Chapter 5

Leaving the club, I drove straight to Bloom Cosmetics.

I went to the top floor, right into the Chairman's office.

The Chairman, Arthur Reynolds, was a man in his sixties. He was an old family friend and a mentor to me.

"Arthur," I said, sitting on his couch.

"Sophia! What brings you here today? I assume it’s not about the contract renewal."

"You can just talk to my managers about that. I trust you completely," Arthur said with a warm smile.

"Arthur, I might be leaving Harris Advertising next month."

Arthur froze for a second, immediately realizing what was going on.

"Did that idiot Richard treat you poorly?"

I didn't say anything, just offered a bitter smile.

"I told you long ago that he is a small-minded man. He will never build a real empire," Arthur said, shaking his head.

"So, what's your plan?"

"I'm going to Vanguard Media," I said directly.

"So I came today to ask... if I move to Vanguard, would you prefer to stay with Harris, or... come with me?"

Arthur laughed and pointed at me.

"You clever girl. You've already put it that way, how else can I choose?"

"Bloom Cosmetics never partnered with Harris Advertising. We partnered with Sophia Miller."

"Wherever you go, our contract goes."

The heaviest stone in my heart finally lifted.

"Thank you, Arthur."

"My dear, don't mention it."

With the most important client, Bloom Cosmetics, locked in, dealing with the other clients was child's play.

For the next month, I pretended to be the most hardworking employee.

Every day, I was "visiting clients" and "discussing renewals." I wrote detailed, highly optimistic project reports for Richard.

Looking at the glowing reports of guaranteed renewals I submitted, Richard was over the moon. He trusted me more than ever.

He even praised me publicly in a company-wide meeting. "Look at Sophia! That is what I call ownership spirit!"

"Even after a minor misunderstanding, she doesn't complain. She puts the company first!"

But behind his back, I used these "client visits" to hold secret meetings with my core clients, accompanied by Amanda’s team.

I showed them Vanguard's superior capabilities, promised better service and pricing, and finalized all the details for their transition.

Every single one of them chose to stand with me without hesitation.

Because they knew I never let them down.