chapter 21

One day, Easy walked into Angela’s office with a hesitant expression, as if struggling to say something difficult. Angela noticed her best friend’s hesitation and put down her pen, giving her full attention.Easy took a deep breath and finally said, “Angela, I am really sorry to say this, but I cannot work for you anymore.”Angela’s brows slightly furrowed. “Why so sudden, Easy?”Easy sighed and sat down in front of her. “My mother has acquired a new cosmetic company, and she needs my help. You know how she is—always a career-oriented woman, and she expects me to stand by her side. I have to support her, Angela. I can’t refuse her this time.”Angela smiled warmly and reached out to hold Easy’s hand. “Then, I wish Miss Lauren’s cosmetic company becomes the best of all. But promise me something—never say sorry to me for doing what’s right. My Easy always makes my life easy.”Easy chuckled. “And my Angela is like an angel.”The two women exchanged a heartfelt smile before bursting into laughter. Their friendship had been through thick and thin, and this small separation wouldn't change anything between them.After a moment, Easy became serious and said, “You should be careful, Angela. Just ask if you need help with anything. We’ll support you as best we can!”Angela nodded, “Don’t worry, my sweetie. I won’t become a stranger to you guys. But, since you’re leaving me, you owe me some of the best cosmetics from your mother’s company!”Easy laughed. “I know you’re joking, but I’ll really bring you the best of all!”With that, she picked up her purse and left. Angela sighed, watching her best friend go. She was truly happy for Easy but knew she would miss having her by her side.After Easy left, Angela refocused on work, pushing aside any emotions that could distract her.------------------------------------Later that day, Angela stood up to discuss the dinner meeting with Mr. Rohan Andrew. She wanted to finalize the details before heading out.Just as she was about to call him in, Sofia entered her office without knocking. She leaned against the doorframe and said with an exaggerated smile, “Since it is a private dinner, it’s not necessary to bring an assistant, right?”Angela observed Sofia for a moment. The woman had been trying too hard to appear helpful, and now she was subtly trying to keep Rohan away from the meeting. Angela raised an eyebrow but maintained her calm.“Okay.”Rohan Andrew, standing nearby, looked at Angela with concern. He knew Sofia had ulterior motives and didn't trust her one bit. But Angela gave him an assuring smile, silently telling him that she had everything under control.That evening, Angela arrived at the private hotel where the meeting was scheduled. Sofia had already pre-booked a private dining room, making it clear that she had arranged everything in advance.As soon as Angela walked in, TATTEL Corporation’s Chairman, Samuel Luca, looked at her with greedy eyes. His interest was far from professional, and Angela immediately noticed it.Samuel Luca smirked and said, “This is Vice President Angela Reed, right? I’ve heard a lot about you. You’re even more beautiful in person.”Angela saw him extend his hand for a handshake but simply nodded and took her seat instead.“Mr. Samuel, you are too kind. Your reputation precedes you as well.”Sofia, who was standing beside them, gave Angela a meaningful glance, as if expecting her to play along.“Vice President Angela, you may not know this, but we have a strong relationship with TATTEL Corporation. It’s a great opportunity for Reed Corporation to collaborate with them. Why don’t you take out the contract for Mr. Samuel? If there are no issues, we can sign it today.”Angela paused briefly before pulling out the prepared contract. She placed it in front of Samuel and said, “Sure. Mr. Samuel, you should review it carefully.”Samuel picked up the contract and flipped through it. At first, he seemed indifferent, but soon his face darkened. He frowned and looked at Angela sharply.“Vice President Angela, why is the commission in this contract 20% higher than what we discussed?”Sofia immediately grabbed the document and scanned through it. Her face turned pale.“Who changed this?” she asked, looking flustered.Angela leaned back in her chair and said casually, “I did. I’m here to talk about this project, and I believe this adjustment is fair. We can proceed with this percentage, or we can forget about the deal altogether.”Samuel was clearly unhappy. “Vice President Angela, this is not what we agreed on.”Angela smirked. “Mr. Samuel, through this contract, I’m offering you a connection with a new watch company that needs two crore watches. Given this golden opportunity, I expect 40% commission rather than 10%. Otherwise, we can end this discussion right here.”Sofia’s face turned red with frustration.“Vice President Angela, how can you change the terms as you please?”Angela looked at her coolly. “I’m Reed Corporation’s Vice President. I make decisions in the company’s best interest. Why are you so upset, Sofia? Are you an employee of Reed Corporation or TATTEL Corporation?”Sofia clenched her fists, her face paling. “I… Of course, I work for Reed Corporation. But business is based on trust. We already discussed the terms, and you cannot change them suddenly.”Angela’s eyes gleamed. “As long as nothing has been signed, everything can be changed.”Just then, Samuel picked up a glass of red wine and poured one for Angela.“Vice President Angela, I also brought a similar contract. Please take a look. I assure you, I won’t treat you badly.”Angela glanced at the document but had no interest in reading it. She already knew what kind of deal he was trying to make.Sofia, sensing that Angela wasn’t falling into their trap, leaned in and whispered, “Angela, why are you relying so much on Michael Reed? Haven’t you noticed? He’s least interested in you. If he truly cared, he would have guided you in this business meeting. But he didn’t. What if he leaves you someday? What will you do then? You need powerful backers.”Angela barely paid attention to Sofia’s words. She was lost in thought, remembering how everyone assumed her relationship with Michael was just a temporary arrangement.Sofia, thinking she had successfully planted doubt in Angela’s mind, smirked. “Just look at your clothes, Angela. They don’t even have luxury brand labels. A woman like you should think about securing her future.”Angela still didn’t react, but in her mind, she was already planning her next move.Sofia, believing Angela was reconsidering, stood up and said, “I’ll step out for a moment. You and Mr. Samuel can continue discussing.”Angela’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile.‘She really thinks she can manipulate me? This dinner is turning out to be more entertaining than I expected.’Continue....✍ Atayee Sarkar