Chapter 51 Return to Headquarters

The moment Valerie got the email from headquarters, her emotions were all over the place. Samuel's decision to transfer her back wasn't his own; it was merely a strategic move to keep the project partners happy. She knew Samuel wouldn't openly make things tough for her, but he would definitely find other ways to mess with her. After all, a boss forced to compromise would always look for ways to vent his frustration.

Valerie sighed softly as she quietly packed her personal stuff into a cardboard box, thinking about her time there.

As she walked out of her office with the box in her arms, she met the complex gazes of her colleagues. Remembering their time together, Valerie gave them a warm smile and said softly, "See you around."

Her colleagues exchanged glances, momentarily speechless. When Valerie first joined the subsidiary, they had all been on edge. She had cut many projects and was seen as the "Ballbreaker." But over time, they realized she was different. She didn't just reject projects; she actively introduced new ones, helping them improve their skills and earn more.

"Ms. Brown," a female colleague finally stepped forward, bowing her head in apology, "we misunderstood you before, thinking you only cared about yourself. I want to apologize."

With that, others also came forward. Valerie felt a bit helpless yet amused as she responded to everyone's greetings one by one.

During the conversation, someone brought up Jeremy's sudden resignation. "Don't you think it's strange? I heard it wasn't voluntary."

"I heard he crossed the wrong person at the team-building event!"

"Serves him right! He was always so arrogant, never changing his ways. Someone had to put him in his place."

As the central figure in the incident, Valerie could only smile awkwardly, her curiosity about Howard deepening.

"Ms. Brown," someone asked cautiously, "you left early that day and now you're being transferred back to headquarters. Do you know something we don't?"

All eyes were on her. Valerie sighed inwardly. Besides knowing she had narrowly escaped harassment, she knew nothing about what happened next. Seeing how everyone was aware of Jeremy's misconduct, she didn't feel like saying more.

"Let's leave it at that," she said, clearing her throat and changing the subject. "A new GM will be here soon. Keep up the good work."

A faint sadness tinged the farewell atmosphere. As Valerie walked out of the subsidiary's doors, she saw a familiar car parked outside, her eyes lighting up. She ran over, only to find Joseph alone.

"Where's Howard?"

"He's handling things at the office. He sent me to pick you up."

Valerie's lips curved into a shy smile. She quickly composed herself and carefully placed her belongings in the back seat.

The drive back to headquarters wasn't long. Watching the scenery pass by, Valerie recalled her initial feelings when she first joined the subsidiary. She had been nervous but eager to make her mark. She hadn't expected to be transferred back just as things were looking up.

Back at Aurelia Holdings, Valerie headed straight to Samuel's office. "Mr. Harris, was Jeremy's resignation your direct order?"

Samuel put down his pen, looking at her with a hint of curiosity. "Why do you ask?"

"He was harassing female employees," Valerie said steadily, her anger simmering as a former victim. "And there's much more to it than that. He was taking kickbacks and hiding the truth from headquarters to continue his dirty dealings."

She paused for a moment, looking directly into his eyes. The fluorescent light in the office cast shadows on her face, making her appear even more aloof. "If you hadn't transferred me to the subsidiary, if I hadn't cut those suspicious projects, his actions might never have been exposed."

"But just a few days ago," Valerie's voice was soft but sharp, "after that team-building event, Jeremy suddenly submitted his resignation."

Valerie's eyes locked onto Samuel's face. "Was that your doing?"

"Not exactly," Samuel interrupted her. "But it had a lot to do with you. What about you? Besides exposing others, what have you contributed to the company?"

Valerie, undeterred, pulled out a USB drive. "This is a summary of my performance at the subsidiary. Please take a look."

After reviewing the data on his computer, Samuel's face showed a rare hint of approval. "Not bad. It seems I misjudged you before." He then changed the subject. "By the way, there's a gala tonight. You're coming with me."

"What?" Valerie was momentarily taken aback, frozen in place. The image of Howard immediately flashed in her mind; he was supposed to finish work on time today.

"Don't want to?" Samuel raised an eyebrow at her.

"No... of course I do." Valerie forced a smile, sighing inwardly. It was already 5 PM. She had hoped to finish up and have dinner with Howard.

Back at her desk, Valerie hesitated before calling Howard. He answered almost immediately, his deep, magnetic voice making her heart race.

"I have to attend a gala tonight," she said softly. "I might be home late."

There was a noticeable pause on the other end. The last time she attended a gala, she had gotten drunk, and the memory still worried him.

"Be safe," he said, his voice carrying a hint of tension and possessiveness. "Should I have Joseph pick you up? I don't like the idea of you being alone."

Valerie bit her lip, warmth flooding her heart. Since the last incident, Howard had become increasingly protective. Even confined to a wheelchair, he always found ways to take care of her. This feeling of being cherished made her heart flutter.

"No need. I don't know when the gala will end." She hesitated, her voice softening. "How was your day?"

"I'm good," he chuckled, his voice like a caress in her ear. "Don't worry about me. Focus on your work. Remember, don't drink anything from strangers. If someone offers you a drink, say you have a stomachache."

"Got it," Valerie replied softly. "I'll take care of myself, I promise. What happened last time won't happen again."

Hearing her gentle promise, Howard seemed to relax. "Alright, I'll be waiting for you."

After hanging up, Valerie leaned back in her chair, her cheeks warm. She didn't know when it started, but just hearing Howard's voice made her heart race uncontrollably.