Chapter 1

At the company team-building dinner, our CEO, Arthur Sterling, invited the core management team.

As the Head of Tech, I arrived right on time, only to find there was no seat left for me.

Chloe Ward, the Head of Sales, covered her mouth and smirked.

"Oh, Elena. I'm so sorry. We thought you weren't coming."

"After all, your department cost Arthur a fortune this year."

My heart went cold. I knew she was targeting me. I scoffed.

"What is that supposed to mean, Chloe?"

"Our product upgrade was highly praised by the market. On the other hand, Sales has been tanking."

"Are you trying to use the Tech Department as a scapegoat for your own missed targets?"

Chloe's face twisted with rage. She turned to Arthur. "Look at her, Arthur. This is the attitude of the Tech Department."

Our product was my shield. I looked at Arthur without fear.

But Arthur only said:

"Tech spent a lot of money this year. A punishment is indeed in order."

"Elena, for tonight’s dinner, you can stand and serve Chloe."

I let out a cold, disbelieving laugh.

Humiliating me in public? Fine. If you want a circus, let's burn the whole tent down.