Everton Group focused on new energy technology, and Anastasia worked in the research department. This was her first job, and she had joined through campus recruitment. Back in school, she had published a paper in a related field, and one of the company leaders happened to see it. They contacted her professor directly and asked for her by name. She hadn't expected to stay for two years, and now she was about to be promoted to deputy director. As soon as Anastasia arrived at the office, she overheard some coworkers gossiping. "Really? A Rolls-Royce Phantom? Is her boyfriend really that impressive?" "I saw them downstairs myself. They kissed goodbye like they didn't want to part. Looks like they're in the honeymoon phase." "I heard the guy went to a great school. Supposedly the same one as Ms. Abbott. He worked at one of our competitors' companies for a year, and now the boss brought him over with a high salary because he had core technology." "So if that's true, Anastasia might not get that deputy director promotion, huh?" "Hard to say. Didn't she just get married? She'll probably want to have kids soon. In our line of work, if you get pregnant, how can you keep spending time in the lab? There's radiation, and that's not good for a baby They kept chatting, not realizing Anastasia had just walked by behind them. One of them noticed first and tugged another's sleeve. They all turned their heads, and when they saw Anastasia, they went silent right away. "What are you talking about? Sounds lively," Anastasia said with a small smile as she walked to the locker and changed into her work clothes She had been promoted quickly, and she was attractive. On top of that, the company's boss, who happened to be an old classmate of her professor, gave her extra attention In the workplace, it was only natural that people got jealous Over time, plenty of rumors spread. Some said she only got into Everton Group through connections and 1/3 2:09 pm D D D D A tall, skinny coworker with a ponytail spoke up. "Anastasia, you don't know yet, do you? While you were on your wedding leave, the company hired someone new. Everyone thinks she's going to be your main competition for deputy director." Another nodded. "You just got married, and right after that, they brought in a new hire. Don't you think the company already planned for you to get pregnant and take time off? They brought her in to replace you." Anastasia didn't respond. She finished changing and stood in front of the mirror, tying her loose hair into a low ponytail. Just then, Juliana walked in. When she saw Anastasia, her eyes lit up. She walked over with a sweet smile. "Anastasia, what a coincidence. You work here too?" Anastasia frowned, surprise flashing in her eyes. "What are you doing here?" "I work at Everton Group," Juliana said with a smile. "I just switched jobs two days ago. From now on, we're coworkers. I'll be counting on you to look after me." So, Juliana works at Everton Group now? No wonder she had shown up with Sebastian outside the building that morning. So, he was dropping her off at work. Anastasia's face turned cold. She pulled her hand away as if she had touched something dirty and brushed her hand off. "Don't act close with me. We don't have that kind of relationship." Her expression and tone were distant. She spoke as she went to wash her hands. Juliana froze, her face stiffening. She looked like she was hurt. "Anastasia... do you hate me?" "Whether I hate you or not, you know that better than anyone. You're ungrateful." Anastasia didn't bother watching Juliana put on an act. Without looking back, she turned off the faucet, dried her hands, and walked straight out of the locker room. Juliana's eyes filled with tears. She crouched down on the floor, looking like she had just been hurt badly by Anastasia The people nearby who had seen everything rushed to comfort her. "Juliana, don't cry. Anastasia just has a bad temper She doesn't mean anything by it Someone else asked. "Yeah, is there some grudge between you two? Why would she call you ungrateful?" Juliana bit her lip as tears rolled down her cheeks. I don't know either. Anastasia was really well known at school. I've always admired her 2/3 2:00 pm DD Chapter 25 Cold Encounter She sniffled "Maybe she just misunderstood me." of Pearts Hearing this, Fiona Scott remembered something. She handed Juliana a couple of tissues to wipe her tears "Isn't it obvious? She overheard what we were talking about earlier. She must think you're here to compete with her for the deputy director job. She probably feels threatened, so she targeted you." The others suddenly understood. Juliana's tears clung to her face. "Should I not have switched to Everton Group? If I'd known she worked here. I would have..." Her voice trailed off, and she started tearing up again. Fiona couldn't stand it. The deputy director position is supposed to go to whoever's most capable. If Anastasia can't get it, that's her own problem. Juliana, this has nothing to do with you." With everyone's comfort, Juliana finally stopped crying. "Thank you all for supporting me. When I become deputy director, I'll treat everyone to dinner." 3/3 2:09 pm DDDD. The Rose Who Chose His Rival Over Him