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Chapter 11
“You want Ms. Frost to be his secretary? Have you lost your damn mind?!” someone snapped.
“Ms. Frost’s sharp, young, and has a flawless track record. What CEO in their right mind wouldn’t want her? If she goes to the job market, those headhunters would be all over her.”
I smiled enigmatically. In fact, they underestimated the headhunters‘ efficiency. About ten days ago, before any news of my departure had leaked, some of them had already reached out to ask about my future plans.
The conversation continued.
“Don’t be so short–sighted. This isn’t an ordinary secretary position–it’s the role supporting the CEO of Jones Group! It means access to the top echelon of this city–amazing potential.”
“I know an overseas company where the executive secretary was so capable that she got promoted to VP in a few years. She even ended up marrying the CEO.”
“Hmm, if you put it that way, I kinda wanna apply for the position now.”
“Wait, has anyone actually seen the CEO of Jones Group? What does he look like? Is he even hot?”
“Nope. Only the eldest daughter of the Jones family has made public appearances. The other three siblings are super low–profile.”
The conversation veered off–topic. I couldn’t help but chuckle. Seeing their hopeful anticipation of love, I felt like a cynic who’d lost all faith in love. I was done with love. But I still wanted a career of my own.
I was planning to start my own business, but my network revolved around Julian. Once I was no longer his wife, who would give me a chance? I needed to build my professional credibility.
That evening, I contacted a socialite who frequented the circles of the wealthy and powerful, inquiring about Jones Group and its mysterious CEO,
A lazy laugh drifted through the phone.“Asking about another man–aren’t you worried your Julian will get jealous?”
“Let him stew. I don’t care.”
“Darling… did
you really break up?” Gloria asked curiously,
“Not yet.” I spoke vaguely, but she understood immediately. With a sigh, she said, “So, the rumors are true. After eight years you spent together, he cheated on you. What a jerk.”
Gloria was straightforward; I played the victim card.“Which is why I need a backup plan. Heard this mysterious CEO was hiring a secretary; I thought I’d try”
“Hold on. Give it to me straight are you after the man or the job?”
“I only trust cold hard cash now.”
“Ha ha ha… Leave it to me. I’ll make sure you meet this cash cow.”
“Thank you.”
“Wait for my good news.”
fhung up and returned to my desk, the laptop screen glaring back. The search results were meager. “Evan Jones…” I murmured the name, hoping to learn about this cash cow’s personality and preferences.
The study door opened Julian walked in. I closed my laptop. We each had our own studies, while we were dating, we were inseparable, but later, we became superiors and subordinates, ignoring each other after work.
“What do you want?” I asked, looking up,
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< Chapter 11
“Can’t I visit my own wife without an agenda?”
“Of course.” After I leave, he can even sleep here.
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He eyed my laptop suspiciously. I snapped it shut–clearly avoiding his gaze. He settled onto my chaise lounge. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“Go ahead.”
He hesitated for a few seconds. “Rita wants to join your team.” I’d suspected his polite approach meant trouble, but he still punched me in the gut. My face froze, the blood draining from my cheeks.
“There are so many departments in your company; why does she have to join mine? She wants to ruin it so bad?”
He sounded impatient.“Don’t say that. She wants to prove herself; that’s commendable.”
I was furious. “If she wants to achieve something, fine, go to someone else’s department! It’s my team! My people!”
“Be reasonable, Olivia. You’ve resigned! You’re not part of the Shaw Corp anymore! The team isn’t yours now!”
I choked, my throat tightening. He was right–what right did I have to object? What right did I have to challenge him? He wanted to use my life’s work as a love offering to his mistress–what could I do?
Julian looked at me, suppressing his anger.“Don’t think of her as malicious; I promise she isn’t trying to cause trouble. I’ll keep an eye on her.”
“Fine.” My voice was soft and low. I was tired; I didn’t want to talk about it anymore.
His irritation simmered.“I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to get mad. I know you can’t stand Rita, but you have to consider my position. We’re in a partnership with the Crowes; should I jeopardize that relationship because of your feelings?”
His illogical reasoning stunned me. What had I done wrong? My team and my career–everything I built–was stolen, and now I should be grateful and accepting of his new girlfriend?
“Heh…” Grief apparently made me want to laugh. Bile rose in my throat, the taste of betrayal sharp on my tongue.
Three days later, I went to the office for the handover. Rita strutted into my office, her Chanel suit clinking with borrowed authority. She was tossing my trophies into the trash. The entire team was going crazy. Everyone had been speculating who would replace me, but no one expected such an incompetent fool. Apparently, Rita didn’t even know how to use the printer; she spent her whole day snacking and playing games, even breaking a girl’s computer (resulting in that poor girl’s dismissal). No one dared imagine the havoc she was about to wreak on the team.
In my office, I mechanically sorted through files, my face a blank mask. As I picked up some crucial documents, Rita began her “inspiring speech.”
“Olivia Frost, how does it feel?” She looked down at me condescendingly.“No man, no job. All those years of sweat and tears, and I can erase you with a snap. Know why? You’re a scrappy outsider clawing up from nothing. I was born here. I have people to support me; you don’t. In our circle, there are countless beautiful women like you–puppets for men to toy with. Hah, are you still dreaming of marrying into the Shaw family? You’re a joke.”
