Gunny dropped her handbag onto her desk. After finally wrapping up her utterly tedious business with Kawin, it was already past five—quitting time. However, a nagging worry about her tasks compelled her to return and check if any deadlines were looming.

She was immediately greeted by Nuchara, who unceremoniously dumped a stack of documents inside a thick brown envelope onto her desk with a loud thump. The doll-faced woman looked up at her fiery senior, who had stormed over and now stood before her desk like a miniature tornado.

“This is your work, Gunny. boss said it’s urgent.” Nuchara stabbed a pointed finger at the pile.

Gunny tilted her head back to look at the other woman. “What work is it?”

“Depreciation and assets. boss emphasized that the moment you got back, it had to be finished.” Nuchara stressed the words, her face crumpled into a scowl.

Gunny sighed, deeply exasperated by the last-minute task dropped on her during her escape hour. “Can it wait until tomorrow? Is it a rush job?”

“boss said it must be done by tomorrow morning!” Nuchara reiterated with a stern expression, her eyes narrowed in unconcealed dislike for her junior.

“Tomorrow morning?” The doll-faced woman repeated.

Nuchara flashed a sly, condescending grin. “You have to understand, people who slack off must settle their debts when they return, rather than dumping the burden onto others.” The senior department member wasn't finished with her passive-aggressive jabs.

Gunny took another stabilizing breath before agreeing with a single, clipped word. "Understood."

Nuchara’s lips curved into a smug half-smile. She leaned closer, as if to whisper a profound secret. “It's a good thing you’re smart enough, Gunny” Nuchara delivered the barbed insult with relish. Gunny could only bury the sharp, hurtful words deep inside, enduring the pain in silence.

Nuchara’s mouth twitched upward, the satisfaction clear on her face. “I’m off now. Good luck.” The senior woman straightened, casting a triumphant, superior glance at Gunny before sashaying away, humming a cheerful tune.

Gunny clenched her jaw, furious at having to tolerate the endless disrespect. No matter how much it stung, she forcefully reminded herself to be patient. Money was essential for her life and family.

The Accountant reached for the stack of papers, her eyes glazing over them as she swallowed the tears threatening to fall. With a heavy heart, she jabbed her finger down to power on the computer on her desk.