Chapter 2

The entire room froze.

Everyone knew that at least eighty percent of the label's talent had been scouted and signed personally by me.

Without me, this label would never have gotten off the ground.

Mia quickly snatched the badge from the floor, her eyes glowing with undisguised greed.

Ethan's face darkened, his irritation flaring up.

"Scarlett! I pointed out a few facts and now you're throwing a tantrum?"

I met his glare with ice in my eyes. "Ethan, isn't this what you wanted? Your dream girl gets my position. You should be throwing a party."

Mia clutched the badge and put on her best saintly face.

"Scarlett, this is the most critical role in the company. Don't throw it away over bruised pride."

"Ethan is just doing what's best for the label. I'm still learning, and I'll need your guidance."

I stood by the doorway and offered her a sweet, chilling smile.

"Why would you need my guidance? You're a world-class producer from abroad, remember? Having you here is our greatest blessing."

Ethan looked slightly confused by my attitude, but his frown quickly gave way to a smug grin.

"Mia, since Scarlett knows her place and stepped down willingly, take the job."

"Since everyone is here, let's make it official right now!"

Mia pinned the badge to her chest, putting her hands together in a polite bow of gratitude. But beneath the facade, her smirk was dripping with arrogance.

I watched her with cold amusement.

When I signed those artists, every single one had a special clause in their contract:

If I ever leave the label, they have the unconditional right to terminate their contracts and walk away with all their master copyrights intact.

I couldn't wait to see how long Ethan's precious company would last once I handed the reins over to Mia.

Those singers came for my compositions and my vision.

Without me, eighty percent of the roster would walk out the door.

Ethan saw me lingering near the exit and assumed I was regretting my decision. In a tone of mock generosity, he said:

"Alright, Scarlett, drop the attitude."

"Moving forward, you can assist Mia with artist management. Consider it a free masterclass for your career."

Looking at his self-righteous expression, I let out a dry laugh.

Mia chimed in sweetly, rubbing salt in the wound: "Yes, Scarlett. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me."

The rest of the staff eagerly chimed in, showering Mia with endless praise.

Ethan ordered me, "Scarlett, Mia is offering to mentor you. The least you can do is come over and say thank you!"

I walked steadily toward Mia, my face calm and unreadable.

Mia held up the Black Card, casually waving it in front of my face.

"Scarlett, we're partners now. Work hard, and maybe one day you'll earn a bonus like this too."

I snatched the Black Card from her fingers.

Before Mia could react, I snapped my wrist and flung the heavy metal card straight across the bridge of her nose.

The sharp edge caught her hard, and she let out a shriek of agony, clutching her face as blood trickled through her fingers.

"Oops. My hand slipped," I said smoothly. "Are you okay?"