The Wife Who Took Everything Back

Three years ago, Wendy brought Vivian into the company, championing her from intern to HR director. Now the layoff list has 23 names on it, and Wendy is first. Vivian says it came from upstairs, but her pinned contact shows a man in a dark blue plaid shirt — the one Wendy ironed for her husband, Henry, the night before.

Wendy says nothing and goes home. At dinner Henry laughs about work and asks about that shirt. In its pocket she finds a receipt for two coffees, one less-sweet latte, and under the detergent a trace of Bleu de Chanel — the scent she gave Vivian three years ago. At two in the morning his phone lights up: a message from Vivian calling him hubby, promising Wendy won't get a chance to turn things around.

At the office, a coworker reveals three versions of the layoff list, all edited under Vivian's account, and an altered evaluation report recommending Wendy's removal. Wendy finds the old system's back door still open — and one more file Vivian submitted: a plan to rearrange the seating of core employees.