Chapter 2

The photos were all taken from hidden, sneaky angles.

One showed my computer screen displaying a music app. Another was a photo of me sitting at my workstation with my eyes closed, making it look as though I was sleeping.

There was only one person who could have taken these photos—Cindy Sutton.

For the past few months, I had been mentoring her, often taking her through analytical reports.

Sometimes during lunch breaks, when I was too tired, I'd listen to some music. However, when I got busy, I would forget to close the app.

Also, during a particularly hectic period that resulted in me getting headaches, I often closed my eyes for a few seconds to rest.

I never expected that Cindy would use certain angles to photograph these moments, turning them into "evidence" that I was "slacking off" during work hours.

What an ungrateful wretch!

I initially wanted to explain myself, but when I saw Jacob's expression, I knew it would be useless. He was already in cahoots with Cindy.

"What if I refuse to go back to being a regular employee?" I asked.

"This is the company's decision," Jacob replied coolly. "You can only comply. Otherwise, you'll have to leave. If I remember correctly, your contract has expired, and the new one you just signed hasn't been confirmed yet, right?"

His confident manner made me lose all hope.

I had been wondering why the renewed contract hadn't been confirmed and returned to me. So this was why!

These people had already set a trap for me.

I could either endure this humiliation and return to being a regular employee, or resign on my own.

They also knew me well enough to know that there was no way I'd tolerate that kind of humiliation.

"Fine, you win. I quit," I said simply.

This time, Jacob's smile was genuine. "Think it over. Don't change your mind after. Quitting means no severance. But for the sake of us being ex-colleagues, I won't make you wait a month to file your resignation. Pack up and leave now."

He just couldn't wait to get rid of me, huh? He had even trapped me with the "no severance for quitting" clause.

Coincidentally, I couldn't wait either. Just looking at these people made me sick.

When I left Jacob's office, I saw Megan at her workstation, receiving congratulations from our colleagues.

It was getting a bit noisy.

Cindy walked over, shot me a disdainful look, and then linked arms with Megan. They looked really close.

At that moment, everything became clear to me. I had been blind all along!

I returned to my workstation and started packing. I also cleared all my personal information from the laptop.

Then, I sent a message to Felix Wilkins, my boyfriend. Back when we graduated, I chose to stay in this city because of him. Our relationship had been good all these years.

He also worked at our company, but in the technical department.

I thought Felix would call me immediately, but there was no response for a long time.

I checked my phone again and saw a single gray tick in the message I had sent. Felix's profile picture was grayed out too.

Had he blocked me?

Before I could fully process it, I saw Felix standing in front of Megan's workstation. Cindy pushed him to stand next to Megan.

Felix naturally wrapped his arm around Megan's waist, and the two gazed at each other affectionately.

Well, well. They had all been playing me for a fool!

Cindy suddenly looked over, her face full of smug satisfaction. Even Megan looked at me provocatively.

It was only Felix who didn't even bother glancing my way.

Whatever. I didn't want a piece of trash like him anyway.

I went to the HR department to turn in my laptop and return my employee badge.

While I was still thinking about what to do next, my phone rang.

"Ivy, I've noticed how well you've been handling your work. Have you thought about returning to Norell?"

It was Gregory Brown. He was the chairman of our company, which was headquartered in Norell.

He was also my dad's, Harvey Benson, best friend, and their companies were each other's closest strategic partners.

I majored in the relevant field in college, and Mr. Brown—who regarded me like his daughter—was dead set on bringing me into the company.

When I graduated, Mr. Brown wanted me to go back to Norell to work at headquarters, but I chose to stay at the Stonehaven branch for Felix.

Back then, the Stonehaven branch was undergoing a reform to clearly separate the roles of its headquarters and external branches.

The external branch was a separate subsidiary that was newly established not long ago.