Chapter 5 Just another Tuesday. My assistant came to me, face pale: "Sophia, we've got a problem. Mia's financial data is wrong." This was huge. Seven-figure mistake, no way to cover it up. In the executives' office, Mia looked panicked, stammering "It wasn't me… My numbers were right. Ask Jake-I showed him before submitting." Jake arrived, and under Mia's pleading gaze, said quietly: "The original data was fine. Must've been corrupted downstream." I knew that voice. He always went soft when lying. Protecting her by throwing my department under the bus. He pulled me aside: "Sophie, just sacrifice a low-level employee. I'll owe you one." Not happening. After Jake left, I defended my team. 'If the company won't discipline that intern, I can't continue working here." My boss hesitated, then gently suggested I resign. ake was their golden boy. Mia was under his protection. So they chose to dump me. Fine by me. 'd been eyeing overseas positions anyway, already talking to London firms. Only asked for triple severance. They agreed. One week to transition out. Mia heard the news before Jake did. Ran into her at the lobby café, grinning ear to ear. 'Sophia! Congrats on the new job." "Oh, what brand are your bedroom sheets? Want to get the same ones." She tucked her hair back, flashing hickeys on her neck. My coffee cup shook, hot liquid splashing my foot. Burned. But my chest hurt worse. "Oops, you okay? I could lend you that burn cream Jake bought me. Thanks to his care, I healed so fast. He was worried about scarring, so attentive. I smirked: "I don't take other people's leftovers. Not really into secondhand goods." Jake showed up to find Mia teary-eyed and furious. He rushed past me, shielding her. "Whatever the issue is, talk to me. Leave her alone." "Perfect. Remember that favor you owe me?" I smiled through the pain. "Let's do the parent meeting this week." His face darkened: "I said we'd wait." "This week. You promised." The London offer had a deadline. After a pause, Jake's mouth twisted into a cruel smile: "Desperate for that ring, huh? Fine. You got it."