Cruel Employees Burned a Poor Janitor With Hot Coffee, Unaware She Was the CEO’s Daughter
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Riley. You can’t even clean properly. Look at you down on the floor like a rag.”
“Um, almost done. Ma’am Cara, give me your hand. Let me help you up.”
“Oops. Sorry. Totally forgot. I’m in a hurry.”
“One week. It’s only been one week. Should we help her?”
“Don’t. That’s HR’s business. You want Carol on your case?”
“Daddy said one day.”
“Riley, get up already. You look pitiful. You look like a rag. I’ll help you.”
“No need, sir. I can manage.”
“You’re so uptight. I’m offering help. Fine. Since you’re so proud, just make me a coffee.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I don’t like it bitter.”
“Okay. Not bitter.”
“Bunch of heartless people. HR, no less. And not an ounce of empathy. Why did dad insist on this plan? He could have just fired them. All of them. One signature. Done.”
“Sir Zach, here’s your coffee.”
“WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO GIVE ME? DIABETES?”
“I’M SORRY, SIR. You said you didn’t want it bitter, so I—”
“Oops. My bad. You’ve been here for days and you’re still this incompetent. Make me another one.”
“Don’t interfere. Sit down.”
“Oh, dear God. Riley, are you okay? Come on. Let’s get you to the clinic.”
“Riley, my coffee.”
“I’ll be fine, Miss Martha. Let me just finish this.”
“Here’s your coffee, sir.”
“How rude. Who trained her? HEY, I’M TALKING TO YOU.”
“RILEY, I’m fine. Come on. Inside. It’s empty right now. That was awful what Zach did. Let me help.”
“I’m okay, Miss Martha. I can take care of myself. Please.”
“All right, sit here. Why are they like this? They act like they can’t be fired.”
“That’s life, dear. They’re up there. Folks like us, we’re down here. We’re rags to them. And this kind of thing isn’t new.”
“You’ve been here a long time, haven’t you? Why haven’t you reported them?”
“To whom? They are HR. When we have problems, we’re supposed to go to them. You see the joke in that? And we can’t just march to the Department of Labor. It becomes a case. Long, complicated, lawyers, months. I can’t afford to lose my job.”
“Riley, don’t worry. They’ll get what they deserve.”
“You talk like someone who knows things.”
“Maybe I do.”
“Do they think trash cans are decoration?”
“I swear that man walked past three of them.”
“They see us, they think the floor cleans itself.”
“It’s Martha. I’m worn out, too. But you look worse than me. Are you okay?”
“I’m all right. Just a little dizzy.”
“Is that blood?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
“I don’t think I’m mistaken. How long have you had that cough?”
“A while. It’s a cold.”
“That’s not a cold. You need to see a doctor.”
“I’m fine. I can handle it.”
“Miss Martha, let me take you to the clinic. This could be serious.”
“I can still work.”
“This isn’t just fatigue. We need to act before it gets worse. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
“My god, Riley, what now? Why is your cart blocking the way? And why are you just sitting there? We don’t pay you to lounge.”
“Ma’am Cara, she’s not feeling well.”
“Don’t. Don’t say anything. I might lose my job. I’m fine, ma’am. I can manage.”
“Hey, what are you two whispering about? Are you crying, Miss Martha? What drama is this? Clean up the mess and finish the job before the supervisor sees you. You don’t want to get fired, right? Because if that happens, your work lands on my desk. You’ll just add to my workload.”
“Ma’am Cara, she’s coughing blood. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
“You know what happened to the last employee who ran crying to the Department of Labor? Guess what happened, ma’am? He got fired. And he didn’t get a dime. Not even severance. Be thankful you still have jobs. Now stop the melodrama and move. Report them to HR—and HR is the one doing this.”
“Dad, what kind of company are you running up there?”
“Miss Anderson. He’s—”
“Thanks, June. Dad.”
“Oh, Riley, my daughter. This took longer than I expected. I thought you’d last less than a day before coming up here to complain, but look at you. Almost a week now. How are you?”
