Chapter 5

The next morning, Vincent arrived at the investment conference with Giselle in tow. Giselle wore a smug expression, clearly convinced that Gallagher Group would secure every investment and project without fail.

Vincent's mood soured the instant he noticed me sitting beside Leona. "Rebecca, why are you sitting with Leona? Stop embarrassing Gallagher Group and come sit next to me."

Since I refused to budge, Vincent's expression darkened. "Are you sulking again? I kept my promise. After we lock in today's investments and projects, I'll reinstate you as an executive and raise your salary to 15 thousand dollars a month. What more could you possibly want?"

I laughed despite myself. 15 thousand dollars a month? Did he really believe he was being generous?

"I don't need it, Vincent. Today, you won't secure a single investment or project," I said calmly.

Vincent's face fell as I kept pushing back. "Fine. Don't say I didn't give you an opportunity. I had thought of reinstating you for your work yesterday, but I see you don't know how to appreciate it. Don't think a new company makes you untouchable. Gallagher Group will claim every investment and project today, and Clarke Group will be left scrambling to sell off their shares!"

Giselle wrapped her arm around Vincent and laughed. "It seems you don't know anything about people. Every one of these investors has worked with Gallagher Group before. Do you think any of them would abandon a proven company for an unknown startup? If you get rejected, don't blame Mr. Gallagher or me when you end up on the streets."

I sneered. I knew every investor and project owner in the room, and I knew why they had chosen Gallagher Group before—they valued my proposals.

Without me, Vincent and his complete lack of social skills would have ruined the company long ago.

I leaned back in my chair, silently waiting for the conference to begin. Realizing they had made fools of themselves, Vincent and Giselle snorted in frustration and reluctantly took their seats.

The investment conference began without delay. Investors and project owners eagerly scouted for the companies they wanted to work with. They paused at our table one after another, while Vincent and Giselle were completely snubbed.

Panic spread across Vincent's face as he seized a former partner. "Trevor! Have you lost your mind? How could you pick some unknown company over us? Gallagher Group is the top in this industry! Didn't you remember working with us? You can't possibly be blind to our strength!"

Trevor Shepard's face darkened at Vincent's aggressive tug. He frowned, dropping all pretenses. "Gallagher Group? Vincent, I gave you credit before because Rebecca's proposal was smart, thorough, and valuable. But your proposal today? It's worse than garbage!"

The proposal slipped from his hands and tumbled to the floor. Bright pink cartoon stickers clashed sharply with the conference's serious atmosphere. What should have been a professional, black-and-white document was instead filled with colorful, decorative fonts and a single childish message. "Please invest in Gallagher Group for the sake of this cute cartoon!"

Vincent looked at Giselle with disbelief written all over his face.