Chapter 4

The next morning, I showed up at the office right on time.

But my coworkers looked at me differently.

They gathered in the break room, whispering in small groups.

"See? She still showed up for work. I told you she wouldn't dare quit."

"Duh, all her clients are registered under the company. If she leaves, she can’t take any of them."

"Without Harris Advertising, she’s nothing."

"Exactly. Richard’s move was brilliant. He really put her in her place. She’ll behave now."

Chase was even more obnoxious. He strutted over to my desk, flashing his phone to show off a photo of a brand-new Porsche.

"Hey Sophia, what do you think of this car?"

"My $880,000 bonus is just enough for the down payment."

"Sucks that some people only got $888. Can't even buy a single tire with that."

His lackeys burst into laughter.

I didn't even look up. I kept my eyes on my computer screen and said coldly,

"Move. You're blocking my light."

My complete indifference made Chase feel like his punch had landed on a wall of jello.

His face tightened, and he walked away, annoyed.

Later, Richard called me into his office.

He wore the generous smile of a victor.

"Sophia, take a seat."

"Don't take the gala thing to heart." He poured me a cup of tea.

"I did that to motivate you, and also to balance the dynamics in the office. You have to understand my position."

"I know you feel wronged, but you have to look at the bigger picture."

"The company needs you, and I need you."

He started his usual routine—feeding me empty promises.

"Next year, I’m planning to put you in complete charge of the contract renewal for Bloom Cosmetics."

"That deal is worth a hundred million dollars! Once we lock it down, I’ll personally write you a massive bonus check!"

Bloom Cosmetics was my biggest client and the main source of income for Harris Advertising.

Their contract was expiring in a month.

Richard gave me this project because, on one hand, no one else could handle it. On the other hand, he wanted to use this deal to keep me hooked and quiet.

I nodded, offering a compliant smile.

"Thank you for trusting me, Richard. I’ll do my best."

Richard smiled with deep satisfaction.

In his eyes, he had me completely figured out.

A capable woman, sure, but ultimately lacking the guts to leave. Give her a slap, then a piece of candy, and she would fall right back into line.

I took the project folder and walked out of his office.

That afternoon, I left the company under the excuse of "visiting clients to discuss the renewal."

But I didn't drive to Bloom Cosmetics. Instead, I drove to a private club on the outskirts of the city.

In a quiet room, Amanda Vance was already waiting for me.

"Sophia, you are even calmer than I thought," she said, pouring me a cup of Earl Grey.

"When dealing with a man like Richard, being calm is the only weapon," I replied.

"Tell me your plan," Amanda said, getting straight to the point.

I took a flash drive out of my bag and placed it on the table.

"In here is the data for twenty-four of my core clients, along with my proposal for Vanguard Media."

"These twenty-four clients make up eighty-two percent of Harris's annual revenue."

"Their contracts are all expiring within the next two months."

Amanda's eyes lit up.

"My plan is simple," I said, looking her in the eye.

"In one month, I will officially resign from Harris."

"Once I leave, I need Vanguard's legal and sales teams to work with me to seamlessly transition these twenty-four clients."

"I will personally talk to each client and convince them to drop Harris and sign with Vanguard."

"All Vanguard needs to do is offer slightly better rates and guarantee premium service."

Amanda didn't answer immediately. She fell into deep thought.

This was a plan that could instantly bankrupt Harris Advertising, but it also carried huge risks.

"How do I know you're not using me to get leverage for a negotiation with Richard?" she asked the most critical question.

I smiled.

I reached into my bag, pulled out the thin envelope containing the $888, and placed it on the table.

"This was my year-end bonus from Richard."

Amanda looked at the envelope, then at me. Her expression shifted from suspicion to total understanding.

She got it.

"I see," Amanda said, picking up the flash drive.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Sophia. From this moment on, all of Vanguard's resources are at your disposal."

"Likewise."

We smiled at each other, knowing the game was already won.

### 第四章