Chapter 1

When I found out the investor was Lincoln, I knew I was going to lose to Mia.

She was Lincoln's first love—the one he could never forget.

After the meeting ended, Lincoln chose Mia's proposal, just as I expected.

Mia looked at me and sneered, "Even if you're his wife, in his heart, I'll always come first."

"Everything you schemed so hard to get comes effortlessly to me."

She and I had been rivals since our student days, ever since her mother stole my father.

And she could just as easily occupy Lincoln's heart.

I glanced wearily at Lincoln in the distance, suddenly unwilling to fight Mia anymore.

This time, I was giving up on him.

Between Lincoln and my career, I chose my career.

The company's new investor caused quite a stir among the young women because he was incredibly handsome.

The investor was Lincoln, my husband.

The moment I learned this news, I knew my competition with Mia was already lost.

In the break room, my colleagues were gossiping about the new investor.

"This investor is the CEO of Zenith Group, the heir to the company—Lincoln himself."

"If our team's design catches his eye, we won't have to worry about performance metrics going forward."

"I bet Mia's team will get it. I heard that Lincoln's first love is Mia."

"Mia and Lincoln were college classmates, each other's first love. Lincoln's investment this time is all for Mia."

Hearing these words made my heart tighten. I returned to my office feeling lost.

News that Lincoln was the investor had already spread throughout the company.

The director called Mia and me to his office.

"Jane, Mia."

"The investor for our project is Lincoln from Zenith Group. You two will each lead your teams to design a proposal. Submit them in one month."

The director looked at Mia with meaningful appreciation he couldn't hide.

It seemed he too had heard those rumors and understood why Lincoln had chosen our company.

Before I even left the office, I knew our team's design proposal would be a waste of effort.

Competing against Mia, I'd likely just be there to make up the numbers.

Outside the office, Mia stopped.

We stood facing each other.

I met her gaze. She smiled slightly.

Her smile was triumphant and bold.

"Jane, may the best woman win."

Yet her demeanor showed absolute confidence in victory.

Because she knew very well that between her and me, Lincoln would definitely choose her.

Watching her walk away with her head held high, I turned and left.

The design department erupted in excitement.

If my team's design proposal was rejected, I'd spend the next period working under Mia, swallowing my pride and accepting all her guidance.

I didn't want to humble myself under her.

Before the end of the workday, everyone gathered around Mia, praising her endlessly.

"Mia, you're amazing."

I made eye contact with Mia through the crowd.

She was surrounded, the center of attention.

Compared to her, my corner seemed cold and desolate.

I stood alone in the corner, no one beside me.

She smiled at me, lips pressed together.

I looked away, put on my coat, and walked out.