Big Win, Bitter Truth: I Was Her Practice Partner

Calvin roared with laughter, the sound resonating throughout the office.

I slightly cleared my throat in embarrassment. "Let's put that romance talk aside for now. I need you to verify something important for me. I'm going to put you on speaker. I'll ask the question, and all you have to do is answer it. Is that clear with you, Calvin?"

"Got it, Rob!" Calvin replied.

I jumped straight in. "Did you agree to cooperate with Ward Group because I called you last time?"

Calvin replied without hesitation, "Of course! I was truly taken aback, since you're not someone who deals in personal favors. But then, it all made perfect sense when you told me that it was your girlfriend's company. I never knew you were such a sap when you're in love, Rob."

I was truly speechless at Calvin's jovial manner. I remained focused and continued with my questions. "It's not the time to be messing around now. Have you ever met Steven Zimmerman, an assistant from Ward Group, Calvin?"

Calvin paused for a moment before replying, "I've heard of him, but I've never actually met him."

Charlotte snatched my phone before I could even respond and snapped, "You lunatic! I seriously have no idea where Robert dug up a pathetic actor like you to deceive me!

"I'm the CEO of Ward Group! You'll be hearing from my lawyer if either you or Robert continues to slander my assistant, you fraud!"

She then hung up without even waiting for Calvin's response.

I was absolutely shell-shocked. Calvin might have displayed a lack of decorum in private, but his approach to business was known to be cutthroat.

Thinking of how vindictive he could be, I realized that Ward Group's outlook was extremely grim. Charlotte's sheer ignorance had single-handedly brought about the company's downfall.

Steven appeared just as Charlotte ended the call. He was dressed in an expensive suit, with his shoes polished to a brilliant sheen.

Charlotte's eyes immediately gleamed with adoration upon spotting Steven, the object of her affection.

Steven, basking in her adoring gaze, threw me a challenging look. "You're the company's new director, huh? They're really letting any riff-raff join the company nowadays."

Charlotte interjected before I could even get a word in. "He's already been fired, so the director position belongs to you now, sweetheart."

She threw herself into Steven's embrace, making a deliberate show of it.

That single sight killed the remnant of affection I held for my girlfriend—or rather, my ex-girlfriend.

Steven, responding in kind, wrapped his arm around Charlotte's waist with a smug look on his face. "Men who sponge off women will never amount to anything."

I narrowed my eyes and offered a chilling, mirthless laugh. "You think you're better than me, huh, Mr. Zimmerman?"

Steven watched me set myself up and roared with delight. "Of course! I landed the deal in Barovia for Ward Group, while all you ever did was sleep your way to the top with Charlotte. Keeping a gigolo like you here is a total waste of company resources!"

I slowly wagged my finger and said, "I disagree, Mr. Zimmerman."

Steven erupted in sudden rage after being challenged. "Where was I wrong? You don't seriously believe Ward Group needs a mere kept man like you, right?"

I smiled and nodded in response. "That's right. You all wouldn't have been able to close the deal in Barovia if it weren't for me, Mr. Zimmerman."

In that instant, everyone in the office erupted in laughter. I remained unfazed by their jeers and taunts, as it wouldn't be long before everyone would witness the downfall of Ward Group.

Steven took out his phone in front of everyone and made a call. "Hello, Mr. Baker. I'm Steven Zimmerman from Ward Group. Yes, that Ward Group. You see, we have prepared the contract for the deal. When would it be convenient for you to come by to sign it, Mr. Baker?"

I heard a familiar voice from the other end, though strained with suppressed anger. "I'm fine with any time. Your company is in Caldoria, right? I just so happen to have some business to handle there."

I listened to how restrained Calvin sounded and figured that he had been grinding his teeth so hard in anger.

Steven jumped in excitement. "Great! I'll arrange for someone to escort you to Ward Group right away, Mr. Baker!"

Calvin stunned everyone with his response before Steven could get another word in. "No need. I've already landed at Caldoria Airport. I'm heading to Ward Group right now."