Chapter 9

Leonard vigorously demonstrated his qualifications as a "good dog." He cultivated relationships with everyone, subtly inquiring about their opinions of me. If anyone spoke ill of me, he'd secretly report it. Watching his incessant boasting, I felt only profound immaturity.

When I joined the company, everyone was there to make money. Some liked me, some didn't—it was irrelevant to the work.

"Do you want me to make him leave the company?" he knelt, seeking my approval. It was clear he'd used underhanded tactics to force colleagues' resignations before.

"No need. Focus on your job," I dismissed him. The saying about women's hearts being the most poisonous? Men can be far more treacherous, resorting to any means.

I opened my computer to an email. Gisselle, the mysterious guest, had already left but chose to retaliate against Leonard. The email contained chat logs revealing Leonard's schemes: soliciting kickbacks from Gisselle, secretly accepting bribes from business partners, and even coercing Gisselle into sleeping with a partner to secure a deal.

Was Gisselle a willing participant, or merely a pawn? How could she not hate him? After calming down, I tallied the bribes, kickbacks, and implicated partners. The scale chilled me. This wasn't just about Leonard leaving; it involved the company, and possibly prison.

After backing up the evidence, I emailed the Purchasing Department manager. He met me privately, implicitly urging me not to escalate the situation. While I didn't want to damage the company's reputation, reporting to the police seemed the most appropriate course of action.

Thousands of miles away, Leonard was carousing with a woman and clients at a KTV. A business partner handed him a gift during a toast; the weight spoke volumes.

The salary and benefits were excellent; I wasn't foolish enough to quit. Audrey, however, was easily deceived; two superficial reports earned her trust. Only he knew the depths of the Purchasing Department.

Just as he grabbed the microphone, a knock came. Two police officers stood outside. His intuition screamed trouble. "Is there a problem?" he stammered.

They handcuffed him. "Someone reported you for bribery."

…One month later, Leonard's trial began. His extensive bribery and threats resulted in a harsh sentence. The Purchasing Department was in an uproar. The supervisor's actions saved the company from immense losses and restored its reputation. News spread of the new head's efficiency and resourcefulness.

My father called. "Daughter, I underestimated you. You'll take my place on the board of directors." He handed over the chairmanship.

Misfortune can be a blessing. Months ago, I was devastated by the lost promotion; now, I was chairman.

On Monday, at the all-staff meeting, I entered the conference room and took my seat. "Hello everyone, I am your newly appointed chairman, Audrey."