The CEO's Daughter's Trap

Give that account to her? Why? Just because shes your favored one?

I pushed open Director Jenkins's office door.

Director Jenkins slammed her hand on the table. Chloe Miller, watch your tone. I decide who gets what. Lets keep things civil, for everyones sake. Otherwise, I have plenty of ways to make your life difficult.

But Ive been working on this for half a year, and its almost signed, I stared at her.

Company resources, does it matter who handles it? She leaned back, her posture relaxing slightly. Think bigger picture. Its all for the good of the company.

I looked at her self-satisfied expression and nodded.

Then I suddenly smiled. Youre right. I really should think things through for the company.

As I walked out of the office, the smile vanished from my face.

Back at my desk, a gasp came from beside me.

Oh, how can I accept this?

Brittany Hayes, wearing an ill-fitting short skirt, walked to the center of the office area, clutching a folder.

She deliberately raised her voice.

Chloe, I heard you transferred that huge account you've been working on for half a year to me?

Thats tens of millions in revenue!

Thanks for all the groundwork you laid, Chloe. I'll truly cherish it.

I won't let your efforts go to waste.

Her eyes glinted with provocation, and the corners of her mouth turned up.

The sound of keyboards stopped. A few colleagues looked over, then quickly averted their gaze.

I organized the documents on my desk, not even lifting my head.

No need to thank me. After all, Mr. Wang said new hires need a little encouragement.

Whether you can hold onto that account is entirely up to your abilities.

Brittanys smile froze.

Mr. Robert Wang, the General Manager, walked out of his office.

Everyone, please stop what youre doing. Were having a short meeting.

Mr. Wang scanned the room, his gaze resting on me.

I have an announcement to make.

Considering our year-end sprint, and to optimize resource allocation and cultivate new talent

Chloe Miller has proactively proposed transferring the TianSheng Group project she was managing to Brittany Hayes.

Everyone should learn from Chloe. This is the kind of broader perspective we expect from our veteran employees!

Come on, lets give her a round of applause!

Sparse applause broke out.

I clapped twice in cooperation.

After the meeting, Brittany placed an iced latte on my desk.

Chloe, heres an iced latte.

Godfather asked me to come and get the TianSheng Group documents from you.

Especially Ms. Carters preferences, her pet peeves, and all the previous negotiation details.

She held out her hand.

I watched the dripping iced latte stain the documents.

Theyre all on the shared drive. Download them yourself.

Oh, Chloe, the shared drive only has official documents.

I need your private notes.

She lowered her voice.

Godfather said if this deal falls through, youll be the only one to blame.

You dont want Godfather to think youre holding out on us, do you?

I scoffed.

I created a folder, packed the prepared materials, and sent them.

Sent.

Read carefully. Dont mess up something as simple as what kind of tea Ms. Carter drinks.

Brittany left with her laptop.

Just before closing time, Director Jenkins called me into the pantry.

She closed the door, her face turning grim.

Chloe, I know youre upset.

If this deal goes through, youll still get your share of the bonus.

But if you dare to pull any stunts behind our backs or trip Brittany up

Ill make sure you cant work in this industry ever again!

Her manicured finger pointed at me.

I bowed slightly.

Director Jenkins, youre overthinking. How could I dare?

I still have my mortgage to pay; work is important.

Dont worry, Ill fully cooperate with Brittany.

Director Jenkins snorted and waved her hand.

Alright, get out. Just be smart about it.

Walking out of the company building, a cold wind blew.

I pulled out my phone and opened the chat for Mommy Dearest.

Mom, I have something to tell you!

She replied instantly.

My sweet daughter, whats wrong?

I typed out a line, put away my phone, and smiled.

Over the next few days, the office was quite noisy.

Brittany frowned as she looked through the documents.

The usually quiet WhatsApp group was stirred up daily by her @ mentions.

@Chloe Miller, what does exclusive agreement mean in this clause?

Ms. Carters legal team is asking if it can be removed. How do I respond?

@Chloe Miller, how is the floating percentage in this quote calculated?

The system keeps giving an error!

@Chloe Miller, help! Ms. Carters secretary asked about Plan B from the previous proposal. I cant find it anywhere!

I watched the screen, deliberately waiting for Mr. Wang to prompt me in the group before slowly replying.

Exclusive agreements are standard practice. Be firm with their legal team.

The floating percentage is based on that formula; plug in the numbers yourself.

Plan B is in the archived folder. Check there.

Brittany followed my advice and dealt with the client, but she was met with refusal.

That afternoon, the office atmosphere was tense.

Brittany slammed her mouse, her eyes red, and stormed into Mr. Wangs office.

Less than five minutes later, Mr. Wangs voice pierced through the glass door.

Chloe Miller! Get in here!

I walked in, carrying my thermos.

Mr. Wang slammed his hand on the desk.

Chloe, are you trying to get yourself fired?

Brittany says she called Ms. Carter over a dozen times, and no one picked up.

Did you give her fake contact info?!

Are you intentionally trying to sabotage this deal?!

Brittany sat nearby, pointing at me and accusing.

Godfather, shes doing this on purpose!

She must have badmouthed me to Ms. Carter, otherwise why would Ms. Carter ignore me!

Chloe, you cant jeopardize the companys interests like this!

I blinked.

Mr. Wang, youre wronging me.

The contact information is right there in the business card holder. How could I possibly give fake details?

