Chapter 1

The day the company handed out year-end bonuses, my bonus turned into a box of ultra-thin condoms.

"The sales department's performance is all from sleeping around anyway. Spread your legs and the contract gets signed. That's easy."

I looked up at the secretary, her face twisted in a lewd smile.

"Getting off and making money at the same time---I'd want that job too."

A few obscene laughs echoed through the conference room.

I closed my laptop, got up, and left.

Leaning against the window, I opened SnapChat. The message from the VP of our rival company three days ago still sat in the chat box.

"Ms. Foster, have you thought it over? Bring your clients with you, and the VP position is yours."

Behind me, more obscene laughter drifted from the conference room.

Then came the boss's duck-like voice screeching: "Walk out that door and don't you dare regret it!"

I didn't look back. I strode toward the office area.

Linda clacked after me in her four-inch heels.

She deliberately raised her voice in the hallway: "Evelyn, stop acting so high and mighty."

"Without this company, you're nothing. Don't forget to pick up that box of condoms from accounting---consider it the boss's severance package for you."

Coworkers around us turned to stare. Some whispered among themselves.

I stopped and gave her a cold look.

Linda crossed her arms, wearing that mocking smile unique to someone who thinks they've won.

Instead of getting angry, I smiled, turned around, and walked to my desk.

Last month's performance reports still sat piled on top.

Those were the results of three consecutive all-nighters with my team.

Just ten minutes ago, the boss had casually wiped it all away with a single sentence.

I looked at those familiar faces beyond the cubicle walls.

Jake kept his head down, pretending to type, but his shoulders trembled slightly.

Rachel's eyes were red. She glared in my direction, angry but not daring to speak.

In that moment, my last shred of hesitation evaporated completely.

My phone vibrated in my pocket.

I pulled it out. On the screen was a message from VP Chen of our rival company, Golden Tech.

"Ms. Foster, have you made your decision?"

My fingers flew across the screen.

"I'll bring my projects. I want the Sales Director position."

The response came almost instantly.

"Deal. Contract's ready. Car's downstairs."

I shoved my phone back in my pocket and started packing my things.

I didn't grab that cardboard box full of miscellaneous items.

I only unplugged my encrypted flash drive.

Then I opened my computer, fingers dancing rapidly across the keyboard.

After copying the core client data, I deleted the files directly.

All that remained in the company system was a pile of worthless surface-level data.

When I finished, I closed my computer, feeling refreshed.

The boss had somehow burst out of his office.

He stared at my empty desk, the fat on his face quivering.

"Evelyn Foster, if you walk out that door, I'll make sure no one in this industry will hire you!"

He jabbed his finger at my nose and roared: "Everyone knows about your dirty little secrets! Don't think changing companies will clean your reputation!"

Here came the smear campaign again.

This was his usual tactic---trying to force me into submission with these lowlife methods.

I cut him off impatiently: "Save it, boss."

I casually removed my ID badge from around my neck.

In front of everyone, I tore the badge in half.

With a flick of my wrist, the pieces landed precisely in the nearby trash can.

"Keep your threats and your condoms for yourself. Be careful you don't destroy yourself."

Dead silence filled the room.

The boss's face turned iron gray. His mouth hung open, but no words came out.

I grabbed my bag and walked out without looking back.

Outside the building, the late autumn wind hit my face, but it felt incredibly liberating.

A black Maybach sat parked by the curb.

VP Chen got out personally and opened the door for me.

"Ms. Foster, welcome to Golden Tech."

No nonsense about probation periods---just a core employment contract.

I signed my name and watched the scenery retreat past the window.

I took out my phone and posted on social media.

The image was my brand-new Golden Tech ID badge.

The caption was just one simple line.

"New beginning. Making money with my brain, not my looks."

A few minutes later, my phone went crazy with notifications.