Chapter 1

At the signing ceremony, our biggest client looked at the beautiful new technician and asked if she could drink.

She didn't hesitate. She poured the entire bottle of red wine over his head and spoke with a cold, calm voice.

"Drinking culture is a toxic relic of the past. I am here to clean up this workplace."

Mr. Logan, a man who brought in three hundred million dollars in profit every year, was absolutely furious. He ripped the contract to shreds right then and there.

As the project lead, I had to bow and scrape to beg for his forgiveness. I ended up drinking with him until I had internal bleeding just to save the deal.

When I explained the situation to my boss, he didn't thank me. Instead, he screamed in my face.

"You're the lead! You almost ruined the biggest deal of the year! Forget that three-million-dollar commission I promised you. Consider this a warning!"

After that, I immediately added Sierra York to the layoff list.

She only gave me a cold, mocking laugh.

"I was recruited with a high salary because I have talent. I'm not like some streetwalker who only knows how to flirt and drink her way to a deal."

"Firing me is like cutting the company's main artery. Just wait. You'll be begging me to come back!"

I ignored her. But when the layoff period ended, it was my name on the list, not hers.

The boss took the opportunity to announce that Sierra York would be replacing me as the new Sales Director.

"Clients belong to the company. Did you really think you landed them because of your own skill? Sierra has a better degree, understands the tech, and is prettier than you. She'll do better."

I just smiled. Then, I walked away and made a single phone call.

"Mr. Harrison, I've thought about your offer. I accept the position."

Standing in the stairwell, my voice was firm and steady.

Mr. Harrison sounded thrilled on the other end of the line.

"Phoebe, you're too talented to waste away at that place. On top of the salary we discussed, I'm going to include stock options as an incentive."

We exchanged a few more polite words before I hung up. I planned to go back to my desk to finish my handover.

However, as soon as I stepped out of the stairwell, I ran right into Sierra York and several other colleagues.

"Oh, look! It's our former Director Quinn. Are you hiding in the stairs to have a good cry?"

Sierra pretended to be concerned, but her voice was dripping with venom.

"Don't be so down. A social butterfly like you will always be popular around men. You'll never have to worry about finding work."

My face darkened as I looked her in the eye.

"Sierra, what exactly are you trying to say? I got to where I am through hard work. You have no right to insult me."

Before Sierra could respond, her little follower, Chloe Jenkins, let out a loud snort.

"Where you are? Phoebe, honey, you're fired. Don't try to pull rank on Director York."

The other colleagues quickly chimed in with their own insults.

"She thinks she's still the boss. She's just another worker bee like us, but she acts so high and mighty."

"Exactly. She's just a few years older. Seniority doesn't mean anything if you're an old hag."

"If we give all her clients to Director York, the numbers will definitely look better."

"Let's be real, Sierra actually has class. Unlike Phoebe, who is way too comfortable around those old creeps. Who knows what she does behind closed doors?"

I looked at each of their faces, feeling a cold shiver run through my heart.

"Are you insulting me, or are you insulting the integrity of our clients?"

When these people first joined the company, every single one of them had received my help. I had mentored them and fought for their promotions.

Back when I was the Director, they called me "sister" and followed me everywhere.

I realized now how quickly people turn when the wind changes direction.

"Chloe, when you first started, you kept taking leave for family issues. You were about to fail your probation. I was the one who fought the board to keep you."

I turned to a male colleague and spoke calmly.

"And you. When you transferred to my department, you couldn't close a single sale. I was the one who spent weeks helping you land your first big client."

"And as for you…"

Sierra interrupted me with a cold sneer.

"Enough! Stop acting like a savior. Isn't that just what a senior is supposed to do? You act like you performed a miracle."

The people I had just called out looked relieved. They immediately started praising Sierra for her leadership and grace.

I gave them a fake, tired smile.

"Fine. It was just my job. I hope the great Director York does an even better job than I did."

I didn't want to waste another second on her. I walked straight to my desk.

But when I got there, my blood began to boil.

My personal belongings were scattered everywhere.

My white designer blazer had been thrown on the floor, and there were several shoeprints on it.

My books and laptop had clearly been messed with. My social media accounts and private messages were all open on the screen.

"Who touched my things?"