A faint smile yed at the corners of Victoria''s lips.


    Curtis really was a sharp one.


    In the world of business heavyweights, including Victoria herself, there wasn''t a single person who could be taken lightly.


    Victoria was especially optimistic about Quantum Core Technologies these days.


    When she arrived at the office, she found the whole ce buzzing with energy. Everyone walked with a certain swagger and confidence. Victoria guessed it probably had a lot to do with this morning''s stock market rally.


    As she made her way down the hall, she overheard two young women chatting.


    "I came in early today and saw Ms. Marchand was already in her office. She''s really something, isn''t she?"


    "I saw that too! Did you notice those red marks on her neck? Gave me chills. Word is, some psycho tried to strangle her for almost fifteen minutes yesterday- she barely made it out alive."


    "I know! It''s terrifying. If it were me, there''s no way I''d show up to work today. I''d probably need a whole week off just to recover, both physically and mentally."


    That''s when Victoria realized Violet hade to work today. After everything that happened yesterday, most people would be half-dead with fright.


    To be able toe back to work, calm andposed, after something like that— Violet truly was in a league of her own.


    Victoria doubted even she could handle it with such poise.


    "That''s why she''s the VP, and why she managed to find such an amazing boyfriend. She''s got grit she''s not just anybody."


    "Mr. Langford is such a catch. If he were my boyfriend, I''d quit my job in a heartbeat. I''d spend my days shopping and living a carefree life. Wouldn''t that be perfect?"


    The wordsnded in Victoria''s heart like a de.


    Back when thepany had finally stabilized, McNeil had once said the same thing to her. In the end, the irony was that she wasn''t even as lucky as a pet canary.


    A canary at least gets its owner''s attention from time to time. But as for her, McNeil couldn''t even be bothered to look her way anymore.


    "That''s why Violet gets someone like Mr. Langford, and we''re stuck single." The two womenughed, chatting as they walked out of the elevator. Victoria''s steps grew heavier.


    "Well, well, Ms. Turner, isn''t it a littlete to be showing up to work? Family matters keeping you, perhaps? I hear there''s a woman in your life who likes to take charge?"


    "If you can''t even make it to work on time because of personal issues, my advice would be to hand in your resignation, or maybe try your luck as a cleaner in the building next door."


    Georgia had bumped into Victoria, her words dripping with sarcasm.


    Victoria had already heard about her-Georgia''s re was as sharp as a watchdog''s. Whoever Violet didn''t like, Georgia made it her mission to antagonize.


    She was just like one of those spiteful handmaidens from old novels, always causing trouble for her mistress''s enemies.


    Georgia really was the perfect sidekick for Violet—ackey tailor-made for her.


    Just then, Victoria reached the tech department. Without sparing Georgia a nce, she strode past her into the office, as if she hadn''t even seen her.


    Georgia was fuming, her face red with anger, ready to start another round, but then she seemed to remember something. She stomped her foot and stormed off.


    "Victoria, over here—we''ve got a problem that needs your attention!"


    George''s voice was tense, clearly stressed.


    The game development n was already in full swing. Victoria had started


    coding, and everything had been going smoothly-until this morning, when they''d discovered a data issue.


    The whole team had been at it for over an hour, but no one could pinpoint the problem. They''d all been waiting for Victoria.


    Just as she was about to step over, Georgia reappeared.


    "Victoria, Ms. Marchand wants to see-"


    Victoria frowned. "She''ll have to wait. I don''t have time right now."