"Wasn't he Ms. Reed's favorite?"

"What kind of favorite stays a mere assistant for nine years? Only an idiot would believe that."

I stepped into the elevator, my heart sinking to rock bottom. What was obvious to everyone else had escaped me alone.

I had closed countless deals and still remained an assistant for nine years. Samuel had been here for only three months, barely familiar with his computer, yet he had already been promoted to manager.

Wasn't it painfully clear where her affection lay?

Yet it was only after I had hurt myself beyond repair that I finally came to my senses.

The moment the elevator doors opened, loud chatter filled the air as everyone celebrated Samuel's discharge.

Barely in his early 20s, Samuel stood among the crowd, shaking hands with everyone. Thanks to the CEO's favor, even his superiors had to fawn over him.

"Samuel, when are you and Ms. Reed getting married? Don't forget to invite us to the wedding."

"Once the wedding's done and a child comes next year, you'll really be winning at life."

Samuel blushed and stared straight at Angela. Angela smiled without answering, as if silently agreeing.

I found it ridiculous.

In the past, someone had sensed the subtle tension between Angela and me and spread a few rumors in the company. Back then, Angela had been furious. After firing the employee, she issued a strict order forbidding anyone from spreading gossip.

Ever since Samuel arrived, this strict rule had been abolished. It turned out she didn't hate gossip—she simply disliked me.

The moment I appeared, the room fell silent. The looks directed at me were filled with contempt and amusement, as if they were eager to see how an assistant who had offended the CEO would end up.

When Angela saw me, her cold gaze swept over me like a weapon.

"Oh, isn't this Mr. Pearson who wants to resign? It's already 11:00 am. You're two hours late. That counts as half a day of absence."

I knew she was angry, but after ten years of placating her, I no longer had the energy. I had already made myself clear, yet she refused to let it go. Did she really think the world revolved around her?

When I remained silent, Angela's expression darkened further. "Didn't you say you weren't capable? If you can't handle the assistant's work, then you'll be transferred to the cleaning department."

Claiming incompetence had only been an excuse to resign. Over the years, I had secured countless deals for the company. As the CEO, how could Angela not know?

Yet she still said such things just to humiliate me. It was truly childish.

Samuel's expression changed. He grabbed Angela's arm and spoke with feigned concern. "Angel, isn't this a bit much? Mr. Pearson is very capable at his job."

The other employees exchanged glances. After all, everyone knew how much I had contributed to the company.

I had long grown tired of these meaningless office battles. I waved my hand. "There's no need for this. Just sign it."

Angela froze, her mouth opening as if she were about to speak.

Standing beside her, Samuel's eyes instantly reddened, tears threatening to spill. "I'm not fit for this role. I should probably let Mr. Pearson take my position as manager."

"You earned your promotion through your own ability. I dare anyone to gossip about you!" Angela said.

After comforting Samuel, Angela assumed I was still making a fuss and shouted impatiently, "Go work in cleaning for now. When the company goes public later, I'll promote you to general manager. Are you satisfied now?"

It was always "later". Every promise she made was hollow, doomed never to be fulfilled. Did she really think I was an idiot?

I glanced at the time on my watch and cut in, "Sorry, you two. I'm about to board. If there's anything else, we can talk after I arrive in Avernia."