Surrender To Me

Chapter 5

Chapter Five

SLOANE

Before I could respond, a group of people walked by, and Jane gave me a smirk before disappearing inside the elevator.

I groaned in frustration and anger. I am at a loss for words. What do I do first? How do I deal with that witch? Do I tell Josiah first?

I shook my head at the last thought. If he finds out about what happened with the presentation and with Jane, he will be mad, but he won't be of help. As if I will ask for his help anyway. That will only boost his already inflated ego. I can do this on my own.

"I need to deal with that woman myself. I need to gain the investor's trust first, then I will tell him so he can deal with that woman after." I muttered to myself as I walked my way back to my office.

I could feel my team's eyes boring at the back of my head, but I ignored them. I printed the original presentation I created and even the raw designs. Then I went to the security room to request to see the CCTV, only to be left disappointed.

"You need a request, ma'am."

"But I need it urgently! That will take days!" I complained, running my fingers through my hair in frustration.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. It's the protocol. If I allow you without request, then I will lose my job."

I released a deep sigh and went back to my office in defeat. When I got there, I slumped on my chair, and that's when Maggie, the design manager, came in. I could tell she was upset and disappointed, but I knew her enough to know that she wouldn't lash out without hearing any explanation first. She's been in the company longer than I was, and it took long for her to be promoted. One of the reasons some of my officemates dislike me is because I was automatically offered this position and I can be promoted to a higher position anytime.

How is that my problem?

"What happened? My team told me you messed up, but then I thought, How can the Genius Sloane mess up? Out of all the designs, it just had to be switched to designs from way back then?"

"At least someone is thinking." I sighed and showed her the originals. "Someone purposely swapped them up to ruin my presentation."

"Do you know the one behind this?" Maggie asked as she browsed through the papers.

"I have my suspicions. I want to check the CCTV to make sure, but you apparently need a request to see them. The investors won't wait for days, Maggie," I groaned and grabbed my head. "I need to fix this or our efforts will be in vain, plus the higher-ups won't be happy."

I intended to hide the fact that it was Jane because I didn't know what she'd do once she found out I told someone. What if she spreads the word? God, I hope she hasn't told anyone yet. I don't want to ruin my career because of that.

Maggie stared at me for a while, as if analyzing if I was telling the truth. She sighed and called someone.

"Yes, it's me, Jim. Listen, can I ask for a favor? I need a record of the CCTV. No, you don't have to give it to me, but can you please check if you will see a woman and just take a picture or a short video? What time?" Maggie looked at me and asked.

"Around lunchtime."

"It's around lunchtime. Just please check the area around the Sales Department. Thank you, brother. I will wait for it. I will compensate you for it. Yeah, yeah, whatever." Maggie cut the call and looked at me. "That was my little brother who works in the security department. Let's wait, okay?"

I licked my lips and sent her a grateful look. "Thank you so much, Maggie. I owe you one."

"I'm going to get back to work, but I will inform you as soon as I hear from him."

I tried to focus on work and kept glancing at my phone, wishing to hear some news. When it lit up and showed Maggie's name, I quickly unlocked it and sighed in relief when I saw images and videos showing Jane entering the department and leaving half an hour later.

"Perfect!"

I knew I would get in trouble for it, but who cares? Once I secure another project with the investors, they will eventually forget about it.

I did not waste any time gathering all the evidence I needed and personally showed it to the investors before the day ended. I invited them to another presentation tomorrow, and they all agreed to my relief.

I received a call and a message from Josiah, but I ignored them. I don't need him scolding me right now. My priority is my work and will always be.

The next day, I presented the real project to the investors with the higher-ups' presence this time, and they were all impressed, and they gave me a second chance. I apologized for the inconvenience, and they all approved the project. All that's left is the CEO's approval and production, and we can launch it. Sounds easy, but it will be another hell's week for everyone.

I knew Jane would be called by HR for an explanation, and before she could open her mouth, I was already pulling her somewhere no one could hear us.

"Ouch, you b*tch! Why did you bring me here?!" She screamed as she held her wrist.

"So we can talk. What else?" I stepped forward, and she took a step back. "I bet you didn't think I'd be able to fix what you destroyed. Did you really think you can beat me? When you haven't come close to being my second?"

"Listen—"

"No, you listen to me, and you listen well," I cut her off in a warning tone. "If you think you can threaten me with what you discovered, you are mistaken. Do what you did again and you won't get to keep your job next time."

Jane glared at me before grinning. "Did you think Josiah would save you over his reputation? I'm sure he will even deny your affair, and you will be the one who will be left with no job."

I lowered my head and let out a chuckle. "Oh, Jane, you don't know him, do you? He will ruin you before you can even open that mouth of yours. You can get rid of me, sure, but did you think he will spare you? No. He will make sure you will not have another job to feed yourself again."

I was satisfied when I saw how she paled and pulled back before leaving her speechless. I sent a message to Josiah to meet me after work, and we met each other in a parking lot a few kilometers away from the company. I got out of my car and went in his car.

"Your secretary caught us the other day. I'm sure you heard that she was behind what happened to me," I told him without beating around the bush.

Josiah was silent for a few seconds before I heard him curse. "Damn it. Did she tell anybody?"

"I already warned her. For now, don't fire her and just give her a warning letter. Who knows what she will do if she loses her job?" I stared deep into his eyes. "Do whatever you need to do to keep her mouth shut, Josiah. We both don't want this getting out of hand, do we?"

Like they said, keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.