“How am I not fine, Dad? How long do I have to keep doing this? Look at this. Look at my chest. I haven’t even been at this a week, and this already happened. Hot coffee thrown at me on purpose. I hardly eat. I hardly sleep. I hardly rest. I feel like I’m going to get sick.”
“It’s been treated. What’s the problem?”
“Seriously, Dad, after everything I just said?”
“Now you know how it feels.”
“How what feels?”
“How it feels to be a low-level employee, the ones you once called dead weight, useless. You used to look at people like Miss Martha and say they should be grateful they have jobs. Now you’ve been humiliated, burned by hot coffee, ordered around like a machine. How does it taste? I didn’t put you down there to watch or to judge. You asked me to let you learn about yourself. Part of that is seeing life behind the walls, how people suffer, how they survive.”
“But how will that help me understand me? What if this backfires? Someone figures out who I am?”
“I’ve kept you out of the spotlight for years. You barely attend company events. We even used your mother’s surname on the custodial application. HR doesn’t know who you are. Daughter, I’m not shaming you. I’m preparing you. One day, this company will be yours. And when that day comes, I don’t want a boss who only knows numbers. I want a leader who understands people. Not a boss. A leader. A leader listens. A leader puts people first.”
“Fine. This is mine. I haven’t had lunch.”
“Take two. You look terrible.”
“Thanks, Dad. Really warming my heart here.”
“Riley, one more thing. When you lead this company, you’ll choose the people who rise with you. Choose well.”
“I will.”
“Dad was right. I should use this chance. I should clean out my future company myself. This burn will be my trigger, a reminder. No pity for the ones I have to throw out like trash.”
“Riley, thank God you’re here. Where have you been? Clear our dishes. And I don’t want to smell anything funky on the table. Okay, make it quick. We’ve got a meeting soon.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Cara, ma’am, I’ve got it.”
“No, I mean, take a break, Riley. I know you’re tired. You work so hard, dear. You deserve it.”
“So that’s why a whole performance.”
“What was that?”
“Nothing. Ma’am, you handle your meeting. I’ll handle the mess.”
“Make it neat.”
“Neat. Sure.”
“I haven’t eaten. I’m starving. Can I help you, ma’am? For me.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Weird. She’s kind though.”
“That’s Miss Mercer.”
“Miss Martha, you scared me.”
“One of the longtimers here. She’s kind, isn’t she?”
“She is. How are you feeling? And you know her?”
“I’m all right. I took my medicine. And yes, I know her. Honestly, she should have been head of HR years ago. She’s been here much longer than Cara, but she’s still an HR associate and Cara got promoted first. Politics.”
“Maybe she wasn’t qualified. I mean, promotion isn’t always about tenure. Performance matters.”
“But if she’s been here that long and she’s like that with people, she deserves to move up even a little. She has the one thing an HR person needs most.”
“And what’s that?”
“Empathy.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll check her file. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Maybe if you had their schooling, you could be in HR. Honestly, I think you’d be better than all of them.”
“What are you chuckling about?”
“Nothing. But you never know. We might be able to change something.”
“There you are. What do you think you’re doing? Give me that.”
“Ma’am, I—”
“I said give it. You’re eating during work hours. Why aren’t you on your break?”
“I haven’t eaten yet, ma’am.”
“Cara, you haven’t eaten? We get an hour for lunch. What kind of excuse is that?”
“Wait, this is from the snack boxes, the ones for meetings and town halls. So that’s why stock goes missing in the pantry. You’ve been stealing.”
“Ma’am Cara, I don’t think she took it from the pantry. Someone must have—”
“Ma’am Mercer, good thing you’re here. This new janitor took a snack from the pantry without permission.”
“Ma’am, no. Someone gave it to me.”
“Oh, who? Name them.”
“I… I…”
“She can’t even name who gave it to her.”
“You see, Ma’am Mercer, those snacks are close to their expiration date. They’re being given away anyway.”
“Still, she’s eating during work hours. Give her a first written warning.”
“What?”
“Don’t tell me you’re going to eat that.”
