My Exile Was the Start of Her Bankruptcy

After hearing what I said, Julia Stewart let out a soft chuckle. "Well, I'm sure you know just how much I love causing trouble for Vanessa.

"That being said, you rejected all of my previous attempts to poach you. Why have you changed your mind right when you're about to be promoted to vice president and have your relationship with her made public?"

Instead of answering her questions, I said calmly, "In that case, I'll trouble you to get things ready for my onboarding in three days, Ms. Stewart. I'll deliver on the one-billion-dollar project within two months."

The moment I finished speaking, a stir rose from the dining hall behind me. I looked over and saw Vanessa Oswalrd announcing that Cameron Ingall would be promoted to vice president and take over the one-billion-dollar project.

Having heard it over the phone, Julia laughed. "Settle things with her first. If you need any help, feel free to reach out. I'll be waiting."

I hummed in acknowledgment before ending the call.

Amid the thunderous applause, someone remarked, "At least the company is finally rid of Shane. I was so sick of him throwing his weight around just because he's got a few achievements to his name."

"Seriously, what is he even good at? He only gets to land one decent project after another because he's distantly related to Ms. Oswald."

"Exactly. How can a college dropout like him compare to Mr. Ingall, who even completed a master's degree abroad?"

They made no effort to hide their insults from me. Even the looks they shot me were filled with undisguised disdain.

At that moment, I realized just how ironic and humiliating it was that I'd put up with everything in silence for so many years.

Vanessa and I founded the company together. I was responsible for 90% of the business deals we managed to close. But according to them, I was just a distant relative of Vanessa who was mooching off her.

But it made sense.

Back then, Vanessa had said that office romances would affect the workplace, and that as the company's leaders, we had to set an example. She told me to keep our relationship strictly under wraps.

I'd been so blindly in love with her at the time that I went along with everything she said.

Once, after work, an employee saw us chatting together. Rumors that we were dating started circulating.

When Vanessa found out, she was extremely displeased. Not only did she clarify that I was her distant relative, but she also gave me a harsh talking-to. Ever since then, she made it even more of a point to keep her distance from me.

Meanwhile, because I was supposedly her relative, I was often the subject of everyone else's gossip and criticism. They did it behind my back at first, but as Vanessa's attitude toward me worsened, they began to mock me openly.

As I was lost in thought, I heard some words of praise ringing out.