Chapter 4 Promotion

Caiden's stare at Jemma grew more intense, stirring unease in Kaelyn, who swiftly stepped between them. Her tone was calm and measured. "Jemma, haven't you always upheld our nation's laws as the epitome of fairness? Why question them now that your father is involved? As civil servants, we must prioritize duty over personal connections."

Jemma's icy gaze locked on Kaelyn, as she resisted the urge to slap her.

Kaelyn had repeatedly thwarted Jemma's attempts to meet with the President. Now that Jemma had finally secured her chance, Kaelyn seemed determined to derail her plea for justice.

Jemma brushed past her shoulder firmly. "I'm talking to the President. Please step aside."

Though her action lacked force, Kaelyn staggered slightly and let out an exaggerated gasp, clutching her shoulder as if she had been injured.

Jemma turned toward Caiden, hoping he wouldn't misunderstand her actions, and explained, "Mr. President, I didn't push her. She's pretending."

Kaelyn nodded quickly, her words laced with insincerity. "Of course, Jemma is just upset about her father's predicament. She's usually not this confrontational. Mr. President, please don't be hard on her."

Jemma's jaw clenched in frustration. Kaelyn's feigned support only amplified the narrative against her. Holding back her anger, Jemma forced herself to speak calmly. "Mr. President, my father has been framed. Someone orchestrated this to ruin him. A suspicious gift arrived one day, and the next, there was an anonymous tip-off, followed by immediate police action. The gift was found wrapped in discarded paper-something my stepmother mistook for trash and never opened. How could this justify a bribery charge? You are so wise and discerning. Surely, you won't allow an innocent man to bear such a baseless accusation."

Caiden's expression remained unmoved. "Like your father, do you also enjoy manipulating others?"

The comment stung. Jemma's father might like to preach, but he didn't manipulate others.

Her composure faltered. "That's not my intent, Mr. President. I only meant..."

Caiden raised a hand, cutting her off abruptly, his patience thinning. "The scandal about your father has already made headlines. As the Minister of Finance, your father's alleged misconduct has tarnished the nation's image. Do you realize the damage this has caused? Citizens have lost faith in their leaders."

His words hit Jemma like a hammer. The disapproval in his tone made it clear-he had already made up his mind about her father.

Caiden had no intention of lingering here and called Aidan over.

"I heard there's a leadership vacancy on one of your teams. Kaelyn has shown commendable performance. Promote her to team leader."

Kaelyn's face lit up in surprise. "Thank you, Mr. President. I'm honored."

Jemma was perplexed. Kaelyn had cut her off multiple times during the discussion and even staged a dramatic tumble. How could the President be so oblivious to such blatant manipulative tactics? And he even appointed her as team leader?

It was clear to anyone paying attention that Jemma had been the strongest candidate for the promotion.

Though she could overlook losing the role-after all, the President's decision trumped election protocols-she couldn't let the matter of her father slide without answers.

Caiden gave Kaelyn a curt nod. "Do your best."

With that, he walked away.

Jemma hurried after him. "Mr. President, about my father..."

Aidan intercepted her firmly, and her colleagues helped steady her. "Jemma, don't make a scene. Your father's downfall benefits Kaelyn's father. With him gone, her father could climb the ladder. How could she let you succeed in clearing your father's name? Besides, the President owes Kaelyn a favor. If you want justice, you'll have to find another path."

Jemma stared at her colleague, stunned. "What are you saying?"

"Jemma, you might not be aware, but the President is here today to acknowledge the person who assisted him yesterday. That person is Kaelyn. She's wearing a unique pearl earring, identical to the one the President has in his possession, and he instantly identified her as his helper. That's why she received a promotion."

Another colleague chimed in, a hint of uncertainty in her voice, "But that pearl earring... wasn't it the one you were wearing when you arrived this morning? Considering you and Kaelyn were friends, maybe you two bought matching ones?"