Chapter 4

The next day, 9 AM.

The meeting room at ‘Brandon Architecture’ was thick with tension.

Under Chloe’s identity, I stood in the corner, head bowed, holding a cup of coffee, like I was invisible.

Brandon sat at the head of the table, looking smug and triumphant.

Cassandra sat beside him, dressed in a custom-tailored suit, her makeup flawless, clearly embodying the role of a hostess.

In her hand was a document—my ‘Skyway Haven’ design proposal. But the designer’s name on the cover now boldly read: Cassandra.

That was quick.

In just one night, she’d fully usurped my spot.

The executives in the room were all seasoned professionals. Seeing the situation, no one dared to speak first.

Brandon cleared his throat.

“Everyone, Designer Sera is temporarily unable to participate in the project due to health reasons. But the project schedule cannot wait. Therefore, I specifically invited Designer Cassandra to be our special consultant and lead the upcoming work.”

He paused, then picked up the proposal from the table.

“This final proposal for ‘Skyway Haven’ actually has its core concept rooted in Designer Cassandra’s early creative vision. One could say, she is the soul of this project. It is only fitting that she takes over.”

I almost threw up on the spot.

I’d seen shameless people before, but never this shameless.

To describe theft so eloquently, Brandon, you’re truly a piece of work.

The executives exchanged glances. Finally, the company’s technical director, Mr. Hayes, who had worked with me for years, couldn’t help but speak up.

“Mr. Brandon, isn’t this against protocol? Designer Sera’s proposal…”

“Mr. Hayes.” Brandon’s eyes instantly turned cold. “Are you questioning my decision?”

Mr. Hayes’ face paled. He dared not say another word.

Brandon seemed pleased with this ‘setting an example’ approach. He turned to Cassandra, his tone softening again.

“Cassandra, why don’t you share your ideas with everyone?”

Cassandra stood up, a perfect business smile gracing her lips.

She turned on the projector and began to speak fluently.

Every word she uttered was something I had painstakingly articulated to Brandon, night after night.

From design inspiration to structural mechanics, to the application of environmentally friendly materials.

She recited it all flawlessly, as if it were her own.

Shameless.

Absolutely freaking shameless.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms.

Calm down, Seraphina, calm down.

You are Chloe right now. You cannot act impulsively.

I took a deep breath, my gaze sweeping across everyone present.

Those executives who once smiled at me, calling me the “company’s anchor,” now had their heads bowed, pretending to take notes diligently. Not a single person stood up to say a word on my behalf.

Fine.

This was all just fine.

I saw their true colors clearly now.

Fair-weather friends, quick to curry favor.

A company built on plagiarism and lies, does it really deserve to go public?

In their dreams.

Halfway through the meeting, Cassandra started discussing the project’s core technology—my exclusively developed ‘Suspended Seismic-Resistant Structure.’

This was core confidential information I hadn't yet patented, only discussed with Brandon.

“…So, this suspended structure will be the biggest highlight of our project, and our ultimate trump card to surpass all competitors.”

Cassandra spoke with passionate fervor, as if she were the inventor of the technology herself.

Brandon nodded in satisfaction.

Just then, I moved.

Holding the coffee, I pretended to slip, my body “accidentally” bumping into the projector’s power cord.

*Click.*

The screen instantly went black.

The entire conference room plunged into darkness and chaos.

“What happened?!”

“Ouch! Who did that?!”

Under the cover of darkness, I quickly, with lightning speed, plugged the USB drive I had been clutching into the main conference computer’s USB port.

Inside was the “gift” I had prepared overnight.

A tiny virus program.

It wouldn’t destroy the computer. It would only, at a specific time, send a specific file to specific people.

Having done all that, I immediately pulled out the USB drive, scurried back to my corner, and feigned panic.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!” I shrieked in Chloe’s voice.

The lights were quickly turned back on.

Everyone glared at me, the “culprit.”

Brandon’s face was as black as a thundercloud.

“Chloe! What are you doing?! You can’t even handle such a small task!”

I lowered my head, my shoulders shaking, looking like I was about to cry.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Brandon, I… my legs just went weak…”

Cassandra walked over, feigning concern and helping me up. In a voice only we two could hear, she whispered:

“An assistant should act like an assistant. Things that aren’t yours to touch, you’d best leave them alone.”

Her eyes were full of warning and disdain.

I sneered inwardly.

Things not mine to touch?

Cassandra, you’ll soon find out whose things you’re touching right now.

The meeting ended abruptly due to this small incident.

Brandon called me into his office and gave me a furious dressing-down, finally punishing me by “deducting my entire bonus for the month.”

I meekly accepted it.

Walking out of the office, I glanced back at the closed door.

Brandon, Cassandra.

Enjoy your stolen victory.

Because the countdown has already begun.

For the next few days, I lived a double life.

By day, I was the timid, clumsy little assistant, Chloe, in the CEO’s office.

Serving coffee, making copies, being ordered around, and constantly enduring Cassandra’s sarcasm and deliberate provocations.