Chapter 3

Eleanor's POV

The conference room fell completely silent.

Everyone's eyes darted back and forth between Vivian and me.

I looked toward Tobias at the head of the table.

His expression remained impassive. He didn't even lift his eyelids.

"Eleanor, Vivian just returned to the country and needs a high-profile project to establish herself at the company. She'll be fully responsible for the rest of this deal. Hand over all the core data and bottom-line figures to her."

My hands, hanging at my sides, clenched into fists, nails digging into my palms with sharp pain.

"Mr. Reed," I began.

"The core data for Stellar involves the company's highest-level secrets. Miss Sullivan only completed her onboarding yesterday and hasn't even gone through basic M&A procedures once. Having her handle the final stage. Are you trying to destroy the entire project?"

Tobias finally looked up, warning clear in his eyes.

"Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?"

"Tobias, don't be angry with her."

Vivian quickly grabbed Tobias's sleeve, her eyes instantly reddening, her voice as pitiful as a frightened rabbit.

"Eleanor's right. I don't have experience. If I ruin the project, I'll feel guilty forever. Let Eleanor keep handling it. I can just assist from the side."

Tobias held Vivian's hand in return, patting it reassuringly. When he looked at me again, his eyes were cold as ice.

"Eleanor, watch your attitude. The project will be credited under Vivian's name. This is a notification, not a discussion."

Tobias's tone was firm and uncompromising.

"If you feel wronged, you can leave right now."

Strip away my hard work to pave the way for Vivian Sullivan.

So this was what he meant by "Vivian needs a high-profile project."

I smiled.

"Fine. Since Mr. Reed isn't afraid of the project falling apart, why should I care?"

I pulled out the core data document I'd stayed up countless nights compiling from my folder and threw it directly onto the table in front of Vivian.

The sharp slap made Vivian flinch.

"The data's all here, Miss Sullivan. Make sure you read it carefully. Don't fall for the other party's bait and embarrass Reed Corporation."

I didn't spare Tobias another glance as I turned and strode out of the conference room.

After leaving the conference room, I went straight to the restroom.

I braced myself against the marble counter, looking at my pale face and red-rimmed eyes in the mirror, taking a deep breath.

I couldn't go on like this.

Tobias could steal my project today; tomorrow he could cut off my father's medication.

I needed to find leverage to break free from his control as soon as possible.

I pulled out my phone and dialed a hidden number.

"Hello, Mark. It's Eleanor."

"You mentioned before that Cosmos Capital was hiring partners. Is the position still open? I'll take it. One condition. Help me transfer someone abroad to the Rion Medical Center in Switzerland. You must guarantee a top-tier medical team throughout the journey."

The headhunter on the other end paused, then his voice filled with excitement.

"Miss Hart! You've finally come around! No problem. Mr. Holt at Cosmos has had his eye on you for ages. As long as you're willing to join, this request is nothing! I'll arrange your interview immediately!"

After hanging up, I washed my face with cold water and reapplied my lipstick.

Tobias, you think you can trap me forever?

We'll see about that.

For the next week, I was like a ghost at the company.

I handed over all my work and watched coldly as Vivian, with Tobias's protection, clumsily pushed forward the Stellar deal.

Sure enough, due to Vivian's inexperience and misjudgment, negotiations hit a deadlock.

The other party took advantage and drove down the price. Reed Corporation stood to lose hundreds of millions in profit.

Tobias threw a massive fit in his office.

Just as I was about to use this opportunity to finalize my contract with Cosmos Capital, the hospital suddenly delivered devastating news.

"Miss Hart, your father's condition has suddenly worsened. He's experiencing severe rejection. Current domestic medications can't control it. He needs to use Rion's latest targeted therapy drug immediately, or else... he won't make it through this week."

My grip on the phone tightened sharply, my mind going blank.

"Is that drug available domestically?"

"I'm sorry, that drug is still in Phase II clinical trials. Domestically, only Reed Medical's laboratory has a few slots available."

The doctor's voice carried helplessness.

Reed Corporation.

It was Reed Corporation again.

I closed my eyes as despair flooded over me like a tide.

All my plans crumbled instantly in the face of my father's life and death.