Chapter 2

Then she put on a pitiful expression and turned to Sean.

“Mr. Cooper, if I'm really that useless, then maybe I should just leave.”

With that, she turned and headed for the door.

Panic flashed across Sean's face. He quickly grabbed her arm.

“Who said you're useless? As long as I'm here, no one is driving you out!”

Then he turned to me and snapped, “Olivia, you've truly disappointed me!

“You think your seniority gives you the right to bully new employees. Ivy is hardworking and dedicated. She may only be an assistant right now, but I have no doubt she'll become one of the industry's rising stars.”

I couldn't help laughing.

Ever since Ivy joined the company, Sean had blindly believed in her abilities, repeatedly handing her important projects as practice.

The result was a string of failed partnerships and several near-disasters that almost damaged our long-standing relationships with key suppliers.

I was the one who swallowed my pride, went to them in person, apologized, and smoothed things over.

Otherwise, the matter would have been reported to headquarters long ago, and neither of them would still be standing here so comfortably.

When I remained silent, Sean mistook it for remorse.

After a moment's thought, his tone softened.

“Come on. Ivy was only trying to help. This solution lets you stay with the company, quiets the rumors, and gives the staff a chance to benefit as well. What's so bad about that?”

The employees who were exchanging uncertain glances finally seemed to catch on.

The projects under my management were some of the company's most valuable accounts. Completing even one of them would be a major boost to anyone's résumé.

They quickly began voicing their support.

“Olivia, you've been holding all the company's biggest accounts for years. The rest of us barely get a chance to touch them. Why not share some of the opportunities with everyone else?

“Besides, your reputation is already ruined. Once you leave here, no company is going to hire you.”

“Exactly. And Ivy is so capable. What does she lack compared to you? You should apologize to her and let everyone move forward together.”

A chill settled over my heart.

Over the years, I poured everything into building this company, securing deal after deal until this branch became the most profitable division under the parent corporation.

Every year, I helped everyone earn generous bonuses and performance incentives.

And now they were twisting the truth, claiming I monopolized the business?

My gaze swept across the people who spoke up.

Many of them were trained by me personally.

Back then, they constantly complained in private about having to clean up Ivy's messes.

Now, for the sake of a little personal gain, they couldn't even tell right from wrong.

Ivy could no longer hide the triumph in her eyes, though she still put on a show of generosity.

“Olivia, if you apologize to me, I'll graciously overlook your behavior just now.”

Sean looked thoroughly pleased.

“Ivy is truly kind and generous.”

Then he shot me an impatient look and lowered his voice.

“Ivy has never been inferior to you. Even without your help, she'd be perfectly capable of handling those projects. The only reason we're keeping you around is to give you a chance to make amends.

“Stop being stubborn and take the opportunity we're giving you.

“Trust me. When this is all over, I'll make sure you get your job back. And when the time comes, I'll make our relationship public. Consider it my way of making it up to you.”

A laugh escaped me.

I lost count of how many times he fed me that same promise.

By now, I was sick of hearing it.

After all, it was Ivy who secretly diverted company funds and falsified the financial records.

And now, not only was he pinning the blame on me, but he was also standing there like some benevolent savior, expecting me to be grateful for his generosity?