Chapter 1

The moment the meeting ended, I knew this thirty-million-dollar deal was in the bag.

I had just closed my laptop when my supervisor, Miranda Hayes, walked over with her arms crossed. She looked me up and down, her tone dripping with mockery.

"Nice choice of dress. But I think educated women like us shouldn't submit to beauty standards."

I froze for a moment, then explained, "We were hosting an important client. Dressing appropriately is basic respect, isn't it? Besides, the proposal itself is what really matters."

She immediately raised her voice so the entire department could hear: "Respect? The client's a man, and you're the only woman in the room wearing a dress. Isn't your intention obvious? Stop catering to men! Wake up!"

One of the male colleagues tried to smooth things over. "Miranda, that's too much. She really did well in the presentation today..."

She immediately cut him off. "Of course you men would defend her! She's a classic case of being disciplined without even realizing it, thinking she's so professional and dedicated!"

"If we professional women want respect, we need to break free from this mindset first."

"Next time, I suggest you come bare-faced and let your ability speak for itself. Don't embarrass the rest of us women."

......