Chapter 1

When Derek, the R&D Director, publicly ranted again about me trying to hook up with him and trick him into being a step-dad to my kid, I didn't vehemently deny it and defend my innocence like I used to.

Instead, I calmly returned to my desk and quietly rejected the procurement request he had just submitted.

"The petty cash is gone; the process can't be approved."

As expected, he stormed over, fuming.

"This month's petty cash just came in ten minutes ago! How could it be gone? Where's the money?!"

I ignored him, turning to take an admin assistant's purchase order and process its payment right in front of him. Only his request was rejected, again and again.

He was furious, immediately marching off to find Mr. Stone, the CEO, to complain.

"Just because I don't want to be her kid's dad, she's trying to sabotage me like this?"

"Our R&D project is worth hundreds of millions in market share! If we delay any longer, the whole thing will completely go south!"

"If every woman in this company acts like her, how are we supposed to get any work done? I'm putting it out there right now: either she goes, or I go!"

In the stalemate, I calmly pulled out the resignation letter I’d prepared long ago.

Derek instantly flashed a smug, triumphant grin.

But when I then handed Mr. Stone a stack of R&D project quotations, his face fell.