Chapter 3

The next day, I went to the office and submitted my vacation request form. I had worked at the company for eight years and never taken a single day of annual leave.

When I handed in the form today, Chad looked at me. "What's the meaning of this, Skylar? I just started, and you want to take time off? Are you deliberately trying to defy me?"

"Director Chad, you're overreacting. Under your brilliant leadership, I'm sure we'll turn things around! I've been working for so many years without a break; I'm just completely worn out. I need to take some annual leave, give myself a proper break. My body can't handle it anymore."

He looked me up and down, his eyes held a clear look of disdain. "Right. All those big clients you have to entertain. True, after thirty, people just don't have the energy they used to."

He was definitely implying something. He suspected I used shady tactics to land clients.

Once prejudice takes root, it's incredibly hard to change.

But I didn't bother to explain now. Chad still signed it.

"Remember your monthly assessment! If you don't meet your targets, your base salary will be docked!"

"Fail to meet targets for three consecutive months, and you're packing your bags and out the door!"

"Understood. Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere."

Because they're the ones who'll be leaving!

After finishing the paperwork, I packed my things and started my vacation. First stop: the capital city. Today was the day I was seeing my show; I absolutely couldn't miss it.

Two hours later, just as I got off the express train, Leo texted me: "Skylar, the Bright Horizon Group contract was finalized. Brenda says this revenue will be credited to Chad's name."

"By year-end, they're going to push for Chad to be the Head of Sales. That way, Brenda can get another promotion too!"

"Seriously, how shameless! Are you just going to take this?"

"Not yet. They can't handle it. Just wait!"

I sent that text and smiled. The Bright Horizon contract wasn't something you could just smooth over with a few dinners and drinks.

I ignored it, silenced my phone, and sat in the auditorium, looking at the stage, barely three feet in front of me. I was incredibly excited.

My mood ebbed and flowed with the play, sometimes laughing, sometimes shedding tears.

Two hours later, I walked out of the auditorium, pulled out my phone, and saw over a hundred missed calls and countless messages.

The most recent one was from Brenda, just moments ago.

"Skylar, Mr. Vance from Bright Horizon Group says there's a problem with the contract. They're backing out, a direct loss of billions! You're gonna get fired!"

I scoffed, replying with just one sentence: "The contract was handed over to Chad. He messes up, and I'm supposed to take the blame?"

"Manager Brenda, if you want to fire me, make sure you pay me severance, okay?"

After sending it, I shoved my phone back in my pocket. Leo couldn't even reach me.

I spent my time enjoying the sights and sounds, grabbing snacks, and the constant messages on my phone kept me updated.

After I left, Chad tried to "build rapport" with the big client, went to Bright Horizon Group, and even brought gifts.

But when he got there, Mr. Vance met him. Learning Chad was the new director, Mr. Vance asked a few technical questions, and Chad couldn't answer a single one. Mr. Vance thought the company was unprofessional and requested to personally inspect the facility.

I'd visited that site hundreds of times with him, but Chad had never even stepped foot there. When they arrived, the machine was conveniently broken.

Chad told the engineers to come fix it.

However, no one knew how to repair the new machine. Whenever there was a problem in the past, I'd just call in someone to fix it.

Chad used this as an excuse, claiming I had intentionally sabotaged the machine.

Mr. Vance immediately declared our company was fraudulent and he wouldn't renew the contract.

Not only were billions gone because he messed up this contract, but Mr. Vance also publicly ridiculed Chad and even escalated the issue to Mr. Sterling.

Leo happened to call: "Skylar, please come back! They're even talking about calling the police and saying you committed malicious fraud!"