“No, sir.”
“Thanks. Just noticed something. You’re actually pretty. About earlier, the coffee thing… sorry.”
“It’s fine, Miss Martha. Let’s go. We still have to clean the restrooms.”
“Gum. Seriously, who sticks used gum under a table? Are these preschoolers or office staff?”
“That’s what I’m saying. Some folks wear badges but act like they were raised by a storm.”
“Riley, clean my desk.”
“Now, sir?”
“Yes, please.”
“I can take it.”
“No thanks. I want Riley to do it.”
“Oops. Tight space.”
“Sir, enough. I notice what you’re doing.”
“Sensitive, aren’t we? You think I’m into you? Or are you just looking for a reason to complain?”
“I’m finished, sir.”
“Riley, my station, too.”
“Everyone, dinner on me. I’m in a great mood tonight.”
“Here, janitor girl.”
“Thanks, sweetie.”
“Riley, you okay?”
“It’s hard being poor, isn’t it? How do you bear this, Miss Martha? Every day. How?”
“I don’t have a choice. I have 10 kids to support. And my husband, he’s paralyzed. Complications from diabetes. They’re why I keep going. Riley, what would happen to them if I stopped?”
“Miss Martha, you’re the strongest person in this whole building.”
“Strong doesn’t pay rent, dear. Come on. Two pairs of hands make light work. Ouch. My back.”
“Thank you for helping me, Miss Martha.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I’m heading out before my back kills me. Go home safe, dear.”
“My apartment is an hour away. Trains, rides, no energy. This will do. One night. Or maybe not. I can do this a little more.”
“Dad arranged it with the night guards. Nobody will bother me.”
“10 kids, Miss Martha. 10. And I was tired after one day.”
“What are you doing here? Why are you sleeping here? You know you’re not allowed to sleep in the office. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. But you can’t keep doing this. If you need a place, I live alone. You can stay at my apartment.”
“No sir, thank you.”
“Easy. Just handing it over. How’s the burn healed?”
“Try touching me and it won’t be just a bruise you’ll get.”
“That camera, it’s dead. Relax. I just wanted to see if your burn is better.”
“Building maintenance checks those cameras every month. The last report said they all work. How do you know it’s broken?”
“There’s a lot you don’t know.”
“So why did he say it’s dead?”
“Do it again. Misplace my file again. I dare you.”
“It isn’t just me. They do it to everyone. Evidence in case you deny it, sir.”
“Good morning, Miss Martha.”
“Oh, you’re early. I thought you weren’t here yet.”
“To be honest, I didn’t go home. My place is far. I set my alarm and changed in the restroom.”
“Be careful, dear. You’re young. Don’t overwork yourself. You’re not supporting anyone, are you?”
“Let’s start, Miss Martha. Otherwise, the responsible professionals will beat us to making a mess.”
“All right, then.”
“Miss Martha, what’s that?”
“My paycheck. I’m trying to figure out how to stretch what’s left.”
“What’s wrong with it?”
“Nothing. Just thinking. They take out Social Security, Medicare, fine. But then late penalties even when we’re not late. Locker maintenance fees though the lockers are broken. Uniform fees even though we wash the uniforms ourselves.”
“Uniform fees and locker fees? Aren’t those supposed to be company provided?”
“Yes. And if you’re not in complete uniform, memo right away. But they issue only one uniform. No backups.”
“By the way, your uniform arrived yesterday. It’s in my locker.”
“I’ll change as soon as I finish this. Not many people are around yet.”
“Good morning. You’re out of uniform.”
“Ma’am, my uniform just arrived yesterday. It’s in Miss Martha’s locker. I was about to—”
“I don’t want explanations. Written warning. Second one. You know what two memos mean for your pay.”
“We were just talking about this earlier and you got sampled first. Go change before they tag you again. Two memos is another deduction.”
“Two? Seriously, it’s barely past 6:00. Our shift starts at 7:00. We shouldn’t even be cleaning yet. And we’re not even paid for this early hour.”
