Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Larry knelt there, his shoulders drooping, making his already gaunt body look even thinner. He heard the door open and lifted his head, his eyes brightening slightly. He shuffled over to Stella and said in a hoarse voice," Ms. Hall, please punish me."

Stella clenched her hands, her expression somewhat grim. She didn't immediately help Larry up but said sternly, "Larry, stand up."

Larry didn't move, his shoulders trembling slightly, his voice hoarse, "Ms. Hall, I’ve caused you so much trouble, and yet you still protect me. I feel so ashamed. Please punish me; HI accept anything."

Stella closed her eyes briefly and raised her voice, "I said, stand up! Are you kneeling outside my office to make a spectacle of US?"

Larry's face turned paler. "I didn't mean to..."

"Then stand up!"

Stella had always spoken to Larry gently, considering his age, even defending him downstairs just moments ago. He had never seen her so angry.

Larry rubbed his fingers together, suddenly feeling uncertain.

Stella glanced around and said flatly, "Is everyone not busy?"

Her tone, commanding without being angry, was as intimidating as Darcie's. The crowd that had gathered to watch immediately dispersed and went back to their tasks.

Stella gave Larry a cold look. "Come in with me."

Larry took a deep breath and followed her, pressing his lips together.

Stella quietly walked behind her desk and sat down. Larry noticed her slightly protruding belly and was startled. He wanted to take another look, but Stella had already slid her chair closer to the desk, blocking his view.

She pointed to the chair opposite. "Sit."

Larry said nervously, "No need, I can stand."

Stella didn't insist, she merely said, "You can start with either security or cleaning duties at the company. I'll inform HR to assign you as a driver to whichever department needs one."

Larry was stunned, his face turning ashen. "Ms. Hall, are you letting me go...?”

Stella looked up. "Didn't you say you'd accept any punishment?"

Larry's lips trembled, unable to speak.

Stella said calmly, "Larry, do you know that before I left my office, I hadn't decided to reassign you? But when I saw you kneeling outside, I made up my mind immediately. Do you know why?"

Larry, pale-faced, whispered, "Because I embarrassed you."

Stella shook her head. "No, because you don't trust me and even tried to use this to pressure me."

Larry was about to deny it but was cut off by Stella's raised hand. "Wait until I'm finished."

Larry closed his mouth again.This is from NôvelDrama.Org.

Stella continued slowly, "You wanted to get a cochlear implant for your son, and you needed to take on extra work to earn money. You could have told me, and I would have done my best to help. But you didn't. You took on the work secretly without telling me, and that's the first issue."