Vengeance Is Best Served Cold

After recording the video, I went to work.

To secure the Quinn Venture project, I worked late into the night.

"Willow, give up on the Quinn Venture deal. If I win, it's for us. If you win, it's for your boss," Sam said, nuzzling against my neck.

His tactics hadn't changed. Whenever we competed, he always used his charm to sway me. And back then, I had foolishly fallen for it.

"I'm working hard to support Mom and Irene. I can't expect you to shoulder everything alone, can I?"

Swallowing my disgust, I kissed him on the cheek. Then, I stepped into my heels, grabbed the proposal I had spent all night perfecting, and strode out.

Sam would be groveling beneath my feet soon enough.

At Quinn Venture's office, five competing firms gathered. As the first to present, I walked in confidently.

I shot Sam a glance before stepping through the door. This proposal was the culmination of all my efforts.

In the past, Sam had often made me draft plans for him behind the scenes, so I knew his company's weaknesses like the back of my hand.

Taking a deep breath, I sat down across from the client, Archer Quinn, and began presenting my ideas.

Halfway through, Archer interrupted me and asked me to leave.

By afternoon, Quinn Venture announced Sam as their new partner.

How could this be? I stared at the results in disbelief.

Back home, three pairs of eyes locked onto me the moment I walked in.

"Willow, you're clearly not cut out for this. Why not just stay home and look after the baby? Do you know what time it is?" Irene was the first to scold me for being an irresponsible mother.

"Weren't you all supportive of my career?" I asked, feigning a pitiful expression. Two could play the victim game.

"Willow, just focus on the family. Let me handle the money-making. Quit your job, okay? Securing Quinn Venture today was a great start. You take care of things here, and I'll take care of everything else," Sam said, holding my hand.

It was clear they wanted me to quit voluntarily, or they wouldn't let me rest tonight.