Chapter 3

At lunchtime, I skipped the cafeteria and went to a coffee shop downstairs by myself.

Amanda was already there. She looked like a very capable woman.

"Ms. Miller, hello." She handed me a file. "Here's the detailed information about Ascend Solutions. Take a look."

I opened it and read carefully. Regional Sales Director for the East Coast, an annual salary of fifty thousand dollars, plus commission.

"Amanda," I said, using her first name, "I wanted to ask, if I bring my clients with me, would the company be open to that?"

She smiled. "Ms. Miller, Ascend Solutions is hiring you precisely because of your client base. Especially Zenith Corp."

"So, for Zenith…"

"If you can bring the Zenith order with you, the company will give you an additional bonus." She paused. "However, you'll need to handle it cleanly, avoiding any legal complications."

I nodded. "I understand."

"How long will you need to consider, Ms. Miller?"

I looked at her. "Amanda, I have one condition."

"Go ahead."

"I need my start date to be in a week."

She thought for a moment. "That works. It'll be right after the team retreat ends."

"Then it's settled."

I returned to the office that afternoon and went straight to the fire escape, dialing Mr. Edwards.

"Mr. Edwards, it's me, Sarah Miller."

"Sarah, what's up?"

"Regarding the renewal next week, the company might be replacing me with Director Jessica Reed to liaison."

"Jessica? Never heard of her." Mr. Edwards' tone was blunt. "Sarah, I work with your company *because* of you. If they change my contact, there's no deal."

"Mr. Edwards, I understand." I paused. "What if… I'm no longer with this company?"

Silence on the other end for a few seconds.

"You're leaving?"

"Yes. An opportunity came up."

Mr. Edwards laughed. "Then the contract here, I'll follow you. I deal with *you*, Sarah Miller. When's a good time to firm up the details?"

"Great. Thank you, Mr. Edwards."

A twelve-million-dollar order, and I could take it with a single phone call.

A huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

Back at my desk, Lisa leaned over. "Sarah, were you just in Jessica's office?"

"Yeah."

"What did you guys talk about?"

"Nothing."

She scoffed. "Don't be ungrateful. Jessica putting you on duty means she trusts you."

I turned to look at her. "Lisa, what were your sales last year?"

She froze. "What's it to you?"

"I think it was around three point eight million, right?"

Her face changed.

"My sales were thirty-two million." I turned back to my computer. "That's over eight times yours."

Her face flushed crimson. "You… What's so great about you! It's all because of your husband!"

I ignored her. She huffed and turned away.

At closing time, David came to find me.

"Honey, dinner together?"

"No, I have plans."

"What plans?"

"Work stuff." I picked up my bag. "You go eat by yourself."

"Sarah…"

I didn't stop, walking into the elevator.

I arrived at the agreed-upon coffee shop with Amanda and signed the letter of intent. Everything went smoothly.

Stepping out of the coffee shop, the evening breeze blew on my face—a little chilly, but very refreshing.

I pulled out my phone and sent a message to Mr. Edwards:

"Mr. Edwards, it's confirmed. Please proceed with the plan and call Jessica Reed next Monday."

He quickly replied: "No problem. Waiting for your good news."