Semua Bab Resign with Grace, Return with Fire: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Sandra's expression changed drastically. She snapped her head toward Lester, her gaze turning razor-sharp.Lester took a frightened step back."M-Ms. Wendell, there must be some kind of misunderstanding," he stammered.Then, he suddenly pointed at me. "These projects were all handed over from Fred. He shares the responsibility, too. "Fred, don't think you can dump this mess on me just because you resigned!"To prove his innocence, he immediately slipped back into his role as a victim. His voice trembled as he said, "Ms. Wendell, I just took over Fred's projects. He must have set me up. Don't you trust me anymore?"When Sandra saw how pitiful he looked, the doubt in her eyes softened almost instantly.She frowned at me briefly, then said gently to Lester, "Alright. Let's return to the office and deal with this first. Of course I trust you. If this really was Fred's doing, I'll make sure he takes responsibility."Before leaving, Sandra gave me a long, heavy look, then turned and

Lester tried several times to win Sandra's favor again, but she was cold and indifferent toward him.Before long, Wendell Group found itself entangled in lawsuits again. Every project Lester had recently taken over ended in disaster.Clients stormed the company demanding contract cancellations and tenfold compensation.The whole industry buzzed with gossip, and many near-deals collapsed.Shareholders came to demand accountability. Leading the charge was Lester's father, David Hale. He publicly scolded Sandra in front of all employees for ten full minutes while pointing at her like a criminal.Then, he stormed into the shareholders' conference room for a formal reprimand.Throughout all this, Sandra never interrupted to explain that it was Lester who had caused the mess.Seeing David, Lester didn't dare utter a single word, showing zero responsibility.For someone as proud as Sandra, this was the first time she'd ever looked so powerless. But the Lester she had so fiercely defen

When Sandra first started her career, she was slandered and defamed, and I went to great lengths to gather evidence to clear her name.She used to despise those underhanded tactics. Yet now, the once upright and honest Sandra actually lied and framed me for Lester.The kind and beautiful Sandra in my memories was gone.Before the trial, Sandra sent me a message. "Fred, I'm giving you one last chance. If you get back together with me and return to Wendell Group, I'll withdraw the lawsuit. That's the best outcome for both of us."She wanted me to work for her again? No way.I was about to refuse when Lester beat me to it. He submitted prepared evidence to the judge and even streamed the trial live.The live chat was filled with insults and curses aimed at me.The judge looked at me with disdain after reviewing the evidence. "Mr. Sloan, Ms. Wendell and Mr. Hale are accusing you of stealing company secrets, causing severe losses. Do you plead guilty?"But facing all this, I just sm

"So what if you beat us in court, Fred? In the end, I'm still the winner in life. You're furious right now, aren't you? Well, blame yourself for not having my moves," Lester texted.His and Sandra's taunting texts didn't affect my mood. Something did feel off, though.Lester was a total showpiece. He hadn't even finished high school, never had any real education, and knew nothing about running a company. How could he possibly bring a dying business back to life?With that in mind, I hired someone to look into the matter. As expected, Lester had done something underhanded.I was about to send the evidence I'd gathered to Sandra when I suddenly remembered that we were no longer anything to each other. We were broken up, so why should her fate be my business?Besides, even if I sent it, she wouldn't believe me. She would think that I was jealous of Lester and that I'd faked the proof to smear him. If she wouldn't believe me, why would I want to invite trouble?With that thought, I s

"Given your situation, even if you did find a job, it would probably be at some no-name studio. You don't stand a chance against our company. I'm saying this for your own good…" Every word out of Lester's mouth dripped with condescension, like I was embarrassing myself.I ignored him and handed the bid proposal to John.Sandra snorted. "Learn to know your place!"She and Lester both curled their lips as they waited to watch me make a fool of myself. But a second later, John tossed their proposal aside and took mine.After carefully flipping through it, he smiled and held out a hand. "I'm very satisfied with your bid, Mr. Sloan. I'm looking forward to working with you!"I smiled as well and reached out to shake his hand.For a moment, Sandra and Lester were both stunned. "W-What? Mr. Lawson chose Fred over us?"Sandra turned to me. "Fred, did you pull some strings? Why else would Mr. Lawson pass on our thriving company and pick your no-name studio?"Lester shook his head. "I kno