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Loose lips sink more than ships. When Laurence Mok swore at Tanya Sweeting and told her that ‎he was tired of looking at her ugly face, the last thing that he expected was a lawsuit, let alone having to pay hefty damages.

‎A plastic surgeon based in Peterborough, Ont., Dr. Mok ran a small but busy office in which Sweeting was the key nurse and office manager. She performed both jobs so well over a 22-year period that Mok viewed her as indispensable.

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‎But the dual demands took a toll on Sweeting. Secretarial assistance was not consistent and she began to feel overworked. Her husband called Dr. Mok’s wife, threatening to pull her out. Although Mrs. Mok pitched in at the office, Sweeting was still staying late and working through lunch.

Nonetheless, Sweeting was prepared to continue with Dr. Mok until he retired, a vague possibility he alluded to on occasion. She enjoyed the job and earned income greater that what was available elsewhere.