Chapter 4

I once believed that as long as I worked hard—harder than anyone else—I would eventually earn recognition.

I did the work of three people on my own.

The proposals I created were submitted under Bianca's name and went on to win the company's Annual Innovation Award.

The clients I secured were credited to Kevin, who walked away with million-dollar bonuses.

I burned with a 102°F fever and still sat in front of my computer revising PPT slides, because Kevin said, "Outsourced staff don't get sick leave."

And what about them?

They clocked in right on time every day, then started drinking coffee and chatting in the afternoon. They earned several times my salary, enjoying benefits I would never see.

They took my work, my achievements, as if it were their right—and then turned around and mocked me for being "just an outsourced worker."

Seven years. I thought my heart had gone numb. But now, looking out at the glittering hotel hosting the annual gala, I still felt a flicker of hatred.

Why?

As usual, I asked Kevin for an explanation. I didn't expect anything different. I already knew what he would say.

Kevin smiled as he spoke.

"Bianca knows how to play the game. Unlike you—you're like a block of wood, no flexibility at all."

I listened quietly, without interrupting.

"So, Alexia, you need to learn to be smarter. What's the point of being capable? You're just outsourced. If I say live, you live. If I say die, you die."

Laughter erupted from the other end of the call—he had clearly put it on speaker.

Bianca's voice chimed in as well, "Mr. Davis's right! Alexia, did you hear that? You're just an idiot our department keeps!"

"Hahaha! You couldn't have said it better, Bianca!"

"Even a dog knows how to wag its tail—she doesn't even know how to do that!"

I recorded it all.

[5:55 p.m.: Result—"Q1 Marketing Review Report" credited to Bianca.]

[Total instances of authorship reassignment: 128.]

I hung up, then turned to the coat rack. I slipped off the worn-out jacket I had been wearing for years and tossed it onto the battered chair that had accompanied me for seven.

Beneath it was the outfit I had prepared for tonight—a sleek black silk gown, sharply tailored, its surface catching the light with a subtle sheen.

At the gala, glasses clinked as the host made the formal announcement, "Tonight, we not only celebrate the achievements of the past year—we also witness the arrival of a new era! Because today, our company welcomes a new Chairman!"

"A new Chairman?"

The crowd erupted instantly.

Mr. Davis flushed red with excitement. He shot to his feet, raising his glass and speaking loudly to the employees around him, spittle flying.

"I've already heard through internal channels—the new chairman is a capital tycoon from overseas, extremely generous, and especially appreciative of battle-hardened departments like ours!"

Bianca immediately clung to him like a vine, her voice syrupy sweet.

"Then you're definitely getting promoted, Mr. Davis! When that happens, don't forget to look out for us! Our marketing department will become the company's core division!"

"That's right! Stick with the boss, and you'll never go hungry!"

"Now, let's give our warmest applause as we welcome our new chairman to the stage!"

A powerful symphony surged through the hall. Every spotlight snapped in unison toward the golden doors of the banquet hall.

Mr. Davis rushed forward, leading the entire marketing department to the very front of the red carpet.

Under the blaze of lights, I stepped in from the backlit entrance.

I raised the microphone. My lips parted, and my voice—carried by the top-tier sound system—rang through every corner of the hall.

"My name is Alexia Turner."

I paused, looking at the people who had once trampled me beneath their feet, and offered a cold, dazzling smile.

"The same contract worker you said wasn't even worthy of receiving the company's holiday gifts.

"At the same time, I am the new Chairman, holding 51% of the company's shares.

"As Chairman, I will now announce my first motion.

"Dismiss the entire Marketing Department."