I have the Midas touch. All I have to do is sit in an office, and deals start rolling in.
The vice president treated me like a queen, terrified Id jump ship.
But then, the CEOs childhood sweetheart parachuted into the company, taking the VPs job.
She stormed up to my desk, picked up her coffee, and dumped it over my head.
Its working hours. Who gave you permission to nap? Its because of corporate parasites like you that this company is failing!
Your bonus for this month is gone. And I want a five-thousand-word self-criticism on my desk by tomorrow morning.
I stared at her, utterly bewildered. The whole situation was absurd.
I was tired because Id spent all night closing a ten-million-dollar deal. My manager had specifically told me to catch a nap during the day if I needed it.
I hadnt even been asleep for two minutes, and now I was being branded a parasite?
Before I could even form a defense, she had already clicked away on her high heels.
My manager, Mark, hurried over, his face etched with sympathy. Aria, thats the future Mrs. CEO. She has a thing against pretty girls. Im afraid things are about to get rough for you.
So that was it. Well, that made things simple. Id just leave.
I had plenty of other companies trying to headhunt me. This one wouldnt be a loss.

1.
The moment I got home, I contacted the CEO of Hudson Corporation.
They had previously offered me a seven-figure salary, but Id turned them down out of loyalty to the vice president who had mentored me.
Now that she was gone and this lunatic was in charge, it was time to get out.
I sent a message and got an immediate reply.
Handle your transition. You start next month. Ill add another fifty thousand to your original offer. I look forward to working with you.
My reputation as a business magnet wasnt just talk. When Id first joined this company, it was a second-rate firm that couldnt land a major contract to save its life. After I arrived, not only did the deals start pouring in, but investors came knocking too.
But on any day I took off, the company couldnt close a single deal.
The former VP, Ms. Miller, had even half-jokingly consulted a fortune teller who told her I had the Midas touch, better than any lucky charm. She did everything in her power to keep me, practically chaining me to my desk.
Unfortunately, she couldnt fight the powers that be. A parachute promotion pushed her out.
I walked up to Stellas office with my resignation letter in hand.
She didnt let me in right away. Instead, she sat there, primping in a compact mirror while video-chatting and giggling with her friends.
I stood outside her door for a full thirty minutes before she finally deigned to speak. Come in.
As I held out my letter, she looked me up and down with disdain. Your name is Aria Lin, right? This is a place of business, not a brothel. Who are you trying to seduce, dressed like that?
No wonder you have the most deals. So this is how you do itwith cheap tricks. Let me tell you something. My fiancs company doesnt do dirty business.
In my twenty-plus years, I had never been spoken to like that. I couldnt stop myself from retorting.
Ms. Xia, Im wearing the standard company uniform. And I landed those deals with my own skills. If you continue to insult me, we can settle this in court.
Stellas eyes widened in fury. She grabbed a teacup from her desk and threw its contents at me.
Thankfully, I was ready for it and dodged sideways, avoiding the splash.

2.
You little tramp, you dare to dodge? Dont think you can do whatever you want around here just because you have a pretty face. Landon and I are engaged. I am going to be Mrs. Lu, and theres nothing you can do about it!
If you know whats good for you, youll get on your knees and apologize right now. If you do, I might consider letting you stay. Otherwise, Ill make sure you can never work in this city again!