“And when they do pay, they deduct a ‘thank you for your whole day’ kind of pay. Except there’s no thank you.”
“Miss Martha, doesn’t the company have a cafeteria? Why don’t you eat there?”
“Gold prices? That cafeteria?”
“Isn’t food free there? I thought the company covered meals.”
“Free for office staff and managers. Not for us custodians. We bring our own.”
“You mean office folks eat free and you don’t?”
“That’s about the shape of it.”
“Do you have food? We can share. There’s no entree, but I’ve got soy sauce.”
“Oh, no. You need it more. I’ll just call my dad, uh, my relative, and get delivery. I haven’t eaten properly since yesterday.”
“Dad, can you get food delivered here? I’m starving. I already used the allowance you gave me.”
“Riley, I didn’t send you there just to investigate. It’s also to learn how to budget, to see how regular employees live.”
“Just this once, Dad, please. My stomach is eating itself.”
“We’ll see.”
“Dad. Dad, I have to go.”
“Dad, fancy word for a janitor.”
“Oh, come on, Cara.”
“Sorry, sir. Ma’am Cara, I’ve got things to do.”
“You don’t tell me you like this poor little janitor.”
“Speaking of doing, we’re using the conference room. Clean it. It’s filthy now.”
“It’s still my break. It’s only half over.”
“Did I say tomorrow? Now. Someone used it earlier. Move.”
“I’ll help.”
“Fine. Both of you, and make it shine.”
“Let’s split it. You take the table. I’ll take the floor. You start. I’ll be right there.”
“You’re sitting on the table. The one I’m supposed to clean.”
“Relax. I’ll help in a minute.”
“What was that?”
“Insurance. All done, sir. Sorry for the delay.”
“Photo saved. Envelopes getting thick, Dad.”
“The CEO, Mr. Anderson, is on his way down right now. Get ready, everyone. Get ready. And when you—”
“You janitor, hide. You can’t be seen.”
“I’ve got her.”
“You can’t be seen looking like this. They’ll say we overwork our custodian, but—”
“No buts.”
“Good afternoon, Mr. Anderson.”
“Good job. Nice and clean.”
“What brings you here, sir? We weren’t told you’d be visiting.”
“A surprise visit. I wanted to see what’s happening in my company. By the way, where’s the custodian with that cart?”
“Bathroom break, I think. Sorry.”
“Is that so?”
“Miss Reed, call the rest of your team. Let’s meet in your office.”
“Right away, sir.”
“Go move your cart. Don’t block the way.”
“Tell Dad to meet me at the stairwell ASAP. At last, food. Finally, you’re here.”
“What is it? Make it quick.”
“Dad, someone’s tampering with our security cameras. Zach knew the lounge camera was dead before anyone reported it, but I saw the light blinking. It’s alive, which means someone’s feeding him which ones to trust and which ones are fake. Also, the paycheck deductions, locker fees, uniform fees, fake late penalties… Have you seen the revenue shortfall report? Something’s happening here, Dad. Something I can’t fix from a mop. I need you to know.”
“We’ll discuss it more later. For now, I’ve issued a new memo rotating custodial staff across departments. You’ll see more flaws that way.”
“Copy that. I’ll keep sending updates through June.”
“Riley, the uniform suits you. I’m proud of you.”
“It’s late, ma’am. What are you doing here?”
“Wait. I don’t mean to pry, but I saw what Zach did this morning. I recorded it. If you want, I’ll testify. We can report him to the HR manager together.”
“It won’t matter. And if you don’t want trouble, stay quiet.”
“Why won’t it matter? What does Zach have on this place? Why did he know the cameras were down?”
“Good morning.”
“Morning. Listen up. New company memo. Starting today, custodial staff rotates across departments. You’ll each get a new floor assignment by noon.”
“Sir, I’m sorry. There was an emergency at home. That’s why I’m late.”
“Late and out of uniform. That’s two violations, Martha. You know what that means? More deductions.”
“Sir, my husband—”
“I don’t want stories. I want results. Get to work.”
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. Go to your assignment.”
“Smells great in here.”
