I’m quite straightforward; I say what I think, but I’m not fake or selfish, and I treat everyone with sincerity. Whether ordering food from outside or occasionally making sweets myself, I always share with everyone. Everyone in the office liked me, except for one person: my boss, the team leader. She openly hated me from my very first days at the company.

I kept it a secret from everyone that I was the daughter of the person in charge of the kitchen. At work, I also hoped my mother wouldn’t receive scrutinizing glances. However, the truth couldn’t be hidden for too long. A few colleagues came to my house to visit, and they were very surprised to learn the truth. Nevertheless, I asked them to please keep it a secret, especially from my boss. If she knew, she would surely taunt me even more. But I don’t know who tattled on me to her. She criticized and admonished me all day long.

Not only that, but she also brought my mother into it and spoke very harshly. The absolute peak was when Ms. Chopra threw soup from her lunch directly onto me. This was because she complained that the food in the canteen wasn’t good. Meanwhile, other colleagues were all praising it. Besides, in addition to my mother, many others seasoned and prepared the food, so how could it not suit her taste? It was clear my boss held a personal grudge. After she threw the soup at me, I stood up, my eyes starting to well up with tears. I spoke directly…

… “Ms. Chopra, I don’t understand what problem you have with me and my mother. I work here based on my own abilities, not relying on anyone. What’s wrong with my mother working in the kitchen? Her sweat and tears are poured into serving everyone. It’s your right not to like the food here, but you don’t have the right to throw food at others or insult people like that, especially my mother!” After saying that, I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore, and they streamed down my face. The entire dining room fell silent, to the point where you could hear a pin drop. My colleagues looked at me with a mix of sympathy and worry. Ms. Chopra stood frozen, perhaps not expecting me to react so strongly in front of everyone.

I didn’t want to argue any further. I turned and quickly walked out of the dining room, heading straight to my office. The anger and hurt made me tremble. I sat at my desk, trying to take deep breaths to calm down. A moment later, I decided I couldn’t quietly endure this bullying anymore. I opened my computer and drafted an email directly to the CEO. In the email, I clearly described the incident where Ms. Chopra threw soup at me, along with her groundless criticisms and discriminatory attitude towards me and my mother. I emphasized that this behavior not only insulted me personally but also negatively affected the working environment for the entire team. At the end of the email, I requested that the Board of Directors review the situation and take appropriate action.

After sending the email, I felt a sense of relief. I knew this action might carry certain risks, but I believed I hadn’t done anything wrong. I needed to stand up and protect myself and my mother. A few days later, the HR department invited both Ms. Chopra and me for a meeting. After listening to our presentations and reviewing the evidence (the unreasonable criticism messages Ms. Chopra had sent me), the company made its final decision.

Ms. Chopra received a severe reprimand for her unprofessional conduct and behavior inconsistent with the company’s ethical standards. She was also temporarily stripped of her team leader privileges and had to attend training courses on personnel management and communication. Upon hearing this announcement, I felt an indescribable satisfaction. Although I didn’t wish Ms. Chopra to suffer such a harsh punishment, I believed this was a well-deserved lesson for her wrongdoing. The way my colleagues looked at me also changed; it was no longer just sympathy but also admiration for my strength and willingness to stand up for what was right.

As for Ms. Chopra, after the incident, her attitude towards me changed completely. She no longer criticized or made things difficult for me. In fact, sometimes I even caught her uneasy gaze when we accidentally met in the canteen. Perhaps she had realized her mistake and felt belated regret. This story taught me a valuable lesson: silence is not always golden. Sometimes, we need to stand up strongly to protect ourselves and our loved ones. And sometimes, truth and integrity will triumph over all envy and malice.