone was soothing, almost patronizing.
“You know there are so many people in this company, and there aren’t enough good projects. I only shared it with some colleagues who were struggling.”
Sam stared at her in disbelief.
“For fuck’s sake, Celia!” Sam burst out, completely losing patience.
“I told you we don’t have space on this project. It’s a small one! We were already at the limit when I added you. Why would yougive access to ten more people after I clearly said you were the last person?”
His chest rose and fell rapidly, anger blazing in his eyes.
