Chapter 2

"Evelyn, are you listening?"

A sickeningly sweet voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I snapped my eyes open.

I turned my head. Grace’s heavily made-up face was inches from mine.

She pouted, tugging at my sleeve.

"Can you let me have that million-dollar contract? I really need this chance to prove myself."

Under the desk, I dug my fingernails into my palms. The sharp pain proved it wasn't a dream.

I had really gone back in time. Back to the moment before this venomous snake ruined my life.

Memories flooded in.

In my past life, after I refused, Grace cried to Johnson, and Scott lied for her.

Getting fired was just the beginning. I woke up in that overseas dark-web club.

Seven days of torture. Electric shocks, waterboarding, endless abuse...

"Evelyn?" Grace's voice dragged me back.

I watched her glossy lips move, my chest burning with pure hatred.

"Sure," I offered a professional smile. "You can have the Vance account."

Grace froze. She didn't expect me to agree so easily.

Suspicion flashed in her eyes, quickly replaced by fake gratitude.

"Really? Thank you so much! I won't let you down!"

I watched her walk away, a cold smirk playing on my lips.

Wesley Vance was notoriously difficult. He had two rules for doing business: either you outdrink him, or you sleep with him.

In my past life, I succeeded because I have a freakishly high alcohol tolerance.

But Grace? From what I knew, she was a lightweight. One glass, and she'd be out.

I grabbed my phone and dialed a number I rarely called.

"Aunt Samantha, it's me," I said, keeping my voice low. "Wesley Vance is going to the Eclipse Lounge tonight. Keep an eye on him for me."

My aunt’s calm, steady voice came through. "Is someone giving you trouble? Do you want me to handle it?"

"No need," I said, my nails digging into my palms again.

I want to destroy her with my own hands.

I hung up and walked to the conference room.

Grace was already boasting to Johnson that she was the one who secured the deal.

Scott stood beside her, his eyes practically glued to her.

In my past life, Scott’s false testimony was the final nail in my coffin.

"Evelyn," Johnson said, pushing up his gold-rimmed glasses. He was a trophy husband who only got his position because of his wealthy wife, so he loved playing the big boss.

"You need to learn to delegate. Give the newbies a chance."

"Grace did an amazing job landing this."

I looked at Grace, who was leaning uncomfortably close to Johnson. I smiled.

At 5 PM, Grace touched up her makeup and left for her meeting.