Chapter 4

The memory of potentially losing everything to her in my past life still haunted me. If my hard-earned achievements were destined to become her wedding attire, I'd rather destroy them myself right now!

I quickly pulled out my phone and messaged the Salomon Group representative to terminate our partnership.

Upon returning to my office, I thoroughly inspected every corner for hidden listening devices. I also had my housekeeper check my study at home. Both searches turned up empty.

How did Renee discover my plans? Could she actually read my thoughts? It seemed absurd.

I immediately dismissed this ridiculous notion and refocused on developing a new strategy. Throughout the morning, at least ten shareholders visited me.

Seeing my struggle, they mocked me, saying things like:

"Weren't you supposed to be a business prodigy? How come you can't even draft a simple plan?"

"I bet Gryffindor's Group will end up in someone else's hands soon! I'm ready to buy your shares when you give up."

I remained silent in the face of their criticism, concentrating on solving the problem at hand.

When Renee returned, my father greeted her enthusiastically. However, she only brought news of the cancelled partnership, claiming the plan needed revisions and the company wasn't suitable for Gryffindor's Group's current situation.

Disappointed, my father stormed into my office. "She's just a recent graduate, yet she dared to propose a partnership without understanding our company! Everyone got excited over nothing!"

He added, "How's your plan coming along? Don't let me down. The company's future rests on your shoulders!"

I managed to placate him for the moment.

After he left, I immediately searched for new potential partners on my phone. This time, I kept it to myself, contacting a prospect directly and arranging to meet at a hotel after work.

But as I approached the meeting room, I heard Renee's cheerful laughter inside.

The business contact raised a toast, saying, "You sisters think alike! Your sister just reached out to me, and now you've invited me to dinner. Don't worry, I've been eager to work with Gryffindor for a while. Here's to a successful partnership!"

As glasses clinked, I broke out in a cold sweat and hastily left the hotel, feigning illness.

With the deadline approaching and no solution to the plagiarism issue in sight, I decided to abandon local partnerships and seek opportunities elsewhere.

Just as I purchased a plane ticket, Renee's latest Instagram post appeared. It showed a group toasting in a private room, with Renee looking triumphant.

The post quickly garnered hundreds of likes, all from company employees.

Dad commented first: "My little girl has grown up! It's impressive that she developed this plan independently. Wishing you success, sweetheart!"

Jacob also offered his support, promising to help Renee with any work challenges she might face. His genuine concern made me realize his excuses in my previous life were likely a cover-up. Perhaps he was complicit in Renee's current plagiarism!

Ignoring their messages, I packed my bags and boarded the plane.

Upon landing, I immediately jotted down my new ideas. This time, I broke convention with a radical reform plan, starting by severing Gryffindor Group's main revenue stream.

I doubted Renee would dare to steal such a bold concept!

After drafting the plan, I spent the next week researching local companies and pursuing partnerships. I ignored all messages from my father and Jacob's attempts to connect.

I kept my trip completely under wraps, telling no one of my whereabouts.

On the day of the successor announcement, I arrived at my father's press conference.

As soon as I entered, I overheard shareholders gossiping:

"Did you hear? Miss Renee scrapped all previous plans and partnerships! Her new strategy is incredibly daring – I wonder if it'll work..."

"Apparently, all the new partners are from Hawaii. It's unclear how she made those connections from so far away. She truly takes after Chairman Gryffindor in her boldness!"

"Miss Sherly has been with the company longer; perhaps her plan will be even better. Let's wait and see."

My blood ran cold as I stared at the stage in disbelief.

The screen displayed Renee's reform plan – identical to what I had just written, but dated one day earlier! I finally realized the futility of my attempts to outmaneuver her.

As Renee finished presenting, the audience applauded. All eyes turned expectantly to me.

Dad spoke gravely, "Sherly, what are you waiting for? It's your turn."

Jacob arrived, smiling as he took my laptop to the stage to copy my file.

I lunged forward, grabbing the mouse and hitting delete before the file could be revealed. "I couldn't finish it. I forfeit my claim to inheritance!"

Simultaneously, Renee's plan vanished from the computer screen.

She panicked, exclaiming, "Have you lost your mind? What are you doing!"