Chapter 3

3.

When I woke up, it was already afternoon.

There were dried tear stains on the pillow.

I checked my phone, but there wasn't a single message.

A dream never happens twice.

And reality always comes knocking.

The next day, I went to work as usual.

I deliberately avoided Kendra.

Of course, she was only at this branch to gain entry-level experience for her family's conglomerate.

My department didn't have anything she genuinely needed to learn.

After a busy morning, the general manager dropped a bombshell on me.

The major project I had painstakingly prepared was handed over to someone else by Kendra.

"This is Team Leader Brock Sullivan. He will be leading this project from now on."

The general manager glanced at me as he spoke.

Brock stepped forward with a smug grin and shook my hand with a provocative grip.

"I have extensive experience. You can safely leave it in my hands."

A double entendre.

I pulled my hand back and walked calmly back to my desk under everyone's stares.

Right then, Kendra arrived with her assistant.

She circled around the office and casually rested her hand on the back of my chair.

"Everyone, make sure to cooperate fully with Team Leader Sullivan. If this goes well, you can apply for a transfer to the corporate headquarters."

Everyone immediately took the hint and rushed to flatter Brock.

Yet everyone knew how much blood and sweat I had poured into this project.

I had even drunk myself into stomach ulcers just to secure clients.

My colleagues had to carry me home that night.

Now, a parachute leader stole everything I worked for.

Kendra gave me a meaningful look.

I'd be a fool not to see this was purely intentional.

What she didn't know was that a headhunter had reached out to recruit me six months ago.

And that offer was still on the table.

After work, I called the CEO of that competing firm.

On the other end of the line, he was thrilled by my decision.

"You can come in next week to familiarize yourself with the team. I'll cover any breach of contract fees for you."

Ever since Kendra and I made things official, I had worked tirelessly.

I turned countless failing projects into massive successes.

Over time, I built up a solid roster of high-profile clients.

It was my hard work that helped Kendra regain her father's approval.

As the workday ended, a colleague pulled me aside.

"Garrett, that Brock guy is a total fraud! We're planning to petition management to bring you back!"

After just one day of working with him, the team realized something was wrong.

He claimed to have rich experience, but he didn't know the first thing about the job.

I smiled faintly. "Ms. Vance must have her reasons for this arrangement."

The client was notoriously difficult to deal with.

If Brock could pull it off, I, Garrett Miller, would tip my hat to him.

As I walked out of the building, I saw Kendra waiting by the entrance.

"Ms. Vance, work hours are over."

I maintained a clear distance between us.

Kendra chin-pointed toward her car nearby.

"I came to take you out for dinner."

Brock suddenly popped out from behind her.

"Garrett, there are some misunderstandings between us. It's best we clear the air."

"There is no misunderstanding between us."

I tried to step around him, but Kendra grabbed my sleeve.

"Haven't you thrown enough tantrums? If you break up with me, I'm keeping that condo!"

I didn't even bother giving her a second look.

Back then, I bought it as a token of my commitment, but now that the engagement was off, my lawyer assured me I had a strong case to reclaim it.

Brock reached out to hold Kendra back.

"He's already this controlling before marriage. Imagine how little freedom you'll have later!"

He treated me like thin air, lecturing Kendra right in front of me.

With people bustling around the entrance, the commotion quickly drew onlookers.

"Isn't that Manager Miller and Boss Vance? Who's the other guy?"

Hearing the whispers, Kendra finally realized how bad it looked and let go of my arm.

"Do you really have to make such an ugly scene?"

A taxi pulled up just in time, and I got in, leaving them in the dust.

While the hotel was comfortable, it wasn't a permanent solution.

I spent the entire evening searching and finally found a decent rental.

As I casually opened TikTok, Brock's profile popped up on my feed.