Chapter 2

Hailey and I came from the same hometown.

Her resume didn't even meet our company's hiring requirements. But seeing how eager and sincere she seemed about wanting a job, my heart softened, and I hired her.

When she first started, she was diligent and quiet. Though she lacked talent, I believed that hard work could make up for it.

Recently, I had to travel abroad to source exclusive materials for the Harrison wedding. I asked Sean to mentor Hailey while I was away.

At first, Sean would complain to me about how clumsy Hailey was, saying she almost ruined his projects.

I always told him to be patient and teach her well.

Slowly, Sean's complaints faded. I thought it was because Hailey was improving.

I never imagined that their relationship had turned into something else entirely.

When I returned to the office, I wanted Hailey to come back and work as my assistant.

But Sean said, "I finally turned that rough stone into a polished gem, and now you want to take her away? I'd have to spend so much time training a new assistant. Babe, have some mercy on me."

Even though I felt a nagging sense of unease back then, I let him convince me.

It turned out they had been fooling around long before today.

I was too foolish to believe Sean's lies.

But now, I was wide awake.

Since Sean wanted so badly to put her in the spotlight, I would happily step aside.

"Since you have so much faith in Hailey's abilities, I'm backing out of this project. I wish you both the best of luck."

I turned around and walked away gracefully.

Behind me, Hailey nudged Sean, looking anxious.

"Sean, I think Chloe is mad. I'm just an intern. How can I take over her project?"

Sean stood his ground. "She's the one who lost her professional drive. You didn't force her. She gave up the project herself. I've reviewed your proposal. You are the future of this industry. I know you can do this."

I clenched my fists, forcing myself not to look back at them staring into each other's eyes.

That afternoon, Hailey happily treated the entire office to boba.

The coworkers immediately started kissing her feet.

"I knew Hailey's hard work would pay off!"

"Hailey, don't forget about us when you get promoted!"

Seeing her act like she had already won, I let out a cold laugh.

Did she really think getting a proposal approved was the end of it?

That was just the foot in the door. Sourcing the actual materials was the real challenge.

Both the Harrisons and the bride's family were elite billionaires. This wedding wasn't just a simple ceremony; it was a display of their family's status.

Otherwise, why would I have spent months flying back and forth across the globe?

Without knocking, Hailey pushed my office door open.

She carelessly tossed a cup of boba onto my desk.

"Chloe, I bought this for you. I hope you like it."

I frowned at the sugary drink. I had always hated overly sweet drinks, and I had told her this multiple times when she was my assistant. I guess spending too much time with Sean had made her forget.

I waved my hand. "Thanks, but I don't drink sweet boba. You can have it."

The door was pushed open again.

Seeing that it was Sean, Hailey suddenly gasped, tripped, and fell to the floor.

The plastic cup burst open, splashing sticky boba all over her clothes and ruining my clean floor.

Hailey peeked at Sean and scrambled up in a panic. The tapioca pearls rolled all over the floor.

"It's all my fault. I'm so clumsy. I can't even deliver a drink to Chloe right."

She cast a fearful glance at me. Seeing me watching her with a mocking smirk, she immediately dropped to her knees and started wiping the floor with her skirt.

"I'm so sorry, Chloe! I'll clean up your floor. I promise I'll never bring boba to the office again. Please don't be mad at me!"

Sean rushed forward and angrily pulled Hailey up.

"Chloe Vance! Is this how you treat the person who just saved our company? If it weren't for her, we would have lost our reputation and owed a fortune in breach of contract fees!"

I laughed coldly. "Who caused my 'mistake' in the first place? Who hid the venue change from me? And who actually wrote Hailey's proposal? Nobody else might know, but do you think I don't know, Sean?"

Sean didn't answer my questions. Instead, he took off his designer coat and gently wrapped it around Hailey's shoulders.

"Hailey, you've suffered enough today. Go home and rest."

Watching them act like a couple in a cheesy drama made me feel utterly cold inside.

Once everyone left and the office was empty, Sean finally snapped.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you so paranoid? I've been exhausted from dealing with clients lately, so I just forgot to tell you about the venue."

"You mentored Hailey yourself. Of course her ideas would be similar to yours."

"If you don't want to work anymore, just stay home. My mom has been begging for grandkids anyway. You can just do housework, take care of my parents, and raise a baby. Leave the company business to me."

Before Hailey left, she had intentionally left my office door ajar so the entire office could hear. She wanted them to laugh at me.

Hah. Let's see who gets the last laugh.