Chapter 4

I closed my eyes. I could not stop trembling.

As Monty and Yvonne pushed me to apologize, I said out loud, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked for a room all to myself. The company's money shouldn't be wasted that way. I hope that none of the employees will repeat my mistake and end up losing their jobs."

It sounded like an apology, but the words were like a slap to Monty and Yvonne.

The other employees started to feel insecure about their jobs after seeing what happened to me. They took the initiative to downgrade their rooms and refused to spend any more money. What was supposed to be a joyful team building became an event of unhappiness and complaints.

This no longer affected me, however. After getting back my identification documents, I moved to another hotel and had a good time enjoying the Huka islands.

It was not until I returned home that I found out Monty had initiated a blanket boycott on me within the industry. No company dared to hire me because of pressure from Monty.

When I returned to the company to pick up my things, there was no shortage of insults and taunting. Yvonne sat in my office while throwing a gleeful glance at me. She kicked a box next to her foot. "Rubbish like this should've been thrown out long ago, just like its owner."

I sneered and ignored her. She would soon come to understand that not just anyone could sit in the position she was in.

As I expected, it took less than three days for Monty to appear at my front door. I used to handle every project in the company, and I was confident enough that no one could take over them except for me.

Yvonne was already in over her head with the work she used to handle previously, and with her current position, she was even more inept at taking charge of client demands. Yvonne made mistakes in calculations and mixed up rules and regulations. It did not take long for the projects to be put on hold.

The project investors had pumped in money because of me. Now that the person in charge had been changed, they immediately put a hold on signing the contracts and declared that they would only sign if I returned to the company.

With the projects on hold and the investors pulling out, the company's financial chain was almost broken. Monty had no choice but to beg me. "Natalia, we're facing issues with the projects and investors you brought into the company. You need to come back to sort it out."

My tone with him was cold and distant. "I'm sorry, Mr. Livingston. I'm no longer an employee of your company. I have no right to handle anything in your company."

Monty paused for a moment before replying grimly, "But you were in charge of these projects. You need to see things through—"

Before he could finish, I stopped him. "Have you forgotten something, Mr. Livingston? You said that I used unscrupulous methods to win those projects and investors. If that's the case, I would suggest that you give them up for the sake of the company's reputation."

Monty screamed before I finished, "Impossible!" However, his tone softened when he saw the look on my face. "I know that you're mad about me firing you. How about this? I'll let you back into the company, and you can quickly settle all those problems."

I shook my head. "I'm someone who used despicable means to climb up the corporate ladder. How can I compare to your current marketing director who has true capabilities? You should see Yvonne about solving those problems."

Monty's face instantly turned red at my words. He tried his best to suppress his anger as he replied through clenched teeth, "Those were just mindless words that meant no harm. Why are you taking it so seriously?"

I laughed. "Why? You couldn't wait to fire me the moment we won those projects and pulled in the investors. You even refused to pay me my bonus of 100,000 and promoted Yvonne to my position. Was that all just a joke to you?

"Was it also a joke when you claimed I was wasting company funds for getting myself a room and when you threatened me by taking my identification documents?"

My words were like a slap to Monty's face. His face turned a brighter shade of red as he struggled to come to a decision. Monty might have considered giving in to me, but nothing came out of his mouth when he tried to speak.

I understood what he was going through. Monty had been working for my father for years. He was the best candidate to help the Carusos legitimize the family assets and manage the business. He had never given in to anyone besides the Carusos.

Just as he was about to let go of his pride, Yvonne arrived. She pulled on Monty's arm happily. "My dad has agreed to help us solve the problem, Mr. Livingston!"

Monty's eyes lit up instantly. "Really? You did great, Yvonne. I can't believe you managed to convince Don Caruso to help out. No one would dare go against him if he made a request. Promoting you as director was the best decision I made!"

He glanced at me condescendingly after that. "Do you really think the company can't manage without you, Natalia? You've been blacklisted in the industry by me. Prepare to be homeless!"

I replied stoically, "The company hasn't compensated me for firing me."

Monty lost his temper and questioned angrily, "How dare you ask for compensation? Our projects wouldn't have been put on hold if it weren't for you. Once the company stabilizes, I'll make sure to teach you a lesson!"

Yvonne stared at me like a venomous snake. "I'll make sure you'll have no place in Arendale, Natalia!"