Chapter 2

"Do a good job, and I'll take good care of you. Raises, promotions—anything you want."

He leaned closer, lowering his voice into a sultry whisper.

Internally, I cursed out his entire family tree. On the outside, I plastered on a polished corporate smile.

"Don't worry, Director Evans. I'll make sure it's unforgettable."

I took a subtle step back, escaping his nauseating breath.

I lowered my head to hide the disgust in my eyes.

Out of the corner of my vision, I caught a glimpse of his computer monitor.

A photo... taken from a hidden angle. Dark, creepy.

The folder name read: 2024 Team Building Event.

My heart plummeted.

A plan began to form in my mind.

I was going to destroy him at that party.

I flashed him a dazzling, compliant smile. "My promotion is in your hands, Director."

That afternoon, in the breakroom.

Brad had Emma cornered by the counter.

He was holding a measuring tape, sporting that repulsive smirk.

"Come on, Emma, let me get your measurements so we can tailor the hottest bikini for you."

Emma went pale as a sheet.

She shrank back, trembling like a trapped deer.

"Director Evans, please... I..."

Her voice shook, breaking into sobs.

When she spotted me, her eyes flashed with pure terror and a silent plea for help.

That disgusting bastard was at it again.

Seeing his hands reach toward her, I couldn't wait another second!

I surged forward, quickening my pace.

With a flick of my wrist, a mug of steaming hot coffee splashed across his front.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry! I'm so, so sorry!"

"Aaargh!"

Brad shrieked in pain, hopping around trying to shake the hot liquid off his pants.

Catching my eye, Emma slipped away.

"Director Evans, are you okay?"

He glared at me with pure venom. "Watch where you're walking, you idiot!"

I immediately held out a new event proposal.

"Look, I added a stage dance, a massive LED screen, and a couples' waltz. What do you think?"

Brad's anger instantly melted into delight.

"Good girl, Chloe. Keep it up. I knew I could count on you."

Back at my desk, a chill ran down my spine.

I had to accelerate the plan.

I opened my contacts and messaged Chase in IT. We were old college friends.

I laid out the entire situation and explained what I needed.

He agreed without hesitation.

With tech support locked down, I let out a breath of relief.

Waiting for the right moment, I plugged a malware USB drive into Brad's computer.

When Brad started screaming about his system freezing, I immediately called Chase over to "fix" it.

I watched Chase work on the keyboard, holding my breath.

Please, let this work.

After an agonizing hour, Chase finally walked out.

Back at my desk, my phone buzzed with a message from him.

Got it. Creeper photos, plus receipts of embezzlement and kickbacks.

The words on the screen made my pulse race.

I opened the compressed file he sent.

Folder after folder of absolute horror.

In the candid photos, female coworkers looked shocked, helpless, or furious. It turned my stomach.

Even worse were the bank transfers showing Brad embezzling department funds to buy luxury bags for the Vice President's side chick.

This was more than enough to end him.

I texted Chase back: On International Women's Day, I'm going to put all of this on full blast.

Chase replied: Got your back. Leave the screens to me.

I couldn't help asking: Why are you helping me like this?

It took a while for his reply to come through: Because I like you. I won't let you get hurt—and I won't let him hurt anyone else, either.

A ray of hope finally pierced the gloom, lifting my spirits.

But the good mood didn't last.

Sarah was called into Brad's office.

The door was left slightly ajar. I could hear everything inside.

"Sarah, I picked this swimsuit out just for you. Well? Like it?"

Through the crack, I saw Sarah's back.

She was standing in a sheer, cut-out swimsuit, her entire frame trembling with shame.

My heart twisted painfully.

A moment later, Sarah walked out with her head down, tears spilling over her flushed cheeks.

A few female coworkers rushed over, speaking in hushed, comforting tones.

"I've never... been so humiliated in my entire life!" she sobbed.

Their gazes drifted toward me—cold, distant, and guarded. They thought I was his accomplice.

I silently turned back to my desk and sent the official party invites to the executive team.

Including the CEO.