I swiftly erased his list without a second glance after comprehending everything.
I booted up my computer and began contemplating the restructuring plan on my own. Three hours later, an idea finally struck me, but I refrained from jotting it down immediately.
Instead, I sent Jacob a message, just to check his whereabouts.
He and Renee were close. In my previous life, I teasingly asked if he fancied my sister. He firmly denied it, claiming he only got close to Renee to gather intel on the rival for me.
He promptly responded with a covert video. He was present at Mraz's stakeholder meeting. I felt relieved knowing he couldn't launch a surprise attack.
I drove back to the office.
Since I couldn't pinpoint who had stolen my files, everyone at work was now a suspect. When I arrived, the building was closed, with only Renee's office light still on.
As I exited the elevator, I bumped into Uncle Waltz, a shareholder.
He hastily pulled me aside and whispered, "How's your plan coming along? Need Uncle Waltz's help? I heard your sister already has an idea. You've always outshined her, so don't fall behind! I can only rest easy if I hand over the company to you."
My heart raced, and I quickly excused myself, entering Renee's office under the pretense of bringing coffee. As expected, I spotted a draft on her desk clearly outlining the ideas I had just conceived. My blood ran cold, but I outwardly congratulated her calmly.
Returning to my office, I hurriedly scrapped my previous concept and penned a new one.
Before I could catch my breath, Renee knocked on my door with a coffee cup.
"Sherly? Still working? Have some coffee to perk up. Dad would be thrilled to see how hard you're working. By the way, let me show you the plan I just devised. It's still a rough draft. Any good suggestions?"
The next moment, she produced an idea map identical to mine. My grip on the paper tightened, my knuckles trembling. I had just written this – how did she get wind of it?
Even after being reborn, was I destined to have my work plagiarized?
I smiled, feigning inexperience, and suggested she consult our father.
I fled the office, embarrassed, and shredded my recently written ideas.
That night, I brought a bottle of wine to gauge my father's opinion.
But I heard him say Renee hadn't yet drafted a plan.
As he spoke, he sighed disappointedly. "She can't compare to you after all. If Renee wants to run a company, she still needs several more years of practice."
I finally exhaled in relief. Luckily, it wasn't too late.
Under the influence of alcohol, I reconsidered my approach. I shared my idea with my father.
He was thrilled and proudly patted my shoulder, "The company's future depends on you. Without reform, Gryffindor Group will become obsolete. Your idea is excellent. Go for it. Dad supports you."
This time, with my father as a witness, I was certain Renee couldn't copy my plan!
However, the next morning, as I entered the company gates, I overheard employees gossiping,
"Didn't the second lady come to work today? Is she giving up the inheritance?"
"Your info is outdated. The second lady reported to the chairman early this morning and went to Salomon Group to discuss collaboration! I heard she's already written the plan."
Salomon Group? My mind reeled, and I couldn't shake the chill that ran through me.
That was clearly a partner I had just thought of last night, and I had contacted the person in charge overnight to discuss cooperation.