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Novel Catalog
Chapter 50
Eliza had no choice but to leave dejectedly. Her pride had taken a blow, and she couldn’t even bring herself to face Loraine. She passed a message through one of the workers to avoid direct confrontation.
As Loraine walked into the meeting room, the gossip quickly spread like wildfire. The fact that Loraine had taken the deal—no, closed the deal—when Eliza had failed, made heads turn. Even the employees who had previously disdained Loraine were suddenly all smiles, crowding around her to congratulate her for her unexpected success.
Loraine tried to stay humble, but the attention felt good. She was the one getting all the praise now, and for once, it was her name that everyone was talking about.
Meanwhile, Eliza was left in the shadows, forgotten as if she were a passing thought. Her usual confidence seemed to have evaporated. The same people who had once fawned over her now turned their backs, their admiration shifting to the new star. From a corner of the office, Eliza watched the celebrations unfold, her fists clenched in frustration. Her heart ached. Why did a newbie—someone who had barely been here long enough to prove herself—get the spotlight?
The envy and resentment simmered beneath the surface. Eliza couldn’t accept the fact that Loraine had eclipsed her so quickly. She would make sure to teach her a lesson once she became the director. There was no way she was going to let Loraine keep riding high.
A few days later, an email from HR was sent out to the entire design department, announcing promotions. Everyone rushed to check their inboxes, eager to see who would move up.
Some of them hurried to Eliza’s cubicle, fawning over her even before they saw the email. “Eliza, it’s your time now! From today, everyone will be addressing you as director. Don’t forget us once you get promoted!” they said with wide grins.
Eliza, who had been in a slight funk ever since her plan had been rejected, suddenly felt a renewed sense of pride. The thought of finally being recognized—of finally becoming the leader—lifted her spirits. She flipped her hair back, put on a radiant smile, and said with confidence, “Of course, I won’t forget any of you. I’ll be the best director this department has ever had. Under my leadership, this place will thrive.”
She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she shot a glance toward Loraine’s desk. “Unlike some people here, I’ve earned my place. Unlike someone who only won because of pure luck. She’s too much of a maverick to hold such a high position. She should be careful, though. Sooner or later, she’ll land herself in trouble. Humph.”
It was obvious she was mocking Loraine, and the others eagerly joined in.
“Exactly! You’re the most capable in the department. Only someone as experienced and grounded as you deserves to be picked for the director role.”
“Eliza, you know how to manage this department. You’ve been here long enough to earn it. The newbie, on the other hand, she’s just a flash in the pan. She doesn’t even take the rest of us seriously.”
“Yes, exactly!” they all chimed in, more out of fear than genuine support.
The group around Eliza was thick with the scent of sycophancy, but Jolie, who had been at her desk, heard enough. The bile rose in her throat as she listened to the slander against Loraine.
“How shameless,” she muttered under her breath. “She hasn’t even been promoted yet, but she’s already acting like the queen. And she’s mocking Loraine, of all people? Just because she’s bitter.”
Jolie refused to get swept into the tide of Eliza’s petty resentment. Instead, she resolved to stay close to Loraine and support her, no matter how difficult the road ahead might be.
