Chapter 2

The day after I left, my old company exploded into chaos.

According to a secret message from Jake, the sales department had turned into a complete mess.

The boss threw the printed client list directly in Linda's face.

"Evelyn used to guard these resources, now they're yours!"

He pointed at the long list and roared: "You go sign deals and prove sales is all about looks!"

Linda held the folder containing only contact information, brimming with confidence.

She changed into a low-cut, tight red dress. Her perfume was so strong you could smell it from two blocks away.

Her first target was a major client worth tens of millions---Vincent Hayes, CEO of Skyhigh Group.

Linda brought two fresh graduates with her and marched straight to Skyhigh Group.

She thought it was the same old routine from when she accompanied the boss to business dinners.

But I knew Vincent too well.

He was a true hands-on executive who most despised this type of "public relations" approach with sexual undertones.

Sure enough, less than half an hour later, Linda came out looking utterly defeated.

Vincent not only refused to see her but also made a complaint call directly to the company's front desk.

"Tell your boss if he sends this kind of person to harass me again, he can expect a lawyer's letter!"

The boss smashed a cup in his office.

He couldn't bring himself to scold Linda, so he turned and vented at everyone else in the sales department.

"You all failed to support Director Linda properly!"

"Bunch of useless people! Can't even land a single client!"

My former colleague Rachel was crying so hard on the phone she could barely breathe.

"Evelyn, we really can't take it anymore."

"The boss is forcing us to give gifts to clients, drink with them, and he's even hinting that the female employees should learn from Linda..."

I gripped my phone tighter, my voice turning cold.

"Hang in there for two more days. The real show's coming."

I hung up and looked at the dense data analysis on my computer screen.

At Golden Tech, I hadn't wasted a single second. I'd worked through the night to finish a proposal.

It completely rejected the old company's culture of using alcohol and seduction to win business.

Vincent agreed to my invitation.

We met at a quiet business tea room.

I didn't order alcohol. Instead, I ordered a pot of fine tea.

I took out the thick analysis report and pushed it in front of Vincent.

"Mr. Hayes, this is the proposal tailored for Skyhigh Group."

Vincent flipped through a few pages. His frown gradually relaxed.

"Ms. Foster, you still understand me best."

He closed the file and sighed. "The person that other company sent was an insult to my intelligence."

I smiled slightly and poured him a cup of tea.

"Professionals do professional work, Mr. Hayes. Let's just talk business."

The meeting went very pleasantly.

I not only secured Vincent's verbal commitment but also obtained a crucial piece of information.

The old company's supply chain had developed a major vulnerability.

Since I had also been responsible for coordinating the supply chain, I knew exactly where their weaknesses were.

At the weekend industry social, we ran into each other.

The boss brought Linda, both dressed to the nines.

Linda clung to the boss's arm. Her dress had a slit that went almost to the top of her thigh.

When she saw me, she deliberately raised her voice.

"Oh my, isn't this Evelyn, who got kicked out?"

Eyes immediately focused our way.

Linda twisted her waist as she walked over, looking me up and down in my business suit.

"Think you can sign deals now that you've joined the competition? Or did you sleep your way in again?"

The boss let out a piercing cold laugh nearby.

"Evelyn, that dump Golden Tech actually took you in?"

"I heard VP Chen picked you up personally? Guess you do have some talent in that department."

Their vulgar words echoed through the social event hall.

Quite a few people started pointing and whispering about me.

I held my juice and watched these two clowns.

In that moment, I felt no anger---only the calm detachment of someone watching a show.