chapter 23

Angela had barely settled onto her couch when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen—Easy Calling.She sighed, knowing her friend wouldn't rest until she got all the details."Angela! Tell me, how did it go?" Easy’s excited voice rang through the speaker.Angela leaned back and closed her eyes. "It was a disaster," she said flatly.Easy gasped. "What? How? What happened?"Angela quickly narrated the events of the night—Samuel’s scheme, Sofia’s involvement, Aayan’s interference, and Jorge’s sudden appearance. But when it came to Jorge, she only brushed over it lightly.Easy, however, was sharp. "Wait… Jorge Trumph was there? And he helped you?"Angela hesitated. "I wouldn’t say he helped me. He just… showed up and got involved."Easy snorted. "That bastard! Acting all high and mighty. As if he has any right to interfere in your life!" Then, after a pause, she growled, "And that witch Sofia… How dare she do something so dirty? You should fire her immediately!"Angela rubbed her temple. "If I kick her out, she might run her mouth and twist the story to ruin my reputation. She’s the type who would do anything to save herself."Easy scoffed. "So what? Let her bark. Who would believe her over you?"Angela sighed. "It’s not about believing or not. The business world is ruthless, Easy. Even a small scandal can destroy everything I’ve built. I need to handle this carefully."Easy groaned. "Fine. But I still think Sofia Lindt would be more suited as a pimp in some nightclubs rather than working in a company."Angela chuckled despite herself. "That’s the best description of her I’ve heard so far.""Exactly! Her talent is wasted in the corporate world."Angela smiled but didn’t respond. After a few more exchanges, they ended the call. But as Angela lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind drifted back to Jorge.Why had he come looking for her?And why did he look so angry when she walked away?She shook her head. It doesn’t matter anymore.---Reed Corporation – Next MorningAngela walked into her office early in the morning, only to be greeted by a pleasant surprise.Her old chair had been replaced with a sleek, ergonomic one. She ran her fingers over the smooth leather, satisfaction filling her heart. Rohan Andrews, her assistant, was efficient as always.She smiled. "Not bad, Rohan."Just as she settled in, she felt the need for a cup of coffee. She had barely gotten up when—Bang!The door slammed open, and Sofia Lindt stormed in."Angela, are you deliberately trying to mess things up?" Sofia snapped, her tone dripping with fury.Angela raised an eyebrow but didn’t bother looking up. She calmly reached for her phone, playing with it nonchalantly.Sofia, undeterred, continued, "I clearly asked you to accompany Mr. Samuel to dinner, but you left me behind? Do you know how embarrassing that was?"Angela’s lips curled into a small smile. "Embarrassing for you? Or for him?"Sofia stiffened.Angela finally glanced up and noticed the faint marks on Sofia’s neck. So, she didn’t escape unscathed either.Angela smirked. "Had a rough night, Ms. Lindt?"Sofia’s face twisted in anger, but before she could respond, Angela pressed play on her phone.A recording started playing—Sofia’s voice filled the room:"Vice President Angela, maybe you don’t know, but we have a great relationship with TATTEL Corporation. So, there’s no problem cooperating with them. Why don’t you take out the contract for Mr. Samuel? If there is no problem, we can sign it today."Angela--" Sure. Mr. Samuel you would better look at it carefully. "" Vice President Ms Angela, why is the commission on this contract is 20% higher than promised??"Sofia " Who changed this??"Angela--" I'm here to talk about this project. We can go with this percentage or forget about it forever. Mr. Samuel I have said that through this contract I will contact you with a company which is a new watch company that needs 2 crore watch. Now for this contract you have to give me 40% commission rather than 10%   or forget it."Sofia " Vice President Ms. Angela, how can you  change it as you please?"Angela --" I'm Reed Corporation's Vice President, so I can do what I please. I'm thinking about our company’s best interest. Why are you getting angry? Are you employee of Reed Corporation or TATTEL Corporation??"Sofia" I,,, I know ma'am I am Reed Corporation's employee, but Vice President Angela, business is based on trust. We have already agreed the amount, you cannot change it. "Samuel--" Vice President Ms Angela, I also have bring a similar contract. Please look at this document. I won't treat you badly."Sofia --" Angela, why are you relying on Michael Reed? Think, Michael Reed is least interested with you, so he didn't guide you also. He can leave you also from his life. Then what will you do. You need backers. "" Look your clothes, they don't have brands."Sofia-"I'm going for a minute, you and Mr. Samuel continue discussing. "]Angela leaned back in her chair, watching as Sofia’s face turned deathly pale.The recording continued—Sofia’s body trembled.Angela stood up, slowly walking toward her. "Sofia, if I expose this recording, the company will thoroughly investigate all the projects you’ve handled. If that happens…"She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice."You won’t be able to stay in this industry anymore. You might even end up behind bars."Sofia gasped, panic flashing across her face.Angela straightened and crossed her arms. "Are you really ready to give up your entire career for TATTEL Corporation?"Sofia’s lips parted, but no words came out. She swallowed hard, her anger replaced by fear."V-Vice President Angela…" Sofia’s voice was much softer now. "I was too reckless earlier. TATTEL Corporation’s project… isn’t that great anyway. That company is actually an empty shell."Angela’s eyes gleamed in satisfaction."Good."She turned back to her chair and sat down. "Then don’t mention the cooperation with TATTEL Corporation ever again."Sofia’s head snapped up. "But—"Angela cut her off with a sharp glare."I recognize your capabilities, Sofia," Angela continued. "But you need to use them for your own work, not to interfere with mine. Stay in your lane."Sofia’s hands clenched into fists at her sides, but she forced a stiff nod. "Y-Yes, Vice President Angela."Angela waved a dismissive hand. "You may leave now."Sofia hesitated, her face stiff, but she knew she had no choice. With one last reluctant bow, she turned and left the office, her back drenched in cold sweat.As soon as the door closed, Angela leaned back in her chair, exhaling deeply.She had handled Sofia—for now. But she knew this wasn’t the end.People like Sofia didn’t give up so easily.But Angela wasn’t worried.After all, she had dealt with far bigger threats in her life.And if Sofia—or anyone else—thought they could walk over her, they were gravely mistaken.Continue..✍ Atrayee Sarkar