That afternoon, Victoria was caught off guard by a sudden notice of reassignment.


    She would no longer be serving as Curtis''s executive assistant. Instead, she was being transferred to the Investment Department, taking over Violet''s position as Deputy Manager.


    Curtis came to speak with her personally. Victoria sat quietly at her desk, offering


    noment.


    "I reviewed the two investment proposals you had Ailie send over," Curtis began. "They''re impressive. Both projects are already underway and showing promising results. Victoria, working as my assistant has put you in a difficult position, so I''ve decided to move you to the Investment Department."


    Victoria simply nodded. "Whatever you think is best, Mr. Garcia."


    Curtis seemed a little apologetic. "Don''t worry-your sry will remain the same.”


    Victoria showed no sign of displeasure. Curtis even arranged for his new assistant to help her pack up, and sent her things over to Ailie''s office. He had a partition set up so they could share the space, making it easier for them to work together.


    Ailie was genuinely happy to see Victoria join her. Despite Curtis always looking out for Victoria, Ailie had still worried she might be taken advantage of.


    While Ailie was on her way to HR to pick up a reassignment form, Jack caught up to her.


    He and Ailie had worked together for years and shared a kind of camaraderie thates from surviving office politics together.


    "Let me give you some advice," Jack said, closing the office door behind him. "You might want to keep your distance from Ms. Turner."


    Ailie frowned. "What rumors have you been listening to now?"


    She could tolerate gossip about anyone else, but if it was about Victoria, she instantly went into protective mode.


    "Seriously, you''re the only one in thepany who doesn''t know?" Jack leaned in. "Mr. Garcia didn''t move Ms. Turner because she''s brilliant. Word is, someone upstairs pressured him. The news is all over the office."


    Ailie still didn''t get it. "Was this Ms. Marchand''s idea?"


    Who else could sway Curtis''s decisions like that?


    But-Victoria following Curtis had nothing to do with Violet, did it?


    "No, actually, rumor has it that Ms. Marchand''s boyfriend leaned on Mr. Garcia. Apparently, any time Ms. Marchand wants to discuss business or pass along documents, it all has to go through Ms. Turner first. Honestly, Victoria''s not the sharpest tool in the shed-if you''re going to be the boss''s mistress, you should know how to keep a low profile. Why would she go out of her way to antagonize Ms. Marchand? When pushes to shove, Mr. Garcia has to give in to pressure and get her out of the way. Seriously, Ailie, watch your back."


    Oh, for crying out loud-


    Ailie didn''t wait for Jack to finish. She stormed off.


    Victoria was still packing up her things when Ailie burst in, full of urgency.


    She fixed Victoria with a stare. "Tell me the truth-do you have feelings for Curtis?"


    Victoria had just finished organizing her pens. She looked at Ailie,pletely puzzled, but answered without a second''s hesitation.


    "No."


    She had neither the time nor the interest for office romance, and as for Curtis- she honestly hadn''t given it a thought.


    Ailie let out a relieved sigh. "Good. If you did, I''d be working on a n to get your old job back. But since you don''t, you''re with me now. Guess I lucked out."


    Victoria turned on herputer, half-listening to Ailie''s rambling, still not entirely sure what she was getting at.


    Just then, Violet''s assistant walked in, knocking lightly on the door before entering without waiting for permission.


    "Here''s the attendee list for tomorrow''s tech expo," she announced. "Ms. Marchand wants everyone from thepany there. Some prominent industry experts will be hosting a panel, and in a few days, it''s the F1 ry event. Thepany is nning to use the asion to promote ourtest R&D project. Ms. Ailie, make sure the team is prepared."


    She nced between Ailie and Victoria. "You two are in Investment-managing projects is your specialty. Tomorrow''s expo is a big opportunity for thepany, with all the top names in the field attending. Do a good job, and Ms. Marchand will make sure your efforts are rewarded."