Chapter 1

On April Fool’s Day, I closed a $100 million deal.

Suddenly, my boss posted an announcement in our company WhatsApp group.

[Richard Miller: Audrey is donating her $300,000 project bonus to upgrade our office workspace. Let's all thank her for her selflessness and dedication to the company!]

Since I was busy preparing the final contract documents, I didn’t see the message right away.

It wasn't until I walked out of my office and saw my colleagues arguing over which luxury leather sofa to buy for the boss's office that I realized what was happening.

I scrolled through the group chat, found the boss's message, took a screenshot, and replied with a single question mark.

The once-rowdy group chat instantly fell dead silent.

An hour later, the boss replied, completely unbothered.

[Richard Miller: Come on, it was just an April Fool’s joke. Who knew everyone would take it so seriously?]

[Richard Miller: Besides, you're making so much in bonuses. Is it really a big deal to contribute some of it back to the company? Everyone else does it. Don't be so stingy.]

[Richard Miller: With an attitude like that, how do you expect to be promoted to Sales Director?]

Immediately after that, I was removed from the group chat.

I looked at my phone. A call was coming in from our billionaire client, Mr. Harrison. I tapped accept.

"Mr. Harrison, my boss just informed me that our $100 million contract was nothing but an April Fool's joke."

The moment I walked back to my desk, my boss and a crowd of colleagues immediately surrounded me.

"Oh, come on, Audrey. It was just an April Fool's prank. Don't tell me you can't take a joke?"

Richard Miller, our CEO, looked down at me, unable to hide the smug smirk on his face.

Following his mockery, the entire office erupted into harsh, mocking laughter.

"Exactly, Audrey! Did you honestly think you were going to be promoted to Sales Director?"

Chloe, the front desk receptionist, giggled hysterically, covering her mouth.

"She didn't even finish college. Who does she think she is, trying to become Sales Director?"

Amidst the jeers, I noticed my personal belongings had been carelessly thrown onto the floor.

My body went stiff. I slowly knelt down, picking up my things piece by piece from the dirty carpet.

"She always acted like she owned the place just because she was the top sales rep. She finally got what she deserved," a colleague whispered behind my back.

Richard strolled over to me.

He tapped the bottom of his stainless-steel mug against my desk.

"Audrey, don't be so petty."

"You're still young. A little setback is good for you. I’m only doing this to build your resilience under pressure."

He put on the pretentious persona of a wise mentor.

"You’ve been with this company for five years, and yes, you work hard."

"But to be a Director, hard work isn't enough."

"You need a spirit of self-sacrifice for the company. You need social skills. You still have a lot to learn!"

I looked up at him, my eyes cold.

"Richard, last week you told me face-to-face that if I landed Harrison's $100 million contract, the Director position would be mine."

Richard let out a scoff.

"That was just motivational talk. You seriously couldn't tell?"

"Besides, even without you, we would have landed Harrison's account anyway. Our company's brand speaks for itself."

"Don't flatter yourself too much."

I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms.

Five years of my youth. Countless sleepless nights of hustling.

In his eyes, it was all just a cheap joke he could trample on whenever he pleased.

A wave of humiliation washed over me.

But I forced myself to swallow the anger.

Because this afternoon, I was scheduled to sign that $100 million contract on behalf of the company.

It was the most important milestone of my career.

I couldn't afford to make a scene right now.

"I understand, Richard," I forced a cold, polite smile.

Richard nodded in satisfaction.

"That’s more like it. You're a woman, Audrey. Stop obsessing over promotions and career ladders all the time."

He turned to the rest of the lingering crowd.

"What are you all standing around for? Don't you have work to do?"

"Today might be April Fool's Day, but your performance reviews are no joke!"

The crowd dispersed, though their eyes still held lingering contempt.

From the adjacent cubicle, Brad leaned over.

"Aw, look at our star seller. Backing down already?"

Brad was always at the bottom of the sales board, and I had chewed him out more than once for his terrible performance.

Seeing me humiliated made him ecstatic.

"I’ve always said women aren't cut out for sales."

"Besides, you're not getting any younger, and your looks are fading. How do you expect to compete with the young girls coming in?"

He picked at his teeth, letting his greasy eyes roam up and down my body.

"If I were you, I’d find a man to marry and become a housewife. It suits you better."

I whipped my head around, my glare icy.

"Brad, your sales for this month are a flat zero. Do you really have the time to worry about my marital status?"

His face stiffened, and his smirk quickly turned into ugly rage.

"Who the hell do you think you're talking to!"

"You're not the Sales Director, so stop acting like you can boss me around!"

I didn't bother to reply.

For me, the only thing that mattered was double-checking the contract for this afternoon.

I turned around to head to the conference room.

The aisle was narrow. As I walked past, Brad intentionally stuck his leg out.

I tripped and crashed hard onto the floor.