“They’re unbelievable. Like children. Miss Martha, let me help.”
“Are you blind?”
“Sir, I’m sorry. It was an accident. I slipped.”
“An accident? An accident? Do you know how much this costs? Do you even know who I am?”
“Don’t, dear. You can’t win against him.”
“Who said I’m interfering? I’m cleaning so we can eat. Excuse me, sir.”
“Count yourself lucky. You’re new on this floor.”
“Curious how to mop? Sir, I can teach you a free lesson.”
“You flirted with him?”
“I distracted him. There’s a difference. That boy was about to get slapped in front of 50 people.”
“Janitor, clear our table.”
“Hi Riley. Me? Yes, you. How are you?”
“For you?”
“For me?”
“Where are you going? Isn’t this garbage? I was going to throw it out.”
“What? Of course not. It’s for you. Food. Share it with that older lady you’re always with. There’s no poison.”
“Ma’am Cara, you’re being nice. There’s a catch.”
“Knew it. No thanks. I’ll clean your desk with or without bribes.”
“I know your secret, Riley.”
“I knew it. You’re the CEO’s mistress, aren’t you? How did you do it? And is the janitor gig a cover because he’s about to promote you? Is that why there’s a new memo rotating custodians so you can pick where you want to be? Special request, right?”
“Don’t deny it. I saw you two use the stairwell yesterday, one after the other. I couldn’t get close. His assistant was watching. You were in there long enough. Don’t worry. My lips are sealed.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, ma’am.”
“Oh, come on. Help me out. I had to work for months to get the VP to promote me. Months. But you, you land the CEO himself. He gave me this. Yet, I’m only an HR generalist, not even supervisor.”
“You really shouldn’t tell me that.”
“I could spread it. And I’ll spread that you’re sleeping with the CEO. Guess which story the office gossip will believe. How long have you been here again? 2 months? Less. So, you’re going to ask Mr. Anderson to promote me?”
“It depends.”
“Depends on what?”
“On whether you help me with my task.”
“You were right about the mistress thing in a manner of speaking. Mr. Anderson gave me a special job. I’m here to uncover the secrets of every employee, top to bottom. Hidden affairs, under the table deals, all of it. But don’t worry, your secrets are safe with me.”
“If mine are safe with you, fine. But I need proof you won’t betray me. I want to record this.”
“Deal. I’ll prepare the documents you want: names, deals, plus evidence. But remember my promotion.”
“Sure thing. And thanks for the food. Easier than I thought.”
“Dad, you’re not going to believe what just fell into my lap. Oh, and be careful with Zach. I’ve noticed he gravitates toward you.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ll see once I deliver everything. That’s not idle gossip. That’s a warning.”
“Everything you asked for and more. Remember our deal.”
“Of course. I worked hard for that.”
“I know you did. You’ll hear from me soon.”
“Sir Zach, what is it?”
“What’s that?”
“Cara asked me to take it upstairs.”
“Sir, what are you doing?”
“Relax, Riley. I know you need me.”
“What are you talking about? I have to deliver this.”
“Let go of me or I’ll scream.”
“No one will hear you. No one opens this door. No one’s outside. Useless to scream. Playing coy? I know you’ve been trying to seduce me. The cafeteria. The looks.”
“Release my daughter now.”
“Dad.”
“Wait, what’s happening?”
“Mr. Anderson… daughter… I…”
“Call security now.”
“Security to the east stairwell, third floor immediately.”
“Sir, this is a misunderstanding. She’s a janitor. She was stealing documents. I caught her. I was just—”
“Save it for the police.”
“Police? You can’t.”
“Sir, Mr. Anderson, I’ve given this company 6 years.”
“And this company has given you 6 years of victims. Are you okay? Good thing I got your message that you were in the stairwell. Otherwise—”
“I know, Dad, and I think this package is about to change everything.”
“What is this about?”
“Nobody knows.”
“Did you see security take Zach?”
