"There''s really no need for all that. I got five hundred thousand, but everyone at thepany contributed to the project, so everyone deserves a share. Mr. Garcia only gave the bonus to me, so now people are just gossiping about it in private. If I went public and made a scene, I''d have even less of a case.
I work for Quantum Core Technologies. Even if I created something, it still belongs to thepany. Sometimes it''s better to just take the win and keep your mouth shut."
After hearing Victoria''s exnation, Ailie felt much more at ease.
"So... what about the cake?"
She nced at the trash can and felt a pang of regret.
Why take it out on the cake?
"Forget it, it''s already gone. Lunch is on me today."
Ailie headed back to her desk. Just then, Violet''s assistant showed up, handing Victoria a stack of documents, saying Ms. Marchand asked her to deliver them to Mr. Garcia.
Victoria flipped through the papers. Every page was about Violet herself.
Apparently, these were for the annualpany g-but honestly, it looked more like Violet''s personal showcase than a corporate event.
It seemed McNeil would be attending, too.
After a quick nce, Victoria left the documents on Curtis''s desk.
Two dayster, the Quantum Core Technologies annual g arrived right on schedule.
This time, Victoria was more cautious-when Violet''s people sent for her, she didn''t bother responding. After all, she was Curtis''s secretary, so there was no need to jump at Violet''s beck and call.
Skipping the shy evening gowns, Victoria wore a simple knit dress with a long cardigan. She looked fresh and put-together, but her striking beauty still made her impossible to ignore in the crowd.
Violet arrived surrounded by admirers, her tailored pantsuit making her look even more sharp andmanding. Nearly every executive in Quantum Core Technologies clustered around her, hanging on her every word.
"After tonight, we''ll be hosting the F1 Grand Prix. I''ve arranged special invitations for all our colleagues everyone''s wee to attend the race," Violet announced, winess in hand, her confidence and quiet pride unmistakable.
"Ms. Marchand, you''re incredible! I heard those tickets were almost impossible to get, and ourpany''s got over a hundred employees. That''s impressive."
"Well, she''s Ms. Marchand, after all. If thatst game hadn''t crashed, ourpany would''ve made a fortune off this racing sponsorship."
Someone cleared their throat softly, and the chatter died down.
Violet didn''t seem to mind. She said coolly, "It was just one employee being careless-forgot to enter the program key, which triggered an automatic shutdown. But Mr. Garcia was generous and didn''t make a fuss. I hope everyone takes this as a lesson: put thepany first, and don''t get caught up in your own petty schemes."
Just as she finished, Victoria happened to cross into view. Following Violet''s gaze, everyone turned and spotted her instantly.
Rumors had already spread-supposedly, Victoria was involved in programming the game, and she was the one who held the program key. No one knew what Violet had done to upset her, but at thest minute, Victoria didn''t enter the key, which caused Quantum Core Technologies'' investors to lose billions. Word was, Curtis had stepped in to protect her, saving her from being fired by the higher-ups, and even slipped her more than half a million. The office was abuzz with gossip, most of it casting Victoria in a negative light.
Victoria felt the unfriendly stares, but she brushed them off and made a beeline for the buffet.
After negotiating with the Evermore City headquarters to finallynd a major project—and with thepany g stretching into the evening-she was starving. She felt like she could eat a horse, and nothing would get between her and a good meal.
Of course, that''s when Violet strode over, calling her out by name.
"Victoria, I saved two seats together for you and Mr. Garcia at next week''s F1 Grand Prix. Here are your tickets."