Maybe Ms. Carter has been busy these past few days and hasnt had time to check her phone.

Bullshit!

Mr. Wang slammed the folder on the floor.

Too busy to even pick up Brittanys calls?

Right now, in front of me, call Ms. Carter! If you cant get through, youre packing your bags and leaving immediately!

I pulled out my phone.

Alright, Ill try.

I dialed the number and put it on speakerphone.

It rang twice, then connected.

A cold, indifferent female voice came through.

Hello?

Brittany froze, and Mr. Wang stiffened.

I cleared my throat, my tone gentle.

Hello, Ms. Carter, this is Chloe.

I apologize for disturbing you, but our manager, Brittany, said she couldnt reach you.

Were worried about delaying the signing process, so I just wanted to ask

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then a cold snort.

Manager Brittany? Which Manager Brittany? I dont know her.

She keeps sending me all sorts of ridiculous emojis; Ive blocked her.

Chloe, how many times have I told you? I only discuss my projects with you.

Sending just anyone to bother me, does your company not want to do business anymore?

Brittanys face instantly flushed red, and she lowered her head.

Mr. Wangs face alternated between green and pale.

I quickly responded.

Ms. Carter, please dont be angry. New hires are still learning the ropes; well reinforce their training.

As for the signing

Alright, out of consideration for you, Ill let it go.

Well discuss the specifics later.

The call ended.

The office was silent.

I put away my phone and looked at Mr. Wang.

Mr. Wang, see? The phone number wasnt the problem, was it?

Perhaps Brittany was a bit too enthusiastic, and Ms. Carter doesnt like that style.

Mr. Wang glared at Brittany.

Useless! Cant even figure out a clients preferences! Now go reflect on what you did wrong!

He then looked at me.

Since you can reach her, youll continue to assist with communications.

But Brittany will still sign the contract; thats non-negotiable.

I nodded in agreement.

Yes, youre right.

After this incident, Brittany became smug again.

She posted a group photo on Ins, Photoshopping me out and replacing me with herself.

All those late nights pulling off a multi-million dollar deal were totally worth it!

Many people liked it below her post.

At the company, she started ordering me around.

Chloe, please print this contract. It needs to be double-sided and in color.

Chloe, please book the meeting room for tomorrow. I need the largest one, set up with flowers and fruit.

Chloe, go buy me a coffee, the hand-ground one from the corner caf.

I accepted all her requests without complaint.

Brittany leaned back in her chair, her eyes full of triumph.

The day before the signing, the sales department was in chaos.

Mr. Wang threw a document in front of me.

Chloe Miller, this is the script for tomorrows signing ceremony.

You need to write it today, down to the minute.

Who stands where, who says what. Dont leave until its done.

I flipped through the document.

Mr. Wang, shouldnt Manager Brittany be preparing this?

After all, shes the one in charge.

Mr. Wang shot me a sidelong glance.

Brittany needs to memorize the contract clauses; she doesnt have time for this.

Im telling you to write it. This is your chance to participate in a major project.

Brittany sat nearby, painting her nails.

Thats right, Chloe. Just help me out a bit.

If I make a fool of myself tomorrow, itll be the companys embarrassment.

I took the document.

Alright, Ill get it ready now.

At noon, Mr. Wang called me to the end of the hallway.

Amidst the lingering smoke, her gaze was inscrutable.

Chloe Miller, for tomorrows signing ceremony you wont be coming in.

I raised an eyebrow.

Mr. Wang, I wrote the script, and I maintained the client relationship.

Now youre not even letting me into the venue?

Mr. Wang flicked off ash from his cigarette.

Chloe, you need to understand the situation.

Brittany has more charisma than you, and she presents herself better.

If youre standing there, youll only draw attention away from Brittany.

What if your attire offends Ms. Carter?

Your job is to be at the door and handle logistics.

After the signing, Ill let you attend the celebration dinner.

I looked at her, and suddenly smiled.

Mr. Wang, are you sure you dont need me to control the situation on-site?

Given Ms. Carters temper, if theres any unexpected change

Shut up!

Mr. Wang cut me off.

What unexpected change could there be? Just dont be an eyesore.

Have a broader perspective, understand?

I nodded.

Alright, broader perspective it is. Ill wait by the door.

Back at my desk, Brittany was trying on clothes.

It was a white lace gown with a train.

Chloe, doesnt it look good? This is my power suit!

She twirled around.

I glanced at it.

Gorgeous. You look just like a bridesmaid.

Brittanys face darkened.

What do you know, you bumpkin!

Colleagues from other departments passed by, whispering to each other.

Mr. Wang heard the commotion and cursed a few times in the WhatsApp group.

I ignored the distractions and sent a message to my mom.

Mom, remember to wear that black suit tomorrow. The more serious, the better.

Just before closing, I went to get water.

A cup of coffee was splashed in my face.

I dodged, but my sleeve still got stained with brown.

Oops!

Brittany held the empty cup, a smirk on her face.

My hand slipped, it slipped. So sorry, Chloe.

But you dont have to see clients tomorrow anyway.

Its fine if your clothes get dirty; you should probably get some new outfits anyway.

I pulled out tissues to wipe the stain.

Brittany took a step back.

What are you looking at? I already apologized.

I tossed the tissues into the trash.

Its alright.

I smiled.

Out with the old, in with the new.

I hope your power suit holds up tomorrow.