The Rich Ex-Wife Strikes Back

First Day at Work

After getting rejected yesterday at the store I wanted, I asked Ailen to sign me up for membership at some exclusive stores. To go to work, I decided to wear my bag collection. Hubert, my driver, only drove me to the nearest bus stop. I'd gotten used to using the bus back in Boston, although during my time in New York, I'd never used any public transportation at all, not even a taxi. I had to check my phone to confirm the bus code and which stop I should get off at before I started walking towards the office building.

Unfortunately, even though I had confirmed on my phone which stop I should get off at, I still missed it. That made me have to walk further, even though I was wearing heels that were quite high. Looking at my watch, I walked hurriedly into the lobby of the Mourinho Group building. I was going to work in the Marketing division of the hotel chain owned by the Mourinho Group.

My heels were aching from walking so fast to catch the elevator that would take me to the 15th floor. When I arrived at the HR room, four other trainees were already lined up. The people there, including the HRD who was a man with partially gray hair, turned to look at me.

How come you are late on the first day already? Stated Mr. Jensen, HR director.

"I apologize, sir. I am not too familiar with bus and train directions because I am new to New York. I promise not to do it once more." I excused myself.

"Of course, you won't do it again because if you do, then you'll be kicked out of here right away, understand?"

I nodded as I replied, "I understand, sir."

"I think that's all, I'll leave the rest to your respective divisions. Have a good day at work."

After a short speech in which I was also late and didn't know what information there was, I left the HRD room heading one floor above to the marketing room.

"That's you, right? The poor woman who rode a bicycle and broke the queue yesterday?"

I looked at the woman who was also a trainee like me, making me remember the incident in front of the store yesterday where I was expelled from there. She was the annoying blonde.

She looked at my bag with a dismissive smile. "A cheap, unbranded bag like that suits you perfectly."

I just kept quiet and stared at the closed elevator doors. The brand of the bag I was using wouldn't be recognized by a commoner. At least it explained the class she was in with her exorbitant arrogance.

"Take a look at what I am wearing—all high-end, renowned brands. Just so you know, I work only because I'm bored. She said arrogantly, "I am the daughter of a wealthy corporation. So, work well so you can better the lives of your poor family."

I walked out as soon as the elevator doors opened, not wanting to hear her braggadocio, which revealed that she was simply looking for validation. I admit that he was wearing luxury items for the upper-middle class, but for my size, they were mid-range quality. Besides, if what she said was true that she was the daughter of a rich conglomerate and was only working because she was bored, then she wouldn't have blown her cover.

In the marketing division, only Nicole and I were trainees, and we were both under the supervision of a leader named Maria, who was also the woman in line ahead of me at the store yesterday who was also defending Nicole.

"In this company, every employee must be able to play an active role, especially the marketing division which is quite vital in marketing products. In three months there will be a Skylounge launching at Nirvana Hotel. I want you to come up with a marketing strategy proposal that can be used to attract customers. You will present your proposal at the next monthly meeting." So said the marketing manager, Mr. Robinson, during the meeting.

Because of the proposal assignment, I'll probably be very busy because I have to do detailed research to find a suitable idea for marketing the soon-to-open Skylounge. Besides, since this morning, I've been busy working on the report given to me by Maria. Meanwhile, Maria was busy chatting with Nicole very intimately as if they were old friends who had just met.

That afternoon, I didn't even have a chance to eat lunch because the reporting deadline given by Maria was very tight. I just left my chair to go to the toilet. I was still inside the toilet cubicle when I overheard the conversation of two other employees, one of whom I recognized as Maria.

"Ah, I got information from upstairs that Mr. Mourinho's granddaughter is working as a trainee at this company in the marketing division. And I believe she is Nicole."

"So that's why you were so friendly and nice to her?"

"Yes, of course. She is the future heir of this company after all. I have to be good at winning her over to get promoted quickly."

"But there are two trainees, right? What happens if the other trainee turns out to be the granddaughter?"

"Chloe? That's impossible. Look at her bags and clothes whose brands I've never heard of. Besides, unlike Nicole who comes to the office in a fancy car, Chloe only takes the bus. There is no chance she's the heir of this huge company."

"Then it is Nicole, especially since all of her belongings look very luxurious for a trainee."

"That's what I'm saying. That's why, from now on, we have to take Nicole's heart. And this secret is enough for us to know so we don't have to compete with the others."

As soon as I returned from the restroom, I saw Maria and Leona around Nicole, they were planning a welcome for the new employee in the marketing division.

Nicole, who noticed my arrival, turned to me. "What about Chloe? Shouldn't she come, too, since she is a new employee like me?

Leona tucked her hair into her ears while rolling her eyeballs as she said, "Of course, she can come if her work is done, but I doubt she can finish it."

"She's so slow, I wonder why this company would accept someone as undedicated as her," Maria said.

Nicole made a pitiable face. "What should I do, I can't seem to make it because my work is still piling up. The manager assigned me to make a report and it has to be submitted tomorrow morning."

Leona and Maria looked at each other for a while, then Maria touched Nicole's shoulder. "You can rest easy, there's no need to worry about that."

Maria walked over to my cubicle. "Chloe, complete the report that Mr. Manager requested."

I turned to look at Maria with a furrowed brow. "Why should I do it? It's Nicole's job, not mine."

"You dare to contradict my orders. You know, right, you are under my supervision as long as you are still a trainee. If you want to become a permanent employee of this company, do what I say so that I can give you a good evaluation."

I paused, unable to say that I didn't need anyone's judgment to work for the company that would become my legacy.

Maria leaned her shoulder against one of my cubicles with both hands folded in front of her chest and one eyebrow raised. "Work on that report and give it to Nicole in the morning."

Maria then left, without waiting for my reply. And if she thought I was going to be someone who complied, then she was wrong.