I believed landing the promotion would be my toughest challenge, but I never anticipated Beatrix’s betrayal. After months of hard work on my project, I was ready to prove myself when our new director, Thaddeus, arrived. He commanded attention with effortless charisma, but I focused on my goal: securing the managerial position.

Then came the competition. Beatrix was confident and charming, always in Thaddeus’s orbit. I knew I had to outshine her, yet doubt crept in as I watched her charm everyone around her. One late night, I dozed off at my desk, only to awaken to voices. Hiding under my desk, I heard Beatrix coax Thaddeus into dinner. Panic surged—was she willing to go this far?

The next day, as I prepared to present my project, I realized Beatrix had presented my work as her own. My heart sank. I accused her of stealing my ideas, but my evidence vanished when my files went missing. Thaddeus sided with Beatrix, leaving me feeling defeated.

A weekend of despair passed until Thaddeus unexpectedly showed up at my door. He admitted his mistake and acknowledged my brilliance. His heartfelt apology stirred something in me.

Then he surprised me with news of my promotion to lead my own department. As he turned to leave, I smiled, realizing that my career—and perhaps my love life—was just beginning. Life had taken an unexpected, beautiful turn.