Chapter 3

I glanced at the front door.

That's when I remembered I'd forgotten to delete his fingerprint after we broke up.

Mark didn't answer, just said coldly, "Who told you my company went bankrupt and was acquired?"

I was busy changing my shoes, not bothering to respond.

Mark's face grew even darker.

"As you wished, the company did indeed go bankrupt."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised Ms. Smith had been so efficient.

She said it at lunch, and it was done by the afternoon.

Mark continued.

"Skylar, I don't know how you got this information ahead of time."

"But don't celebrate too soon."

"The company that acquired us is a huge corporation. They'll help me deal with the previous project issues."

"I'll still be in management."

I walked over and brewed myself a cup of tea, not at all surprised.

I knew this, of course.

It was because my optimization list hadn't been finalized yet, so the original company personnel were temporarily retained.

"So?" I asked calmly.

Mark's eyes were locked on me.

"I want you to hand over all your old client resources to Chloe, and I'll arrange a manager position for you in the new company."

"You should know, with the backing of the head office, Sterling Group will only be stronger than before."

"Offering you your manager role back, that's a pretty generous offer."

I suddenly laughed.

He said it with such righteous conviction, as if he was doing me a huge favor.

But I knew very well that after the company's acquisition, Ms. Smith would release the development plan I had written.

One of the stipulations was that after I took office, positions would be assigned based on ability.

Mark was making this demand for one reason only.

He wanted to use my old client resources to help Chloe demonstrate her abilities and secure her position as Vice President.

I had to admit, his love for Chloe was deep.

Too bad he'd bet on the wrong person.

"Mark, you're incredibly naive."

My words instantly darkened Mark's face. He suddenly stood up and walked toward me, step by step.

His tall frame loomed over me, radiating a chilling pressure, his eyes piercing through me as if he saw straight into my soul.

"Skylar, I know you're still jealous of Chloe."

"You feel wronged, wondering why I changed toward you and was so good to her?"

"But I need you to understand, our identities are different now. I'm the boss."

"And you? You're just a woman who worked for me. A girlfriend like you simply isn't a match for me anymore."

"But Chloe, she brought me a fresh thrill and made me feel like a man. You can't compare to her."

Mark stared at me intently, his voice unusually gentle.

"I'm giving you one night to think about it."

With that, he turned and left.

I shook my head helplessly.

I immediately deleted his fingerprint, then opened my laptop and sent over tomorrow's termination list.

The next morning, I officially started my new role at the company.

As I entered, colleagues were buzzing, discussing the company's acquisition.

Mark, as always, was making empty promises to everyone.

He claimed he was still part of management and that if everyone worked hard, things would remain the same as before.

Until someone noticed me, his eyes suddenly lit up.

He walked over to me, his tone triumphant, as if he'd expected me to come crawling back.

"Had a change of heart? Willing to hand over the client files to Chloe?"