Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Melody exuded confidence and poise, her voice clear and assured.
I leaned forward slightly, glancing at the resume on Peter’s desk. Melody’s resume was devoid of any work experience, instead listing an array of artistic skills–dancing, piano,
painting…
Frowning, I turned and whispered to Peter, “This candidate has neither relevant experience nor the right qualifications. Shouldn’t she have been screened out in the first round?”
Peter shook his head. “The CEO personally appointed her.”
I froze, a bitter smile forming on my lips. Of course, I already knew the answer but had asked anyway, only to humiliate myself.
When Melody finished introducing herself, I didn’t hesitate. “Emilia, what do you think are the core duties of a secretary? Do you believe you can handle them?”
My question went straight to the point, blunt and unforgiving. Melody paused, then flashed a confident smile. “Though I lack work experience, I’m fluent in four languages and a quick
learner.”
She raised her gaze to meet mine, a hint of meaning in her eyes. “I heard that, Ms. Laura, you also joined this company right after graduation, securing the job due to your language skills. I believe I’m just as capable.
I fell silent. This familiar scenario made my mind drift back to five years ago. Back then, I had entered Reed Corporation full of ambition, passing every round of interviews until I stood in front of Leo. He had asked me that very question, and it had changed the course of my life. Time moved on, and I went from being his employee and wife to his ex–wife and a forgotten figure.
When I returned to the present, Melody had already left.
The following day, the HR announcement came through. Leo had made the decision himself, appointing Melody directly as his personal assistant, bypassing the usual ranks. That very day, she was already accompanying him on a business trip.
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Chapter 3
I was stunned by the news. It had taken me a year to rise from a junior assistant to Leo’s personal secretary. But Melody? She only needed a word from him.
I felt a pang of bitterness twist in my empty heart.
A week later, Leo finally returned. I prepared the project documents and headed to him for a signature. I had been working on this high–stakes project, worth nearly a billion, for over a year, and only the finalization remained. In my past life, completing this project had secured my promotion to project manager upon returning from maternity leave. Perhaps, as people say, career success often comes when romance falters.
As I passed the break room, I overheard some gossip and stopped.
Emilia’s indignant voice echoed, “Oh my god, did you guys hear? They say Melody is Mr.
Reed’s first love!”
Another colleague chuckled, “Sounds like a reunion is in the works.”
“But isn’t Mr. Reed married?”
“Oh, it’s a typical wealthy marriage, all for show. I heard from Assistant Yang, who went on the trip, that Mr. Reed even reserved an entire Michelin three–star restaurant just for her!”
“Tsk tsk, was that a business trip or a date? And where does that leave the legitimate Mrs.
Reed…”
Each word stabbed at my heart. I clutched the project folder tightly, my throat constricting as every breath brought a stab of pain. After a moment, I regained composure and carefully smoothed out the crumpled pages.
It’s fine. I had already decided on divorce; their actions no longer concerned me.
Calming myself, I headed resolutely toward Leo’s office. Just as I raised my hand to knock, the door opened from within. Melody stood in the doorway and smiled at me. There was something in that smile that made my heart sink.
Slowly, I stepped into the office. Leo, head down, was busy writing something, not even glancing up.
Without wasting words, I said quickly, “Mr. Reed, the Great City Company project only
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Chapter 3
needs final approval. If you could review it, I’ll need your signature.” I placed the
documents on his desk.
Leo finally looked up, his eyes briefly scanning the papers, but he made no move to sign.
I was puzzled until his words struck me like a thunderclap.
“From now on, Melody will be taking over this project. You’ll liaise with her.”
