Semua Bab His Favoritism Bankrupted Him: Bab 1 - Bab 10

Keaton took the flash drive from my hand, smiled at the teary-eyed Evie, and placed it in hers.Then he looked at me, his face going cold."This demotion is your warning. Screw up again, and I won't go easy on you."After a brief pause, he added, "I hope everyone takes this as a lesson. Just because you've been here longer doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. Don't end up like Tessa."I stayed quiet.My teammates didn't."Mr. Smyth, this isn't fair. Everyone knows Tessa built this project. Why does Evie get to take it over when she hasn't even been here six months?""Tessa lived at the office for this project. She worked herself so hard she nearly ruined her eyes. How does Evie get all the credit just by saying a few words?""She's brand-new. She barely knows how anything works. If she takes over a project this big and blows it—or misses the deadline—we're the ones who'll pay for it."Keaton frowned. "Enough. This is a company, not a circus. Stop making a scene. If Tessa

That was Keaton's management style: punish hard, reward loudly, and keep everyone fighting to stay on his good side.I'd gotten used to it.The second he walked away, the office erupted in whispers."Ms. Larsen, I'm so jealous. First the river-view apartment, now limited-edition jewelry? You're seriously winning.""I know, right?"Evie soaked up every word.When her eyes met mine, they gleamed with smug satisfaction.I looked away.I had no interest in watching her gloat.I'd won project after project for Orion Corp, bringing in millions for the company. Everything I'd earned was worth far more than the rewards Evie got handed for free.None of it mattered to Keaton.He always chose her.Whenever I called him out, he'd say Evie reminded him of his late sister, so he couldn't help wanting to look after her.That was his excuse for everything.She blew Orion's only shot at partnering with a public company, and he still covered for her, praised her, and rewarded her with a r

"Besides, Mr. Smyth told me he's been sick of Tessa for a long time. If they hadn't been married for so many years, he would've divorced her already."Like she needed proof, Evie pulled up her texts and flashed her phone at everyone.A new message popped up.One of the coworkers read it out loud."I booked us a table tonight. Dinner?"Evie smirked."See? That's how much Mr. Smyth cares about me. And Tessa thinks she can compete?"The group instantly started sucking up to her, saying they wanted to stay on her good side from now on.Surrounded by her little fan club, Evie walked away.I clenched my fists until my nails bit into my palms.Then I packed up my things and walked out of Orion Corp.***The second I walked into the living room, I spotted an elegant gift box on the table.Inside was an expensive ring.The brand looked familiar.I froze.Was this for me?He was actually willing to spend this much on me?Usually, the gifts Keaton gave me didn't even cost ten bu

Mr. Linden's face went dark. "This is what your company calls a finished project?"You must think we're idiots. We came here to discuss extending the deadline, and this is what you hand us?"The project isn't even due for another three days. We came in good faith, but you've shown none."This partnership is over."Your company is in breach of contract. Per our agreement, you owe us ten times the penalty."One billion dollars."He threw the project file at Keaton's feet.Keaton stared at the scattered laptop parts, his face white.His throat worked.Excuses flashed across his face, but not one made it out.Evie recovered first.She cleared her throat and jumped in."How is this our fault? Your laptop couldn't handle the data. We finished the project early. If something went wrong during delivery, that's on you. Why blame us? Use another computer. Then we'll see whose fault it is."She sounded so sure that Nova Corp's team exchanged uneasy looks.For a second, they actually

After Nova Corp's team left, Evie rushed over and snatched the flash drive off the floor.I'd picked that drive for a reason.Shockproof. Blast-resistant. Fireproof. Waterproof.She still couldn't deal, so she jammed it into the nearest computer."No. This has to be a glitch. I worked so hard on this project. There's no way it bombed. It has to be the computer."Exactly.The computer didn't even make it thirty seconds before the screen went black with a nasty crackle.Then the surge took out every computer in the office.Smoke curled up everywhere.That sharp, burnt-plastic stink hit fast, and everyone started coughing.The mess finally yanked Keaton back to reality.He spun around and slapped Evie twice.Only then did it hit him.This wasn't a nightmare.Evie clutched her face and sobbed, "Tessa set this up. She had to! She's always hated me. She wanted me humiliated in front of everyone, so she messed with the flash drive and framed me. Mr. Smyth, you have to believe me