Chapter 2

Over the next few days, the office was quite noisy.

Brittany frowned as she looked through the documents.

The usually quiet WhatsApp group was stirred up daily by her @ mentions.

“@Chloe Miller, what does ‘exclusive agreement’ mean in this clause?”

“Ms. Carter’s legal team is asking if it can be removed. How do I respond?”

“@Chloe Miller, how is the floating percentage in this quote calculated?”

“The system keeps giving an error!”

“@Chloe Miller, help! Ms. Carter’s secretary asked about Plan B from the previous proposal. I can’t find it anywhere!”

I watched the screen, deliberately waiting for Mr. Wang to prompt me in the group before slowly replying.

“Exclusive agreements are standard practice. Be firm with their legal team.”

“The floating percentage is based on that formula; plug in the numbers yourself.”

“Plan B is in the archived folder. Check there.”

Brittany followed my advice and dealt with the client, but she was met with refusal.

That afternoon, the office atmosphere was tense.

Brittany slammed her mouse, her eyes red, and stormed into Mr. Wang’s office.

Less than five minutes later, Mr. Wang’s voice pierced through the glass door.

“Chloe Miller! Get in here!”

I walked in, carrying my thermos.

Mr. Wang slammed his hand on the desk.

“Chloe, are you trying to get yourself fired?”

“Brittany says she called Ms. Carter over a dozen times, and no one picked up.”

“Did you give her fake contact info?!”

“Are you intentionally trying to sabotage this deal?!”

Brittany sat nearby, pointing at me and accusing.

“Godfather, she’s doing this on purpose!”

“She must have badmouthed me to Ms. Carter, otherwise why would Ms. Carter ignore me!”

“Chloe, you can’t jeopardize the company’s interests like this!”

I blinked.

“Mr. Wang, you’re wronging me.”

“The contact information is right there in the business card holder. How could I possibly give fake details?”

“Maybe Ms. Carter has been busy these past few days and hasn’t had time to check her phone.”

“Bullshit!”

Mr. Wang slammed the folder on the floor.

“Too busy to even pick up Brittany’s calls?”

“Right now, in front of me, call Ms. Carter! If you can’t get through, you’re packing your bags and leaving immediately!”

I pulled out my phone.

“Alright, I’ll try.”

I dialed the number and put it on speakerphone.

It rang twice, then connected.

A cold, indifferent female voice came through.

“Hello?”

Brittany froze, and Mr. Wang stiffened.

I cleared my throat, my tone gentle.

“Hello, Ms. Carter, this is Chloe.”

“I apologize for disturbing you, but our manager, Brittany, said she couldn’t reach you.”

“We’re worried about delaying the signing process, so I just wanted to ask…”

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then a cold snort.

“Manager Brittany? Which Manager Brittany? I don’t know her.”

“She keeps sending me all sorts of ridiculous emojis; I’ve blocked her.”

“Chloe, how many times have I told you? I only discuss my projects with you.”

“Sending just anyone to bother me, does your company not want to do business anymore?”

Brittany’s face instantly flushed red, and she lowered her head.

Mr. Wang’s face alternated between green and pale.

I quickly responded.

“Ms. Carter, please don’t be angry. New hires are still learning the ropes; we’ll reinforce their training.”

“As for the signing…”

“Alright, out of consideration for you, I’ll let it go.”

“We’ll discuss the specifics later.”

The call ended.

The office was silent.

I put away my phone and looked at Mr. Wang.

“Mr. Wang, see? The phone number wasn’t the problem, was it?”

“Perhaps Brittany was a bit too enthusiastic, and Ms. Carter doesn’t like that style.”

Mr. Wang glared at Brittany.

“Useless! Can’t even figure out a client’s preferences! Now go reflect on what you did wrong!”

He then looked at me.

“Since you can reach her, you’ll continue to assist with communications.”

“But Brittany will still sign the contract; that’s non-negotiable.”

I nodded in agreement.

“Yes, you’re right.”

After this incident, Brittany became smug again.

She posted a group photo on Ins, Photoshopping me out and replacing me with herself.

“All those late nights pulling off a multi-million dollar deal were totally worth it!”

Many people liked it below her post.