Chapter 4

That switch was hidden extremely well—only I knew where it was. As for the key to the low-voltage room, it was probably lying in Vanessa's messy drawer… or already tossed out as trash.

Lisa: [What? Then what do we do? Vanessa definitely doesn't know about this. She can't even find where the fish food is.]

Lisa sent a panicked emoji.

Me: [That's her problem, not yours. You're just an intern. You're not responsible for cleaning up after a director's mess.]

Me: [Listen to me. Turn off your phone and enjoy the holiday these next few days. When work resumes after the New Year holiday, you'll see quite a show.]

I set my phone down and looked out at the fireworks beyond the window.

The calm before a storm is always the most beautiful.

As for that tank of fish, let it be the first "opening gift" for Vanessa's so-called "international" administrative department.

…

On the third day of the New Year, I had just poured myself a cup of tea when my phone was bombarded by calls from an unknown number.

The moment I answered, the boss's furious roar nearly shattered my eardrum. His voice was thick with contempt and threats.

"Sandra, who the hell do you think you are? Fine, you threw a tantrum and quit—but now you're even keeping company secrets? I'm telling you, if you don't hand everything over today, I'll call the police and have you arrested for stealing trade secrets. I'll make sure you've got a record and can never hold your head up again!"

I held the phone a little farther away and took a calm sip of tea, unsure what new act he was putting on.

Vanessa's voice cut in immediately after, even more vicious—each word like a stab.

"Sandra, I've already drafted a statement: 'Logistics staff dismissed for misconduct goes missing and steals company secrets.' All it takes is our boss's approval, and I'll post it in every local workplace and recruitment group. You'll never find footing in this city's administrative and logistics circles again."

The boss's rage hadn't subsided; his tone grew darker, doubling down.

"That's not all. I've already prepared to contact every supplier who's ever worked with you. One word from me, and they'll all hear you've been stealing office supplies and reselling them. They'll blacklist you. Anyone who dares hire you will be going against me!"

My hand around the teacup remained steady. My voice stayed calm, but it carried an unmistakable certainty.

"If you want to make a scene, go ahead. I've kept no company secrets—that's pure slander. If you're planning to spread rumors or launch an online smear campaign, I'm fully prepared to take legal action.

"And since you've already gone this far, I won't sit back and wait. I've preserved all the chat records, your drafted statements, and evidence of your planned harassment. When the time comes, let's see what everyone thinks of your so-called 'elite company.'"

I hung up without another word, blocked the number, and muted every related workplace and hometown group. Then I turned to organizing all the evidence I'd need to clear my name.

Less than two minutes later, my phone rang again—this time a landline number.

When I answered, a steady male voice came through, measured and polite.

"May I confirm—are you Miss Sandra Muller? I'm calling from the Calipso Tower office building. There's something we'd like to verify with you."

Something stirred in my chest. I softened my tone.

"Yes, this is Sandra. What would you like to confirm?"

The man got straight to the point, his tone formal.

"Three years ago, you assisted Jonathan Seagar, our chairman. He has always remembered your kindness. When he learned you were working at Reese Tech, he specifically granted the company a discounted office lease. We've recently learned that you've resigned, and we'd like to confirm—should this rental discount be terminated immediately?"

I looked out at the snow falling beyond the window and smiled.

"Yes, I've already resigned. Since I'm no longer there, there's no need for the discount. Please proceed according to standard terms."

"Understood."