Chapter 3

It was almost noon, so I leisurely went to the mall downstairs for lunch, then came back and took a nap in my car.

Before, to meet project deadlines, I'd just grab a quick bite in the cafeteria and rush back to work, racing against the clock.

Now? Well, it wasn't my problem anymore.

Life without a client breathing down your neck really was different.

At precisely 2 PM, I walked into the office right on time.

My desk was still in the messy state Brittany had left it, piled high with stuff, the computer tower not even plugged in.

I glanced at it, grabbed some tissues, and headed to the restroom.

"Cassidy... Cassidy, send me the revised optimization design drawings for the hotel's executive floor. The client's project manager is hounding us." Brittany spotted me like a lifesaver, rushing over in her high heels.

"We can talk about whatever later, I need to use the restroom first." I brushed her off and headed straight to the bathroom.

I put my phone on do not disturb, played a couple of rounds of a game, then caught up on a show for a bit.

My legs were getting a little numb, so I stood up, planning to scroll through some TikToks.

Suddenly, I heard Brittany screaming like a banshee from the doorway, "Cassidy, did you fall into the toilet? I called you a dozen times and you didn't answer! The client is hounding us, didn't you hear?"

I waited for her to finish her tirade before slowly emerging.

"Oh, my phone accidentally got put on do not disturb. I've had a bit of an upset stomach today."

She often used the excuse of an upset stomach when she was slacking off. I was just learning from the best.

Brittany was frantic, too agitated to be angry. She dragged me directly to my desk.

"Stop messing around, just start drawing the plans!"

"I can't. My computer isn't even set up yet. How can I draw?"

"Go use my computer! Dustin, help her set up her computer!"

"No, I’m not used to other people’s computers."

"..."

Brittany was speechless. Realizing I was doing this on purpose, she completely lost her temper.

"If you don't want to draw, then don't! Dustin, you optimize this drawing! I refuse to believe this company can't function without her!"

Dustin mumbled, saying his previous proposals had been rejected multiple times.

Brittany asked around, and everyone confirmed that Marcus Lee, the project manager, was a professional, picky, and not easily fooled. No one but me could satisfy him.

Brittany had only been in our department for a short time and didn't really understand the situation.

"It's just a design optimization, it's much simpler than applying for art school abroad," Brittany said, pushing Dustin aside and sitting at the computer herself. "I'll do it myself."

"Yeah, with a 'returnee' talent like Team Leader Brittany personally on the case, the client is sure to be amazed," I said, pulling out my phone and opening a puzzle game.

Brittany scoffed, then opened the CAD software. Five minutes later, she asked Dustin, "Which button do I click to copy a graphic?"

I’d just taken a sip of tea and nearly choked.

She cleared her throat, clearly flustered. "We used Apple systems overseas. I'm just not used to this outdated system."

Fine, whatever makes you happy. Hopefully, you can convince the client to switch to the same computer system as you.

Brittany fumbled around for ages, clearly struggling. She eventually pulled Dustin over and sat beside him, verbally directing while Dustin operated the mouse.

The two of them struggled all afternoon and still couldn't get it right. Brittany had already called Marcus Lee several times, sweetly apologizing.

At 5:29 PM, I stood by the time clock. The moment it hit 5:30, I scanned my face and vanished from the office.

I hadn't even driven out of the parking lot when Mr. Sterling's call came in.