Chapter 4

[I really want to tell everyone the truth. It's one thing for me to take the fall for Chloe, but our colleagues are innocent!]

[Those colleagues who rely on their salaries to buy food and pay bills might not even be able to afford meals later, let alone get married or raise children.]

Mr. Jenkins, the approving manager, frowned, slamming my project document shut with force.

"Chloe, you've only been with the company for a few years, and you already want to manage a project independently? You're far too ambitious. You're asking for twenty million dollars in funding. Who do you think you are?"

"Mr. Jenkins, this project indeed requires this much seed money, and its prospects are excellent."

As I spoke, I pressed the remote, adjusting the PPT slides.

Aligning with the visuals on the screen, I continued to analyze my project. "This is data I spent six months collecting. The construction materials industry in a certain overseas country is indeed a blank slate. Now is the best time for our company to enter that market. I can guarantee that we'll recover our investment in less than six months."

I had specially prepared a comprehensive table, listing all possible scenarios for the project's progression.

Mr. Jenkins clearly hadn't expected this. Looking at my PPT content, his expression wavered slightly.

And the other colleagues with voting rights shifted from dissatisfaction to shock.

"Chloe's project actually looks really good. I've been with the company for ten years, and I've never seen such a complete project proposal."

I was quite satisfied with this scene.

It meant all the extra work I'd done since my rebirth wasn't in vain.

Just as everyone's doubts were beginning to shift towards Melody, she put on a wronged expression.

[Chloe really is an incredibly manipulative woman. To trick us into approving this seed money, she even fabricated all this fake data.]

[This data is all confidential company information. How could a mere employee like Chloe possibly get her hands on it? This is such an obvious red flag, has no one else noticed?]

As these two thoughts echoed, everyone's gaze immediately focused on the data table in the PPT. Someone quickly pulled out their phone to search, then pointed at me. "Chloe, I looked up these companies online. All their data is protected by specialists, which means the data you've presented is all fabricated! You clearly have no confidence in doing this project well, so how dare you ask for twenty million dollars? Have you even considered what happens if it fails?"

With one person starting, others quickly chimed in.

"Chloe, you should just go back to the sales department and contact clients, alright? Stop making empty boasts here."

"Or are you not genuinely interested in doing the project, but your real goal is to scam the company for money?"

"No wonder I found a plane ticket for an overseas trip in your drawer before! So you were planning to flee with the company's money after scamming us!"

The voices grew louder and more chaotic, with some even advocating to call the police and have me arrested.

This scene made my heart clench in frustration, especially when I saw Melody's triumphant smile. It just made me feel like everyone else was an idiot.

They weren't looking at the real world; they were all being led astray by Melody's inner thoughts.

Just as I was about to speak, a man in a sharp suit with a stern face suddenly appeared outside the conference room.

Seeing him, the colleagues and managers in the room widened their eyes, unconsciously straightening their collars and dresses.

"Isn't that the CEO of Sterling Group? Why is he at our company?"

"He must be here to partner with us! Whoever lands this deal will definitely be this year's top salesperson!"

I had just taken a step forward when Mr. Jenkins reached out and pushed me aside. "Get out of the way! Is Mr. Sterling someone a small-fry like you can approach?"

I said nothing, merely watching as the "important figure," Mr. Sterling, walked towards me.

"Why can't my sister approach me?"

My brother's words left everyone speechless, their mouths hanging open.

They looked back and forth, watching my brother walk over to me. I linked my arm through his. "Alex, what brings you here today?"