Chapter 1

It didn't take long for the comments to flood in.

“Gina! Consider my company! Whatever you were making there, I’ll triple it!”

“Think bigger, Gina. Come to my firm. Just name your price!”

Switching over to my direct messages, a text popped up from Ms. James, one of my VIP clients.

“Gina, didn't we just discuss the new deal? You're resigning before we even sign the contract?”

I typed back, “I’m sorry, Ms. James. My name was put on the restructuring lay-off list. A new rep will be assigned to handle your account.”

She sent another message with a confused emoji.

“You? Laid off? Is your company trying to go out of business?”

I replied with nothing but a helpless sigh emoji.

She immediately shot back, “If you aren't there to oversee it, I’ll need to reconsider this entire partnership.”

Reading through the comments and private messages, a wave of relief washed over me.

Ten years in this industry meant I had built a powerhouse client network.

Countless headhunters had tried to lure me away with massive bonuses, but I had always turned them down out of loyalty.

Back when I was a fresh college graduate, I submitted dozens of resumes and got radio silence in return.

Just as I was about to give up, our CEO, Gabriel Chase, took a chance on me.

Over the years, I treated the company like my own.

I personally double-checked every file, big or small. I never let Gabriel down.

I kept securing big deals after big deals while fighting to raise my team's salaries step-by-step.

But recently, the air in the office had turned sour.

A week ago, Catherine and her team made a critical error that almost cost the company millions. I gave her a firm reprimand.

That very night, Gabriel gave me a "stern talk" and docked my bonus.

Three days ago, Catherine rallied the sales team to leave on the dot every day, causing productivity to plummet.

Despite staying late to fix her mess, the team whispered behind my back that I was a slave-driving hag.

Suddenly, a notification pinged on the company group chat..

“Effective today, Catherine Chase is appointed as the new Sales Director.”

The chat erupted in applause and congratulations.

Among them were employees that I had personally trained from day one.

Those messages were a cold splash of reality. This place really wasn't for me anymore.

"Director Collins," Catherine purred, pushing my office door open. She leaned against the frame, eyeing the half-filled box on my desk. "Packing up?"

She smirked.

"Make sure you wipe the desk clean on your way out. Consider it practice for your future as a full-time housewife.

“Take your time, it's your final contribution to this firm!"

I glanced at her, then turned away in silence.

Annoyed by my lack of reaction, she stepped closer and pointed a finger at me.

"What's with the high-and-mighty act? So what if you're the top producer? I can fire you with a single word!"

I let out a soft laugh.

"Is that so? Does your uncle actually know about this layoff list, Catherine? Or did you pull it all by yourself?"

Gabriel was currently abroad on a business trip and had explicitly requested not to be disturbed unless it was an emergency.

I had a feeling he had zero clue about my departure.

After all, no sane CEO would fire their top sales generator, the backbone of the company, on a whim.

A flash of nervousness crossed her face, but she quickly masked it with smug arrogance.

"Uncle Gabriel has spoiled me since I was a kid! Even my grandparents listen to me.

“Who are you? Just an employee. So what if I fire you? What could possibly happen?"

She sneered. "Stop trying to play mind games with me. You're just bluffing because no other company wants a washed-up old woman like you!"

I smiled calmly. "I doubt you can handle my job."

She opened her mouth to snap back, but stumbled over her words.

"Do you know any of our key clients' personal preferences?" I pressed on. "Do you know how to negotiate high-stakes deals?

“Do you even know how to put together a viable sales strategy?

“An executive role isn't a trophy title for a pretty face, Catherine. Fantasy won't run a department."

I picked up my box and walked toward the door.

"I suggest you try to land at least one real client, so you don't end up on your knees begging me to come back."

"Beg you to come back?!" she screeched, her face flushing red. "In your dreams! Hand over all your client files before you leave!"

I tapped my temple softly. "Sorry. Everything is in here. Good luck."

As I walked through the open-plan office, not a single person stood up to say goodbye or defend me.

I didn't feel hurt anymore, I was just curious.

Without me to clean up their messes, and without me fighting tooth and nail for their pay raises...

How much longer would they enjoy their cozy high salaries?

I couldn't wait to see how long this company would last.