Chapter 11
“You want Ms. Frost to be his secretary? Have you lost your damn mind?!” someone snapped.
“Ms. Frost is sharp, young, and has a flawless track record. What CEO in their right mind wouldn’t want her? If she hits the job market, headhunters will be all over her.”
I smiled enigmatically. They were underestimating the headhunters’ efficiency. Ten days ago, before news of my departure had even leaked, some had already reached out, asking about my plans.
The conversation continued.
“Don’t be so short-sighted. This isn’t just any secretary position—it’s supporting the CEO of Jones Group! That means access to the city’s elite and incredible potential.”
“I know an overseas company where the executive secretary was so capable that she got promoted to VP within a few years. She even ended up marrying the CEO.”
“Huh. When you put it that way, I kinda want to apply for the position now.”
“Wait, has anyone actually seen the CEO of Jones Group? What does he even look like? Is he hot?”
“Nope. Only the eldest daughter of the Jones family has made public appearances. The other three siblings keep a low profile.”
The conversation drifted off-topic. I chuckled. Seeing their hopeful anticipation of love, I felt like a cynic who had lost faith in it. Love was dead to me, but I still wanted a career of my own.
I planned to start my own business, but my entire network revolved around Julian. Once I was no longer his wife, who would give me a chance? I needed to build my professional credibility.
That evening, I contacted a socialite who mingled with the city’s elite, inquiring about Jones Group and its elusive CEO.
A lazy laugh floated through the phone. “Asking about another man—aren’t you worried your Julian will get jealous?”
“Let him stew. I don’t care.”
“Darling… did you really break up?” Gloria asked curiously.
“Not yet,” I said vaguely. She caught on immediately. With a sigh, she muttered, “So the rumors are true. Eight years together, and he still cheated on you. What a jerk.”
Gloria was blunt, so I played the victim card. “Which is why I need a backup plan. I heard the mysterious CEO is hiring a secretary. Thought I’d try my luck.”
“Hold on. Be honest—are you after the man or the job?”
“I only trust cold, hard cash now.”
“Haha… Leave it to me. I’ll make sure you meet this cash cow.”
“Thanks.”
“Wait for my good news.”
I hung up and turned back to my desk, my laptop screen glowing in the dim room. The search results were disappointing. “Evan Jones…” I murmured, trying to learn more about this so-called cash cow.
Just then, the study door creaked open. Julian walked in. I shut my laptop. We had separate studies. When we were dating, we were inseparable, but over time, we had become mere colleagues, ignoring each other once work ended.
“What do you want?” I asked, looking up.
“Can’t I visit my own wife without an agenda?”
“Of course,” I said flatly. After I leave, you can sleep here if you want.
His eyes flicked to my laptop, suspicion flashing in his gaze. I snapped it shut and avoided his stare. He settled onto my chaise lounge. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“Go ahead.”
He hesitated. “Rita wants to join your team.”
I had suspected his sudden politeness meant trouble, but this still hit like a gut punch. My face froze, the blood draining from my cheeks.
“There are so many departments in your company. Why does she have to join mine? Is she that desperate to ruin it?”
He sighed impatiently. “Don’t say that. She just wants to prove herself. That’s commendable.”
I was furious. “If she wants to achieve something, fine. Let her go to another department! This is my team. My people.”
“Be reasonable, Olivia. You’ve resigned. You’re not part of Shaw Corp anymore. The team isn’t yours now.”
I choked on my words, my throat tightening. He was right. What right did I have to object? What power did I have to challenge him? He was offering my life’s work to his mistress, and I was supposed to be okay with it?
Julian studied me, suppressing his own frustration. “Don’t think of her as malicious. I promise she’s not trying to cause trouble. I’ll keep an eye on her.”
“Fine.” My voice was soft, drained. I was too tired to argue.
His irritation deepened. “I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to be mad. I know you can’t stand Rita, but think about my position. We’re in a partnership with the Crowes. Should I risk that relationship because of your personal feelings?”
His twisted logic stunned me. What had I done wrong? My team, my career—everything I had built—was being stolen, and I was supposed to thank him for it?
“Heh…” Grief made me want to laugh. Bile burned my throat, the taste of betrayal sharp and bitter.
Three days later, I returned to the office for the handover.
Rita strutted into my office, her Chanel suit clinking with borrowed authority. She was tossing my trophies into the trash. The entire team was in an uproar. Everyone had speculated about my replacement, but no one had expected an incompetent fool.
Apparently, Rita didn’t even know how to use a printer. She spent her days snacking and playing games, even breaking a girl’s computer—resulting in that poor girl’s dismissal. No one dared to imagine the chaos she was about to unleash.
In my office, I silently sorted through files, my expression unreadable. As I gathered the most crucial documents, Rita began her inspiring speech.
“Olivia Frost, how does it feel?” She smirked down at me. “No man, no job. Years of hard work, and I can erase you with a snap. Know why? You’re just an outsider clawing your way up from nothing. I was born into this world. I have people backing me. You don’t.
“In our circle, there are countless beautiful women like you—just playthings for men.
“Hah. Are you still dreaming of marrying into the Shaw family? You’re a joke.”
