Someone immediately retorted, “You want Ms. Gildon to be someone’s secretary? Are you out of your mind?” “Ms. Gildon is smart, capable, and stunning. With her impressive track record, which president wouldn't want her on their team? If she entered the job market, headhunters would be scrambling to hire her.” Vespera simply smiled. In truth, they underestimated headhunters' acumen. Ten days prior, she'd already received calls from recruiters subtly probing her career plans. At the time, her departure from Eclipse Group was unknown outside the company.
The conversation continued. “Don’t underestimate the position of chief secretary to the Tavian Group heir. That position offers access to Halewick's elite and powerful figures. With the right moves, her future is limitless.” “I heard of an overseas secretary who became vice president within a few years—and married the president!” “Heh, in that case, I might apply!” “Has anyone seen the Tavian heir? Is he even handsome?” “Nope. Of the four Reid siblings, only the eldest sister is publicly known. The others are quite mysterious.”
The conversation veered further off-topic. Vespera chuckled; their romantic musings made her feel like a jaded nun, long disillusioned with love—something she wouldn't revisit. Her career, however, was worth considering. She'd contemplated starting her own business, but all her professional contacts were tied to Luke. Severing ties would leave her isolated. She needed to establish herself independently.
That night, she contacted a prominent socialite, seeking information on the Tavian Group and its enigmatic heir. A lazy, amused voice answered. “Investigating another man? Isn’t Mr. Munoz going to be jealous?” “His feelings are irrelevant,” Vespera replied coldly. “Vespera, you two aren't actually broken up, are you?” Yasmine Ralston asked, her curiosity evident. “Not yet,” Vespera answered vaguely. Yasmine sighed dramatically. “So the rumors are true. Eight years, and he still treated you poorly. What a bastard.”
Yasmine’s bluntness was typical. Vespera adopted a pitiful tone. “That’s why I'm planning for myself. I heard the heir is seeking a chief secretary. I want to apply.” “Honestly—is it the man or the money?” “I only believe in one thing now—God.” Yasmine laughed. “Leave it to me. I'll ensure you meet this God in person.” “Thanks.” “Wait for my good news.”
After hanging up, Vespera searched “Dominic Reid,” but the results were meager. “Dominic Reid…” she whispered. If she worked for him, knowing his preferences would be advantageous. Lost in thought, Luke entered her study. Vespera closed her laptop. They each had their own studies. Once deeply in love, they were inseparable; their relationship had evolved into a strictly professional dynamic, even at home. After work, they barely interacted.
“Do you need something?” she asked. “Do I need a reason?” “Of course not… You can do whatever you want.” She mentally finished, “…once I’m gone, you can run around naked in here for all I care.”
Luke’s gaze fell on her hastily closed laptop, suspicion evident. He settled into a lounge chair. “I wanted to inform you of something.” Vespera’s expression remained neutral. “Go ahead.” Luke hesitated. “Tina wants to join your project department.”
Vespera anticipated his sudden politeness boded ill, but not this. It felt like a blow. Her expression froze. “Of all departments, mine?” Luke frowned. “Don’t say it like that. She wants to prove herself. That should be encouraged.” Vespera’s frustration mounted. “If she wants to prove herself, let her try another department. But not the project team! It’s my department! My people!” “Be reasonable, Vespera. You resigned. You’re no longer with Eclipse Group. The project team isn't yours.”
Her throat tightened. He was right. Eclipse Group was his. She couldn't refuse, couldn't fight him. He was giving her department—built from the ground up—to his lover, and she was powerless. Luke observed her, suppressing his irritation. “You're making her out to be worse than she is. I promise she won't cause trouble—I’ll keep her in check.” “Do whatever you want.” Vespera’s voice was quiet, almost detached. She was exhausted; she didn’t want to care anymore.
Frustration simmered in Luke’s eyes. “I told you in advance to avoid upsetting you, but look at you now. You’ve always been hostile toward Tina. I know you don’t like her, but can’t you consider my position? Our families are in a business partnership. Am I supposed to ruin things with the Sowles because you dislike her?”
Vespera was speechless. She’d done nothing wrong. First, Tina took her man; now her career. And she was expected to be grateful. A bitter laugh escaped. This was the breaking point—rage and heartbreak blending into laughter. A sharp, bitter taste filled her throat.
Three days later, Vespera returned to Eclipse Group to finalize her departure. Tina, in Chanel, strutted into Vespera's former office like a conquering hero. She emptied the office, discarding furniture and decorations. Vespera’s trophies, once proudly displayed, were tossed in a bin. The project department was distraught. They’d anticipated a replacement, but not a fool. Word from the executive secretary’s office was that Tina couldn’t operate a printer. She spent her days snacking and playing games, infecting the computer with a virus. Instead of fixing it, she took a secretary's computer, deleting crucial files. Instead of punishment, Luke fired the secretary. No one wanted to imagine the chaos she'd bring to the project team.
Vespera remained impassive during the handover. But when she reached for a document, Tina began a smug speech. “Vespera, how does it feel? Lost your man, lost your job. Everything you built, everything you worked for—I can take it all. And do you know why? Because you and I are not the same. I was born superior. You are beneath me. I have powerful people backing me, and you have no one. In our social circle, women like you—pretty, desperate, and insignificant—are a dime a dozen. You are nothing more than playthings for men. And you? You thought you could marry into the Munoz family? How laughable.” She laughed mockingly.