Chapter 2
As soon as I stepped outside, Madeline and Gavin appeared in front of me.
“Sloane, why did you suddenly leave like that?”
Madeline pouted, her voice dripping with false innocence.
“Is it because the board approved my idea instead of yours? Are you upset, Sloane? I shouldn’t have stolen your spotlight.”
“It has nothing to do with you. Your proposal was excellent, so of course we agreed. Sloane’s just being petty, she should apologize to
you.”
I stared coldly at the man I’d grown up with.
During our school days, I’d followed Gavin everywhere like his little shadow. He’d always acted irritated, but deep down, he had
protected me at every turn.
Once, a senior girl cornered me in an alley because she had a crush on Gavin. He came rushing over, standing fiercely in front of me.
“Sloane is my girlfriend. Anyone who dares to touch her will have to answer to me–and I won’t go easy, even on a girl!”
“Did you hear me, Sloane? Apologize to Madeline! You’re a senior executive; how can you be so small–minded?”
Gavin’s impatient voice snapped me out of my thoughts. Seeing me standing motionless, he reached out and shoved me roughly.
Caught off guard, I slammed into the wall, and my wrist instantly swelled.
Tears sprang involuntarily to my eyes from the sharp pain.
A flicker of panic crossed Gavin’s face when he saw me crying.
“Sloane, you really know how to make a scene. Gavin barely touched you, yet you flew so dramatically into the wall. Anyone who saw would think he was bullying you.”
Madeline’s words made Gavin pause, his gaze turning disdainful.
“Sloane, get up already. Stop embarrassing yourself.“.
Just then, some shareholders began filtering out, pausing in confusion at the sight before them.
“What happened here, Ms. Harper? Did you upset Gavin again? You’re about to get married–quit throwing tantrums.”
Seeing the shareholders approaching, Madeline instantly welled up with tears.
“Sloane’s probably just unhappy that everyone liked my proposal. It’s fine. For the sake of the company, I don’t mind if she lashes out at me.”
“Sloane, how can you be this petty? Act professional! Stop going after people over everything–it’s completely out of line.”
“That’s right. Madeline’s proposal was quite innovative. I genuinely liked it.”
“Besides, our company is a market leader. So what if we serve Yoo–hoo? Who else would they invest in?”
Listening to the shareholders‘ chatter, I stood up slowly, clutching my injured wrist, laughing bitterly to myself.
never said Madeline’s idea was bad. It’s just that I have something urgent tomorrow, so I probably won’t attend the investor meeting.”
Gavin’s brow furrowed deeply, and he jabbed a finger at me.
“Sloane, don’t push it! At a crucial moment like this, don’t you dare throw your childish fits!”
Chapter 2
2.08%
Oh, now you realize it’s a crucial moment?!
The company was on the brink of collapse financially. If we failed to secure this investment, we’d all be out on the streets.
“Sloane, you really need to rein in that attitude. When the company goes public, Gavin’s worth will soar. If you keep this up, do you think he’ll still bother with you?”
“Exactly. You’re an executive. You need to understand the importance of sacrifice for the company.”
Watching their sanctimonious faces, I nearly laughed aloud. Every contract this company had was negotiated by me. I’d drunk myself into the hospital countless times to secure those deals.
Now, stomach medicine was practically my staple diet.
Yet, because Gavin feared losing control, I’d given him all the credit. And now they thought I needed to cling to his coattails?
Madeline suddenly spoke up, adopting a considerate tone.
“How about I handle Sloane’s presentation tomorrow? Sloane can just send me her report.”
Gavin’s expression relaxed, and he asked her gently, “Wouldn’t that be too much trouble for you?”
“It’s fine. For you, for the company, I don’t mind working harder. If Sloane doesn’t want to do it, I will.”
“Sloane, did you hear that? Look at Madeline–then look at yourself. You should be ashamed. You’re grown–up but behave irresponsibly. Who do you think you are? You’re fired! This company can run just fine without you!”
At this, some shareholders finally seemed to come to their senses.
Chapter 2
