Chapter 20
“I’ll help.” Gwyneth said, still facing away, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. But I need the title I deserve. Projects should be handled by the Project Department anyway.”
Quentin hesitated. The Project Department was a key part of the Jenkins Group. He worried that if Gwyneth took charge, she might pull some tricks. But if projects kept getting delayed, the company would face serious cash flow problems.
Meanwhile, Gwyneth had already opened the office door. “Then I won’t bother pleading with Harrison for leniency. Do as you wish, Dad.”
Quentin finally called out, “Deal
Gwyneth slammed the door shut again. The noise seemed to seal her victory in this power struggle.
Quentin’s face turned pale. “But since you’ve been hack at the Jenkins Group, you haven’t closed a single deal. Transferring you to the Project Department is easy enough, but earning their respect? That’s a different challenge. We’ll need to think about this carefully.”
Gwyneth sneered inwardly. Hmph. There’s always a catch, as expected.
Right then, Melanie burst into the room, her voice sharp. Theard everything outside! You’re going too far, Gwyneth. The Project Department is full of the company’s best. Dad’s trying to keep you from joining without achievements to protect you–and you’re threatening him instead?”
Quentin’s eyes softened with pride as he pulled Melanie close. “That’s my girl,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “We’ll get you into the Project Department, but you’ve got to deliver results. No one lasts there without solid achievements”
“Dad always thinks ahead Melanie said, her tone sweet as she looped her arm through his, casting a triumphant glance at Gwyneth. The Project Department has only a few spots left.
“Oh, and they’re hiring next week. If you don’t have anything to show for yourself by then, you won’t even get a desk.”
Gwyneth’s expression remained calm. “Just a week?” she mused.
She’d spent years in the cutthroat world of startups, closing deal over endless networking events. A few years as a “trophy wife hadn’t dulled her edge. She said firmly, Tll secure partnership contracts within a week.”
“Ha! Don’t get ahead of yourself, Melanie scoffed, “You’ve been head over heels in love for years, far away from the business world. You think it’s easy! Alright, let’s put it in writing. If you fill, you leave the company.”
The Everprosper Group had grown exponentially under Zachary’s leadership, but Gwyneth’s name rarely surfaced. Melanie was convinced that Gwyneth was a leech with no real talent, clinging to Zachary’s success.
but Gwyneth just raised an eyebrow. “Since this is a bet… Ill wager I can secure a contract in a week. Why don’t you stake your Vice President title?”
“Deal” Melanic blurted out, her mind already racing with visions of finally outshining Gwyneth.
Gwyneth pulled out her phone, recorded their conversation, and played it back. “The pact stands,” she si
said, slipping the phone back into her pocket and walking oul
Melanie’s smile faltered. She’d just risked her entire career on a rash impulse. That wasn’t what she wanted. As Gwyneth disappeared down the hall, Melanie gritted her teeth. It’s okay. She would never pull this off
Gwyneth walked back into the PR department, and to her surprise, her colleagues we
were acting like their usual selves again. It was probably Quentin’s doing–he must have wanted her to get cracking on the negotiations with the Lopez fonsily.
Chapter 21
