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Home / Emotional Realism Maikling Kwento / Trade Me for a Schemer? Enjoy Your Fall / Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 8

Lahat ng Kabanata ng Trade Me for a Schemer? Enjoy Your Fall: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 8

8 Kabanata

Chapter 1

When Owen Hayes publicly announced that his college junior, Lila Reed, was the company's largest shareholder, the entire room erupted.I stood frozen in place. After days of overtime and messed up sleep schedules, my head was buzzing. I even wondered if I'd heard him wrong."Look at Charlotte Shaw's face! It's changing colors like a mood ring!""She's been with the CEO this whole time and doesn't even have shares, but look at Lila. She's already a major shareholder!""Just because she closed a few big deals, she thinks she's above everyone else? She's still just an employee.""Always complaining about this proposal or that proposal. And now? Ha!""She's nothing but a joke."My colleagues laughed loudly around me, not bothering to hide it from my ears. I knew they were taking this opportunity to mock me on purpose. They were also using this chance to cozy up to Lila and win her favor. Owen wasn't going to stop them anyway.When Lila heard their comments, she flashed me a smug sm

Chapter 2

Dad owned several hundred companies and consistently ranked among the top on lists of the wealthiest. I was the textbook definition of a trust fund princess.When I first met Owen, his family was dirt poor. He couldn't afford tuition and walked around every day in shirts washed so many times they'd turned yellow.But he worked incredibly hard. He was always at the top of his class academically.By all rights, there was no way we should have attended the same school, but his grades were so exceptional he got a full scholarship. He juggled his studies while working multiple jobs to earn money.He once told me he couldn't stand those good-for-nothing rich kids who'd never accomplished anything, so I hid my real background from him.All for love, I gave up my comfortable life to eat food with him that I could barely choke down. I worked those menial jobs alongside him for wages I wouldn't have looked at twice before. I even had a huge fight with Dad over it.I was an only child. Dad

Chapter 3

The door slammed. Finally, some peace and quiet. Owen was pretty childish, wasn't he?Only now did I realize that without the rose-colored filter I'd placed over him, he was nothing special.Sitting in the cafe downstairs, I received a phone call."Ms. Shaw, I heard you're starting your own company. If that's the case, do you need any investors?"Had word spread that quickly?"How did you find out I'm going independent? I haven't announced anything publicly yet."The caller chuckled. "Ms. Shaw, what happened at your company last night is all over the business circles. But I'm 100% in your corner. If you really do go independent, make sure you give me a call."The sincerity in their tone was genuinely touching."Absolutely. I will." After hanging up, I smiled.Without me and all my connections, how exactly did they plan to reach greater heights?I received quite a few calls. Eventually I had someone spread the word that I'd definitely reach out, otherwise I wouldn't be able to

Chapter 4

The other colleagues looked shocked. A coworker I got along with couldn't help but whisper a warning to me."Charlotte, the CEO just gave everyone raises. Resigning now doesn't make any sense. And didn't you hear? He was just joking with you earlier."My tone remained calm. "I'm not joking. I submitted my resignation letter to HR yesterday."A flash of delight crossed Lila's eyes. She was about to say something when she caught Owen's look and swallowed her words.Owen frowned deeply, his gaze at me complicated. "Do you understand the company's situation right now? Do you realize what you're giving up by leaving?"Of course, I knew. I was giving up stress and feeling trapped.Lila spoke with a wounded tone. "Charlotte, I get it now. You still have a problem with me, don't you? Maybe I should be the one to leave instead."After all, you and Owen have worked together for so many years. Leaving now would be such a waste."She walked straight toward the door, though her eyes kept sn

Chapter 5

The people who had just been chatting excitedly now looked at each other in confusion. Owen froze as well.Before anyone could react, Lila scoffed dismissively. "What kind of joke is this? Our company hasn't even gone public yet. What financial problems could there possibly be? They must have made a mistake."Owen seemed reassured by this, as if she'd thrown him a lifeline. He let out a breath of relief, frowned at Sheila, and said, "Look into things properly before bringing them up. Don't spread unverified information and cause panic.""That's not what I—"The finance manager tried to explain, but Owen waved her off. "That's enough. Go back to your desk."Lila chimed in, "Discuss things clearly with the other party first. Don't just jump to conclusions based on rumors. If this happens again, we'll dock your pay."Sheila's eyes nearly turned red with frustration. Seeing this, I couldn't help but speak up. "You should at least let her finish."At my words, Lila's eyes filled with

Chapter 6

After getting off the plane, I arrived home quickly.Dad sent someone to pick me up. Mom held my hand the entire time, looking at me with concern. "You've gotten so thin. Have you been eating properly?"My heart ached with bitterness.Over all these years, I'd rarely called home. Back when Dad disapproved of my relationship with Owen, we'd fought constantly. Mom hadn't wanted to talk to me either.Now that I was home, I couldn't hold back anymore. All the grievances I'd been carrying were poured out."Hmph, I told you not to be with someone like that. I did a background check and you still didn't believe me!" Dad huffed at me indignantly, though his eyes were full of worry.I knew I'd been wrong. Through blurry tears, I hugged him. Dad froze, shooting helpless looks at Mom. But he still patted my back comfortingly."Alright, alright. It's not too late to come to your senses now. Starting your own company is good. It'll prepare you to take over the family business eventually. I c

Chapter 7

I heard news that Owen was scrambling frantically over company issues. After thinking it over, I went to the study to find Dad. But he seemed to know what I was going to say and handed me a document directly.Seeing the contents inside, I froze in place, somewhat stunned. This was Owen's company's financial statement, but it was different from what I'd seen before."The company's been in trouble for a while now, but to attract investors, he created two sets of books. The external accounts are fake. Only this one is real."There's already a funding gap of nearly 300 million. Even if I drop the lawsuit now, he'll have a hard time surviving," Dad said calmly.I flipped through page after page, my heart growing colder with each one. I didn't say anything more and quietly left the study.Probably worried I was taking this too hard, Dad brought Mom and me to a welcome banquet for one of his friends that evening to help me relax. I didn't expect to run into Owen and Lila there.The banq

Chapter 8

The nearby guests were drawn to the commotion. They stood frozen in silence, not daring to make a sound.Dad's friend was hosting this banquet. Seeing what happened, he immediately broke out in a cold sweat.Of course, he wouldn't ask Dad to apologize, but he didn't want trouble breaking out at his event either. He politely introduced himself to Owen and suggested they reconcile.Seeing this, Owen assumed the host was taking his side and became even more imperious."This man is trying to steal my girlfriend, and he even threatened violence! Throw him out!" Owen shouted wildly.Right then, two security guards approached. Lila immediately ordered them to throw Dad out.The guards ignored her completely. Instead, each grabbed one of Owen's arms and hauled him out.He protested loudly, shouting and struggling. Finally, he turned to me for help."Charlotte, help me! I only acted that way because of you just now. You saw it yourself. It clearly wasn't my fault."Sure enough, Lila sp

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