“Good afternoon. I’ll keep this short. For the past weeks, there’s been someone in this building you all know. She cleaned your desks. She carried your trash. Some of you handed her your garbage instead of walking two steps to the bin. Some of you burned her with coffee. Some of you threatened her. Some of you did worse. Riley, come up here.”
“This is Riley Anderson, my daughter and the future of this company.”
“She’s his. The janitor is his daughter.”
“Oh my god. I handed her my cup.”
“Over these weeks, my daughter gathered evidence, documents, recordings, testimony. Effective immediately, every employee with a substantiated offense is terminated. That includes several senior officials. Zach is already in police custody charged with harassment and I understand more victims have already come forward to the police this afternoon.”
“One more thing: Zach had a longtime friend in the security control room who covered for him. That’s why he wasn’t scared of cameras. That man has been terminated as well and is speaking with the police. Cleaning this company up won’t be easy, but with the help of longtime honest employees, Miss Mercer among them, the rot ends today.”
“TRAITOR! RILEY, YOU PROMISED TO GET ME PROMOTED! I HELPED YOU! I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING!”
“Don’t worry, you’ll get your severance full and untouched. I promised, Dad, everyone would.”
“Then why?”
“But did you think we wouldn’t discover your skimming? The payroll deductions, locker fees, uniform fees, fake late penalties. No wonder the small employees’ pay was riddled with holes. You were in on the scheme with people in accounting. It’s all in your own envelope, Cara. You documented it yourself.”
“Take her out.”
“YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS, RILEY! YOU’LL PAY! YOU’LL PAY!”
“I’ve already paid a month as a janitor. That’s the price the truth cost.”
“Riley, let’s go.”
“Yes. Just a moment, Dad. Sir, where’s Miss Martha?”
“She collapsed an hour ago. They rushed her to St. Vincent’s Hospital.”
“Dad, I need the car now.”
“Family of Martha Evans?”
“We’re her… we’re the ones handling her care. How is she?”
“Suspected lung infection. Possibly worse. We’re running more tests. Here’s what I can tell you now: she cannot keep working. Not as a cleaner. Not with this level of fatigue. If she pushes her body any further, her condition will deteriorate fast.”
“Whatever she needs, all expenses are covered. Send the bills to my office.”
“Miss Martha, don’t get up.”
“Riley, they said on the news in the waiting room… you’re the CEO’s…”
“His daughter. Yes. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you.”
“You ate my soy sauce rice. The CEO’s daughter ate my soy sauce rice.”
“And it was the best lunch I had all month. Now listen. The doctor says you stop working today. Dad and I will cover everything. The bills, the medicine, all of it. We need you to resign and rest.”
“I can’t. 10 kids, my husband. What would we live on?”
“Your severance will be full, plus a medical package. And—”
“No, I don’t take charity, sir. I work for everything my whole life.”
“Then let’s make a trade. You rest, you get treated, and in exchange, your son, the 25-year-old, he sends us his resume—not as a custodian, as office staff.”
“He didn’t finish college.”
“Then he’ll be trained. We have a program for that starting Monday if he wants it.”
“Deal.”
“Deal. Yeah.”
“All right, interns. This is your floor.”
“Back already. You said you’d rest longer.”
“I rested. Now I’m bored.”
“So, what brings you here today? Board meeting? Inspection? Should I warn anyone?”
“No, I’m applying.”
“HR associate? Entry level? You’re joking.”
“Regular HR associate. Full interviews, full probation, no special treatment. I want to start over, Miss Mercer. Not for the family name. To prove to myself and to everyone that I deserve my place in this company.”
“First interview is Thursday, 9:00 a.m. Don’t be late. And Miss Anderson, the interview panel will be tough. I made sure of it.”
“I’d be disappointed if they weren’t. How’s Miss Martha?”
“Home resting. Her lungs are healing. Her son starts in accounting next week. He says, ‘Thank you.'”
“Tell him to thank me by being better than the last accounting team.”
Disclaimer: This story is fictional and created for entertainment purposes only.
Any names, characters, places, or events are fictitious or used fictitiously.
No real person or organization is intended to be portrayed.
