Chapter 8

Since my name was cleared, Kenneth and I went to handle business matters.

He still held my hand.

"What's wrong? Are you addicted to acting?" I teased, trying to pull my hand away.

To my surprise, his grip tightened, and Kenneth looked at me seriously.

"Can you give me a chance, Bella?"

I turned my eyes away, unsure of what to say.

"I'll think about it."

The proposal I was responsible for led to a successful collaboration with the Williams family, and I secured two major projects by the end of the year.

The company released the promotion list, but my name wasn't on it.

Laura, however, got an exceptional promotion for completing a big deal by the year's end.

I bypassed my supervisor and went directly to the manager to inquire.

The manager frowned and spoke in a tone that seemed to be for my own good: "Bella, your work is indeed outstanding, but Laura is Mr. Hamlin's daughter, and she's also quite capable. You've only been with the company for a short time, so we considered everything and decided Laura was more suitable."

"Does the company value connections over individual performance? No wonder there's internal corruption; many employees leave because there's no path for advancement, leaving behind those who just coast along," I pointedly remarked.

The manager immediately stood up and sneered: "What's your problem? I'm giving you advice! Do you know who she is? Mr. Hamlin's daughter! And who are you? Don't think you can act superior just because you were specially recruited! Be grateful you passed the probation period!"

"Well, Manager, you'd better hold onto Laura's coattails tightly. When she rises higher, she might reward you with a better position!" I said with a smile.

"You! How dare you speak to me like that!"

I left the office.

I could already hear colleagues congratulating Laura on her promotion.

Laura had been smug lately, looking down on everyone.

At the end of the year, there was a company annual meeting where outstanding employees were rewarded and promoted.

Most promotions were minor; someone like Laura getting such a big promotion was rare.

She dressed conspicuously in a white tulle dress.

I idly ate as Laura sauntered over to me.

"What's the point of working hard? Some people lose from the starting line."

"No, actually, you lost to me from the day you were born," she said pointedly.

Some people have been stepdaughters for so long they think they're the real deal.

Kenneth approached with a champagne glass.

"A duckling can become a swan because it was always a swan."

He glanced at Laura and clicked his tongue, shaking his head.

"But some people wear white and think they can rise above."

Laura gritted her teeth, her face turning pale with anger.

"Why are you here?" I asked him.

"What? As Mr. Hamlin's good nephew and your good friend, can't I be here?" He clinked glasses with me and downed his drink in one go.

After several dances came the chairman's speech and thanks.

Mr. Hamlin took the stage and looked at the audience, going through formalities with official pleasantries.

Then he gave an impassioned speech, becoming teary-eyed towards the end.

"My daughter has been working at the grassroots level by her own request. Her abilities are evident to all, and I've heard about them too."

"During her time working here, she has given me many valuable insights and told me things I never knew or understood. I'm very grateful to her and have re-evaluated some of our company's rules. I hope to progress together with my employees in the new year."

"After comprehensive consideration by myself and the board of directors, we have decided to appoint my daughter as the company's general manager."

The audience erupted in applause as if welcoming a significant figure's arrival.