Chapter 3

Seven days later, the company annual gala.

The banquet hall glowed brilliantly, crystal chandeliers illuminating clinking glasses below.

I stood by the main table exchanging pleasantries with several board members, though my gaze occasionally swept toward the entrance.

Selena and Gavin were the last to arrive.

The two entered the hall side by side. Selena wore a wine-red off-shoulder gown, her makeup exquisite.

The lingering flush on her cheeks was somewhat conspicuous, like the afterglow of a rushed arrival.

Gavin walked beside her in a navy blue velvet suit, the youthful arrogance in his eyes completely unrestrained, even deliberately flaunted.

I watched from a distance and let out a soft snort through my nose.

I raised my glass, took a sip, and said nothing.

"Mr. Carter." Director Lewis beside me clinked glasses with a smile. "The company had excellent performance this year. We should be celebrating."

"Indeed we should."

I smiled back and drained my glass.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

The MC took the stage, voice energetic as he introduced tonight's main event.

The year-end bonus presentation.

The hall erupted in cheers and applause, all eyes focused on the stage.

I straightened my suit jacket and walked onto the stage.

Taking the microphone, my gaze slowly swept across the crowd.

Face after face filled with anticipation and excitement.

Selena sat at the edge of the main table, posture elegant, though her hands resting on her lap tightened slightly.

Gavin sat right beside her, back ramrod straight, a faint smile playing on his lips, his eyes filled with complete certainty and pride.

"First," I began, my voice carrying through the speakers across the hall, "I want to thank everyone for their hard work this past year."

Thunderous applause.

Following the list, I began announcing year-end bonuses one by one.

Each name called brought an employee beaming to the stage, accepting their envelope with both hands and profuse thanks.

Bonuses ranged from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. Everyone wore broad smiles.

Gavin watched the entire time.

When a mid-level manager collected a two-hundred-thousand-dollar bonus, I caught him pulling his lips into what was nearly an undisguised sneer of contempt.

He turned his head and said something quietly to Selena. She smiled with pursed lips and patted the back of his hand.

The gesture was natural and intimate.

Some in the audience noticed, casting curious glances their way.

Gavin not only didn't restrain himself but actually straightened his back even more, as if enjoying this secretive attention.

Soon, the regular awards were distributed.

The MC raised his voice appropriately: "Next up is tonight's most exciting moment—the Annual Special Contribution Award!"

"One million dollars cash, plus a BMW 7 Series!"

The hall fell abruptly silent, then erupted in even more heated discussion.

Everyone knew the weight of this award.

"Who could it be? Maybe Vice President Smith?"

"I think it's Director Walker from Marketing. Their department doubled its performance this year."

"Could it be... Gavin?" someone said in a lowered voice. "He's Ms. Hayes' right-hand man."

Gavin clearly heard this remark.

The curve of his lips deepened, a gleam of triumph in his eyes.

Beside him, Selena gently smoothed her dress, maintaining a dignified smile on her face.

I picked up the golden envelope and slowly opened it.

"This year, the company welcomed a particularly special new member." My gaze swept across the audience below. "She joined the R&D department less than six months ago, yet led the completion of the Starhaven Project's core algorithm breakthrough, saving the company nearly ten million dollars and pioneering a new technical pathway."

Whispers began circulating below.

Listening, Gavin's triumphant expression slowly froze. Selena's smile vanished as well.

I continued: "She's young, yet possesses astonishing talent and focus. She's low-key, yet has achieved brilliant results."

"By unanimous decision of the board of directors, this year's Special Contribution Award goes to..."

I paused, my gaze landing precisely on Gavin's face.

His face had already begun turning pale, that smile frozen there like a crude mask.

I withdrew my gaze and announced loudly:

"From R&D, Quinn Rivers!"

"Annual Special Contribution Award!"