Chapter 2

I instinctively held my breath and pressed my body rigid against the cold marble wall.

I heard Grant laugh indifferently. "If you let it slip, that's that. It's no big deal."

Clare's voice was probing, tinged with a hint of playfulness as she said, "I saw Shania's expression shift. What if she quits?"

Grant let out an extremely contemptuous scoff. "Quit? She doesn't have the guts, not even in a million years. Shania's like a leashed dog. Even if you kick her a few times, she won't bark.

"Besides, she's got a 30-year mortgage to think about. She has to make that payment every single month without fail. Even if I told her straight to her face that she has the lowest salary in the whole company, she'd have to suck it up.

"She's 30 years old, unmarried, and has no kids. Who else is going to hire her?"

I felt something inside me snap. I stood in the shadows, feeling like a laughingstock that had been stripped of my dignity.

I had worked diligently for five years and never complained. I did the work of three people, working overtime until dawn without ever daring to ask for overtime pay.

I negotiated discounts to save the company money and pushed through projects even when I was sick, just to meet deadlines.

Looking back, it seemed I was the biggest joke in the world.

"Alright, don't worry about her anymore." Grant yawned. "When you get back to the private room, remember to offer her another toast. Butter her up, okay? We need her to slave away on that big project next year.

"Stick close to her, learn her ways, and take over her contacts. Then, you can get promoted to manager."

"Got it! Thanks, Mr. Conner!" Clare said before making her way back to the hall.

I took a deep breath before walking back to the restroom. I turned on the tap, splashing cold water on my face and letting my tears wash down the drain.

When I returned to the hall, the year-end bonus ceremony was just starting. Grant, red-faced, stepped onto the stage with a microphone in hand.

"This year, our company has achieved a historic breakthrough!" he announced.

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Grant gestured for everyone to quiet down, then said, "But first, I want to give out a special award. This award belongs to an exceptionally outstanding and dedicated employee. Shania Lawrence! Come on up!"

All eyes in the hall suddenly turned to me.

In that moment, my heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Grant had finally grown a conscience?

Under the gaze of hundreds, I stood up and walked excitedly to the stage.

Grant enthusiastically beckoned me up, grabbed me by the shoulder, and gave me a hearty pat.

"Shania works diligently and never complains! She's a true team player who isn't calculative and always puts the company first!"

As I stood beside him, the heavy scent of booze and cologne made my head spin.

"So, I've specially customized an unprecedented award for her."

With that, Grant handed me a certificate that had "The Company's Backbone" written on it.