Yvonne ignored Linda’s taunts.
Instead, it was a few colleagues from Team Two who started making snide remarks, their sarcasm thinly veiled. They ridiculed Yvonne for overestimating herself, whispering that no matter what tricks she tried, she would never catch Mr. Hamilton’s eye.
Some were shamelessly fawning over Linda, while others took the chance to belittle Yvonne.
“Our Linda is the CEO’s old college friend, you know. She’s been trusted with all the big projects for years. Some people around here aren’t even fit to carry her bag. Just wait—after the celebration tonight, you’ll see how Mr. Hamilton puts her in her place,” one of the women from Team Two declared loudly, making sure everyone could hear.
Yvonne found their posturing almost laughable.
She stayed silent, refusing to give their drama any air.
From Linda’s perspective, Yvonne’s quiet meant she finally realized just how valued Linda was—and that realization had left her too intimidated to speak.
Linda only grew more smug.
“Everyone, let’s go help set up the conference room for the celebration, okay? Mr. Hamilton’s hosting this party for me, so let’s make it look nice. He’ll be making a speech later, too,” Linda said, feigning bashfulness, her delighted laugh echoing through the office.
Yvonne didn’t even bother to look up at her.
In truth, several major international partners had signed on with Mr. Hamilton’s company that very day. He had been busy all afternoon, and Yvonne hadn’t wanted William, his assistant, to be distracted by trivial matters. She’d simply announced news of the celebration.
Linda, of course, had no idea that the whole thing had been her own suggestion in the first place.
After Linda’s announcement, the rest of the team dutifully followed her toward the media conference room.
“I heard our department was just going to have a little get-together in the office, but Mr. Hamilton made an exception for Linda and moved it to the conference room,” someone gushed.
“Yeah, we’re lucky to ride Linda’s coattails and celebrate with the higher-ups,” another chimed in, loud enough for half the floor to hear.
These two from Team Two were clearly performing for Yvonne’s benefit, hoping to rub salt in the wound.
With so many employees, only the senior and core staff were invited to the main event—most departments would be watching the proceedings via a private livestream from their offices.
The planning department was the only exception, and everyone assumed it was because of Linda.
In reality, it was Yvonne’s idea.
If the people on this floor didn’t leave, she’d never have a chance to find the original speech draft.
There was only one copy of the speech. Linda had accused Yvonne of swapping it out, but if Yvonne could find it, Linda would be exposed—caught framing Yvonne and embarrassing Hamilton Group in front of their international partners.
Once the floor had mostly cleared, only Grace and Nydia remained. They exchanged glances, then looked over at Yvonne, who was quietly scrolling through her phone.
“Yvonne, don’t worry. Even if Mr. Hamilton doesn’t believe you, we do,” Nydia said softly. “What you said on stage today was exactly what the brilliant engineer told us in that meeting. You remembered it all. Once Mr. Hamilton’s back, I’ll explain everything to him.”
Yvonne’s silence made Nydia all the more anxious.
Grace got up and walked over to Yvonne, noticing she was watching security footage on her phone.

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