Chapter 3

I never brought up that travel reimbursement again.

Richard seemed thrilled by my sudden "submissiveness." In our next weekly department standup, he even gave me a special shout-out:

"Everyone should look up to Chloe! She closed a massive deal and stayed completely humble.”

“She keeps her head down, strictly respects company discipline, and focuses purely on driving results. That is the kind of talent this organization values!"

A few days later, Brad called me into his office again, looking grim.

"Chloe, we've got an emergency. You know the West District municipal project Greg was handling? It's blown up."

The West District account was our other whale client of the year, alongside the one I had just closed.

It was a fifty-million-dollar enterprise infrastructure contract.

The client was notoriously demanding, their technical specs were a moving target, and their procurement process was a bureaucratic nightmare.

Greg had been fumbling around with it for six months, burning through budget with zero tangible progress.

Rumor had it that the client's steering committee was thoroughly disgusted with our pitch, and the deal was on the verge of collapsing.

"Director Lewis from the client's IT office called Richard directly.”

“He said our solution is completely detached from reality, our service attitude is appalling, and they're ready to drop us from the shortlist," Brad whispered urgently.

"You know how critical this account is for our public sector expansion.

Greg can't handle it anymore—they won't even pick up his calls.

Richard is livid. He handpicked you to put out the fire. You leave tomorrow morning!"

He paused, studying my neutral expression, before adding:

"This time, every single expense must—strictly—adhere to company standards! No special exceptions, no drama. Got it?"

I sneered inwardly.

This was a flaming dumpster fire. One wrong step and the blame would land squarely on whoever stepped in.

If it failed, it was my fault. If it succeeded, Greg would probably still claim credit for "laying the groundwork."

And they dared frame this as a test of my obedience and "big-picture thinking"?

"Understood, Brad," I replied calmly. "I'll prep the files."

A look of immense relief washed over Brad's face. He clapped my shoulder enthusiastically.

"I knew it! You're always the one we can count on in a pinch! Don't worry—if you pull this off, your name will be at the very top of the bonus list!"

Back at my desk, Leo leaned in. When I filled him in, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.

"Chloe, why on earth did you take that? Greg screwed up because he's incompetent, and now they're sending you to take the fall?

And strictly within budget? West District is out in the middle of nowhere!

The nearest budget motel that fits our cheap company per diem is ten miles away in some rural township! What about the commute? What if the client calls a late-night emergency sync?"

I packed my laptop without looking up. "The manual spells it out plain and simple: we follow the rules to the letter."