Chapter 3

3.

I didn't show up to the competition, but I watched the livestream from home. Heather held my work but failed to explain the concepts. Several judges who were close to me immediately recognized my style and texted me, wondering why I wasn't there and who this hack was.

I didn't reply to them one by one. Instead, I took a picture of myself hanging out with Sophie and posted it to social media.

“Company granted me a leave, spending the day relaxing with my bestie.”

Everyone in the industry was smart. They caught on instantly. A few inquiries later, they knew exactly what had gone down, and the vibe towards Heather turned icy.

One highly respected judge commented publicly, “A poor imitation, nothing but a follower. Get out of the design circle! We don't need useless hacks clogging up the space!”

The media picked it up, and internet users did the rest, digging up the truth about how I’d been pushed out. The public outcry was instantaneous. Heather and the company were blasted, buried under a mountain of criticism.

When I finally went back to the office to pack my things, Marcus and the HR manager, Brenda, came up to me with fake smiles. “Oh, Chloe! Back from your vacation? Tell us how much it cost, and the company will reimburse you.”

I looked at him with genuine curiosity. “Is the sun rising in the west today? Does everyone get this perk?”

“Forget it. You have so many talented people under you, Marcus. Focus on Heather. I am just a person who belongs in the shadows.”

“You...” Marcus understood my tone, but he couldn't afford to blow up. His pig-like face turned bright red as he snapped, “Brenda, you talk to her!” and stormed off.

Brenda gave me an awkward smile, trying to get close by grabbing my arm. “Chloe, I’ve been around a long time. I know you’re bitter... but Heather is with Marcus. This kind of behind-the-scenes maneuvering is common everywhere.”

“I actually wanted to introduce you to some resources so you could find a backer yourself, but you refused. If you had just found someone, Heather wouldn't be so arrogant right now...”

I almost laughed out loud at the gaslighting. She was still trying to blame me for not finding a sugar daddy.

I cut her off. “Brenda, I appreciate you bringing me into the firm initially. I miss the days when we were actually striving for something. Do you remember what our dreams were back then?”

Brenda’s lips twitched, her eyes shifting away. “Dreams don't pay the bills...”

She looked back at me, her expression pained. “Chloe, this situation is out of hand. The biggest investor is pulling out. Just post something to clarify that you worked with Heather, and that you just missed the competition, okay?”

I kept up the sarcasm. “Oh, I am unworthy. How could I have mentored a new rising star, a jewelry genius? She said I am old and have no creativity left!”

Seeing I was immovable, Brenda’s mask slipped. She gritted her teeth. “Don't be so ungrateful. You are still an employee. This negative publicity hurts you, too!”

I spread my hands in mock resignation. “I don’t care. In fact, hurting the company feels pretty good!”

Brenda’s face darkened. “You! Don’t forget, I hired you. I am the reason you have this status today!”

“I can create another you just as easily!”

In reality, since HR Brenda had started, she had only ever hired one designer―me―who stayed stable. Everyone else had either burnt out or been poached.

Other firms had offered me massive salaries, but I stayed out of loyalty.

I never expected to be stabbed in the back. Brenda had repeatedly tried to force me into business dinners to cozy up to executives, and after I refused, she had held a grudge. I hadn't pursued her misconduct, and now she was using it to threaten me.

Since she had no decency, I had no reason to have any either.

I smiled coldly. “Go ahead. I don’t care about your ‘decisions’.”

“Chloe, why are you panicking? It’s just a small project. We can find new investors easily!” Heather barged through the door, having overheard our conversation.

Through the crack in the door, I saw my desk covered in her junk. The picture frame with my photo had been knocked to the floor, the glass shattered.

I frowned deeply. “Why are you in my office, and why are you touching my things? Give me a reason, or I am calling the police.”

Heather crossed her arms, unafraid. She sat in my leather chair and kicked her feet up onto the desk. “Who are you trying to scare, Chloe? Isn’t this the Director’s office? You said you were giving me your spot!”

I sneered. “Did we finalize the paperwork? If not, I am still the Director. And what makes you think you have the capacity to handle this role?”

Heather laughed dismissively. “Finding new investors, running a project? If Chloe Sterling can do it, so can I!”

She brushed her hair back, pulled a stack of contracts and design drafts from the drawer, and threw them on the desk. “Look, Brenda, I’ve already secured advertising investment, and I have new designs ready!”

She gave me a smug look. “Some people shouldn't get so attached to their positions. The company can survive just fine without you!”

Brenda’s eyes lit up as she snatched up the contracts.

“Heather, you are amazing! How did you find an investor so quickly?”

“It was just a few words, simple. I am not incompetent and pretentious like some people!” She shot a look at me.

I was speechless.

“Heather, you are truly a star!” Brenda whipped out her phone, beaming. “Marcus, the investment and the new project are all set... yes, all thanks to Heather...”

After hanging up, she turned to the interns outside. “You lot, come here and clean this mess up! Make room for Director Heather!”

The interns kept their heads down, terrified, and began clearing my stuff.

“Chloe, you see? I am not just the new Director; I am going to do a better job than you!”

“Now, I need some rest. Get out of here, you’re not allowed to be here anymore!”

Heather looked like a child playing with fire. I couldn't be bothered with her; I just turned and walked out.