Lisa was still trying to focus on her work, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Canary.The memory of his cold eyes and distant attitude lingered painfully in her mind.
She lowered her head and continued arranging the design files when suddenly the office door opened. Everyone immediately looked up.
Lucy had entered.
The atmosphere instantly changed. All the designers quickly got to their feet.
They respected Lucy greatly, not only because she was one of the owners of Andersons Group, but also because she was Canary's mother.
"Good morning, Madam Lucy," they greeted respectfully.
Even Lisa stood up and bowed her head. Lucy smiled lightly as she looked around the office.
"Good morning, everyone."
Her eyes moved from one designer to another as she observed their workstations. She seemed pleased by what she saw.
Jenny quickly stepped forward.
"Madam Lucy, I'm the team leader of the designers' group. How may we help you?"
Lucy nodded approvingly.
"That's good to know."
Her gaze swept across the room once more before stopping on Lisa.
"I came to check on how work is progressing."
Then she added calmly,
"And I would like to have a word with Lisa."
Jenny immediately smiled.
"Oh, that is so kind of you, Madam."
She turned toward Lisa.
"Lisa, please go ahead. Madam Lucy wants to speak with you."
Lisa's heart tightened.
She wondered what Lucy could possibly want to discuss with her.
Still, she remained respectful.
"Yes, Madam."
Lucy turned and walked out of the office. Lisa quietly followed behind her.
The two women walked through the corridor in silence. Lucy led the way while Lisa remained a few steps behind.
Employees they passed greeted Lucy respectfully, and she acknowledged them with slight nods.
Eventually, they reached the company cafeteria. At that hour, it was relatively quiet.
Lucy chose a table near the corner and sat down.
Lisa sat opposite her.
For a moment, neither woman spoke.
Then Lisa looked at Lucy.
Lucy folded her hands on the table.
"You are probably wondering why I called for you."
Lisa maintained her respectful posture.
"I'm here to listen to whatever you want to say, Madam."
Lucy stared at her for a few seconds.
Then she spoke.
"Canary made a very good decision when he broke up with you."
The words struck Lisa unexpectedly. She swallowed hard. Her fingers tightened slightly beneath the table.
Yet she remained silent. Lucy continued.
Without wasting another second, she opened her handbag. She pulled out a thick white envelope.
The envelope landed gently on the table between them. Lisa looked down at it.
Then back at Lucy.
"What is this, Madam?"
Lucy pushed the envelope slightly toward her.
"This is for you."
Lisa frowned.
"I don't understand."
"There is enough money in there to help you."
Lisa stared at the envelope.
Then Lucy delivered the statement that completely caught her off guard.
"I want you to resign."
For the first time, Lisa's composure cracked.
"What?"
Her eyes widened in disbelief. Lucy remained calm.
"Yes."
She leaned back in her chair.
"At first, I thought you staying here would be fine."
Her expression hardened slightly.
"But now I think it would be better for Canary if you left."
Lisa continued staring at her.
Lucy sighed.
"Yesterday he came home extremely drunk."
Her voice carried concern.
"I don't want to see my son in that condition again because of you."
A short laugh escaped Lisa. Not because she found it funny. But because she found the accusation unbelievable.
Lucy frowned.
"Why are you laughing?"
Lisa looked directly at her.
"Because you're putting the blame for his drinking on me."
Lucy shook her head.
"Maybe not entirely."
She paused.
"But I believe seeing you every day is making things harder for him."
Her eyes moved toward the envelope.
"So take the money."
She pushed it forward again.
"Resign."
Her tone became gentler.
"It will help you for several months while you look for another job."
Then she added,
"If you're careful, it could even support you for a year."
Lisa looked down at the envelope once more.
Then another chuckle escaped her lips. This time there was sadness hidden behind it. After everything she had endured…
After all the effort she had invested in her work…
After all the love she had given Canary…
She was now being offered money to disappear from his life.
The realization stung more than she cared to admit.
Yet despite the pain in her chest, Lisa slowly lifted her eyes and looked directly at Lucy.
There was hurt in her gaze.
But there was also pride.
And Lucy suddenly had the feeling that convincing Lisa to leave would not be as easy as she had expected.