Chapter 3

I didn't sleep a wink all night, and the next morning I arrived at the company right on time.

I hadn't even settled into my seat when HR messaged me to come over.

As it happened, I was looking for her too.

When HR Manager Susan Parker saw me arrive, she invited me to sit down.

"Sienna, I called you here because there's something I wanted to tell you in advance."

"Your application for the director position may have to be rejected. Headquarters has reassigned Chloe to this position."

I looked up at her, somewhat surprised, though part of me had expected it.

I've been with the company for six years, climbing the ranks step by step.

I eagerly volunteered for overseas assignments that others disliked, and I never refused difficult clients.

I've been fighting for and waiting for this director position for three years.

A month ago, headquarters sent me an email asking me to prepare a job presentation.

I thought my promotion was a sure thing this time.

But things didn't go as planned. Ethan had just made his relationship with Chloe public, and now she had suddenly appeared.

Ms. Parker looked at me with a hint of guilt, and I gave her a reassuring smile.

"Susan, perhaps this is fate's arrangement."

"However, even if headquarters gives me this position, I'm afraid I won't be able to take it."

I pushed my resignation form in front of her.

"Susan, I'm here today to ask you to sign my resignation letter."

She wanted to persuade me to stay, but she knew that once I made a decision, I wouldn't turn back.

"When junior employees leave, they don't need Mr. Wells' approval; I can just sign off on it."

"I'll compile a detailed list of the projects I have on hand in these next two days, and then I can leave once I hand them over."

"Good."

As I left the HR department, I saw Chloe already sitting in the director's seat, being flattered by her colleagues.

I ignored it and just started sorting out the data without stopping. Once the handover was complete, I could leave this suffocating place.

But Chloe turned around and put a stack of documents on my desk.

"Sienna, I have a wedding dress fitting scheduled for this afternoon. Could you please compile these meeting materials and send them to my email?"

She spoke with a smile throughout, displaying poise and grace.

"I'm sorry, Director, this is not within my job scope, and I can't help you with it."

Before she could answer, Ethan's voice rang out from behind her.

"Anyone who refuses a supervisor's work assignment will have their bonus halved this quarter."

After saying that, he took the bag from Chloe and turned to leave.

Chloe smiled and said, "Thank you for your help. Remember to give it to me by tomorrow morning."

I didn't argue; I just silently pushed the documents aside.

As I passed the break room, I saw a few colleagues gathered together, their voices not loud, but just loud enough for me to hear.

"See that? Sienna's face was so long after Director Bennett arrived."

"What's so great about Sienna? Chloe is the Bennett family's daughter and Mr. Wells's real fiancée. Sienna has been trying to win him over for so long, and Mr. Wells still doesn't even give her a second glance."

"Exactly, Sienna was throwing a tantrum while Chloe was trying on wedding dresses. Who would have thought that Mr. Wells wouldn't tolerate it at all and would cut her bonus directly?"

I stood at the door, clutching my cup tightly. The sounds inside continued, but I no longer wanted to listen.

Over the years, I had faced a lot of criticism because of this secret relationship.

Every time I mentioned it to Ethan, he would smile knowingly.

"If you showed less love for me, no one would notice."

Yes, it was all my fault for loving too much.

Can you really control yourself if you like someone?

Soon, I received a message from Ethan and a transfer notification on my phone.

"It's her first day at work, and she needs to establish her authority."

"I will personally compensate you for the cut bonus."

"I'll also take a look at your wedding dress."

I stared at that message for a long time; I knew he wanted to use me to build Chloe's image.

He was going to help me choose a wedding dress?

But what did I need a wedding dress for?