Part 1: Taking the CreditClaim It—If You Dare

The company was preparing to host a major client from Qamaria. So, I pulled three straight all-nighters to put together a flawless reception plan.

Unfortunately, I made a critical mistake in the middle of all that work. I completely forgot about the Qamarians' restrictions regarding the consumption of pork.

By the time I realized my blunder, the menu featuring roast suckling pig had already been submitted to the catering department and could no longer be recalled.

I slumped at my desk, my back drenched in cold sweat.

If the client took offense, not only would the $300 million contract fall through, but I'd likely also be blacklisted by the entire industry.

Just as I despaired and opened my computer to write my resignation letter, my boyfriend's childhood sweetheart suddenly came running over in tears.

"Evelyn, I could overlook you stealing my bonuses and clients, but I've finally gotten a chance to secure a full-time position. Why would you steal my reception plan and claim it as your own?"

Even my boyfriend jumped in to support her.

"It's a good thing I caught it in time and changed the name to Claire's. You'd be fired if Ms. Bennett found out about this."

I immediately donned the pitiful expression of someone being slandered, unable to defend herself.

In truth, I was thrilled. After all, they were referring to a 300-million-dollar contract.

Since the harpy loved stealing others' credit so badly, she could take the fall for it, too.

* * *

The moment my fingers touched the keyboard, I heard someone sobbing loudly behind me.

"Evelyn, I could overlook you stealing my bonuses and clients, but I've finally gotten a chance to secure a full-time position. Why would you steal my reception plan and claim it as your own?

"Please, don't take this from me, too. I'll give you all my future sales once I get hired full-time, okay?"

When I remained silent, Claire Sutton's waterworks started once more.

She wasn't loud, but she was far from quiet. Honestly, she was just loud enough that everyone in the office could hear her.

And they all knew one thing—this reception plan was tied to a $300 million contract.

When the chair, Eleanor Bennett, had held the meeting, she had made it abundantly clear that whoever secured the major client from Qamaria would not only receive a promotion and a raise, but also a share of the company's stock.

My proposal had been selected because management trusted me and because of the years of experience I had under my belt.

I had slaved over the plan for three days and nights.

My boyfriend, Damian Blackwood, had seen me working on it, yet he stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Claire's waist.

Then, he shamelessly accused me of wrongdoing.

"Evelyn, you might be my girlfriend, but I have to do the right thing for my conscience's sake.

"The reception plan you submitted was obviously Claire's work. It's bad enough that you refuse to mentor a newcomer despite the fact that you're her senior, but it's another thing for you to plagiarize her proposal and claim it as your own."

I nearly let out a bark of disbelieving laughter. Hadn't I done enough for Claire already?

I never would have agreed to hire an intern from a third-rate college if he hadn't threatened to end our relationship.

Later, I even went out of my way to help her. Heck, I even handed over several of my own clients just to pad up her resume, yet she either botched the job or upset the client so badly that they canceled their orders.

I became her free nanny because I had to clean up the mess she made. On the contrary, Damian always protected Claire like an overindulgent parent instead of appreciating my efforts.

"Claire's still an intern. Can't you be a bit more understanding? Plus, she's my childhood friend."

Childhood friend? I finally saw the light. Those two adulterous snakes had probably been rolling around in bed together long ago.

I was about to deliver a snarky retort of my own when Damian slammed a document onto my desk. "It's a good thing I caught it in time and changed the name to Claire's. You'd be fired if Ms. Bennett found out about this."

I lowered my eyes and looked at the document.

'Reception Plan Confirmation Form.'

'Project Planner: Claire Sutton.'

'Project Executor: Damian Blackwood.'

Both of their signatures were already on it. Now, all they needed was my signature.