Chapter 1

“Give that account to her? Why? Just because she’s your favored one?”

I pushed open Director Jenkins's office door.

Director Jenkins slammed her hand on the table. “Chloe Miller, watch your tone. I decide who gets what. Let’s keep things civil, for everyone’s sake. Otherwise, I have plenty of ways to make your life difficult.”

“But I’ve been working on this for half a year, and it’s almost signed,” I stared at her.

“Company resources, does it matter who handles it?” She leaned back, her posture relaxing slightly. “Think bigger picture. It’s all for the good of the company.”

I looked at her self-satisfied expression and nodded.

Then I suddenly smiled. “You’re right. I really should… think things through for the company.”

As I walked out of the office, the smile vanished from my face.

Back at my desk, a gasp came from beside me.

“Oh, how can I accept this?”

Brittany Hayes, wearing an ill-fitting short skirt, walked to the center of the office area, clutching a folder.

She deliberately raised her voice.

“Chloe, I heard you transferred that huge account you've been working on for half a year to me?”

“That’s tens of millions in revenue!”

“Thanks for all the groundwork you laid, Chloe. I'll truly cherish it.”

“I won't let your efforts go to waste.”

Her eyes glinted with provocation, and the corners of her mouth turned up.

The sound of keyboards stopped. A few colleagues looked over, then quickly averted their gaze.

I organized the documents on my desk, not even lifting my head.

“No need to thank me. After all, Mr. Wang said new hires need a little ‘encouragement’.”

“Whether you can hold onto that account is entirely up to your abilities.”

Brittany’s smile froze.

Mr. Robert Wang, the General Manager, walked out of his office.

“Everyone, please stop what you’re doing. We’re having a short meeting.”

Mr. Wang scanned the room, his gaze resting on me.

“I have an announcement to make.”

“Considering our year-end sprint, and to optimize resource allocation and cultivate new talent…”

“Chloe Miller has proactively proposed transferring the TianSheng Group project she was managing to Brittany Hayes.”

“Everyone should learn from Chloe. This is the kind of broader perspective we expect from our veteran employees!”

“Come on, let’s give her a round of applause!”

Sparse applause broke out.

I clapped twice in cooperation.

After the meeting, Brittany placed an iced latte on my desk.

“Chloe, here’s an iced latte.”

“Godfather asked me to come and get the TianSheng Group documents from you.”

“Especially Ms. Carter’s preferences, her pet peeves, and all the previous negotiation details.”

She held out her hand.

I watched the dripping iced latte stain the documents.

“They’re all on the shared drive. Download them yourself.”

“Oh, Chloe, the shared drive only has official documents.”

“I need your private notes.”

She lowered her voice.

“Godfather said if this deal falls through, you’ll be the only one to blame.”

“You don’t want Godfather to think you’re holding out on us, do you?”

I scoffed.

I created a folder, packed the prepared materials, and sent them.

“Sent.”

“Read carefully. Don’t mess up something as simple as what kind of tea Ms. Carter drinks.”

Brittany left with her laptop.

Just before closing time, Director Jenkins called me into the pantry.

She closed the door, her face turning grim.

“Chloe, I know you’re upset.”

“If this deal goes through, you’ll still get your share of the bonus.”

“But if you dare to pull any stunts behind our backs or trip Brittany up…”

“I’ll make sure you can’t work in this industry ever again!”

Her manicured finger pointed at me.

I bowed slightly.

“Director Jenkins, you’re overthinking. How could I dare?”

“I still have my mortgage to pay; work is important.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll fully cooperate with Brittany.”

Director Jenkins snorted and waved her hand.

“Alright, get out. Just be smart about it.”

Walking out of the company building, a cold wind blew.

I pulled out my phone and opened the chat for “Mommy Dearest.”

“Mom, I have something to tell you!”

She replied instantly.

“My sweet daughter, what’s wrong?”

I typed out a line, put away my phone, and smiled.