I had to be honest—I was the one who stirred up trouble with Theresa first.
After falling for Karsten at first sight, I joined the company under the guise of an ordinary employee just to get close to him. It was only after starting work that I learned he had a girlfriend—Theresa, a recent graduate newly hired by our company.
As fate would have it, Theresa and I went to the same university. She was famously known as the campus beauty.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous. So, I pestered my father to implement a strict company policy forbidding workplace relationships. The new rule led to a huge fight between them. Neither was willing to give up their high-paying job for the other, so they broke up.
I seized the opportunity, staying by Karsten’s side, showering him with affection when he was vulnerable and heartbroken. At first, he was cold and aloof and kept his distance from me.
Until one night, he got drunk, his eyes hazy as he looked at me and asked, “Valeria, if you want to be my girlfriend, you’ll have to quit a job that most people would kill for. Are you willing to do that?”
I was grateful for my privileged background—I never had to choose between love and my career. So, after Karsten became my boyfriend, I left the company.
Back then, I didn’t think of myself as a homewrecker. I had simply used the power of wealth to place a small obstacle in their way.
If Theresa’s love had been real, she could have found another job. But instead, she let go of Karsten. And when she saw him with someone new, she came crawling back, hoping to reconcile.
Too bad for her—I wasn’t about to let anyone steal what was mine.
When I returned to the company, it wasn’t as just another employee, but as the Thalmanns’ heir. Theresa didn’t have the power to compete with me, and I made sure she knew it. In the end, I had my father write her a glowing recommendation letter and sent her off to another company.
Today, as I returned to the company after receiving my diagnosis, Theresa was dressed in a slightly provocative business suit.
A gentle smile played on her lips. “Ms. Thalmann, we meet again. Surely, you’re not so petty that you can’t tolerate my presence here, right?”
I really had been away from the company in the past year—so much so that I hadn’t even noticed Karsten bringing his ex-lover back into the firm as his secretary.
Calling me out in front of everyone… Was Theresa trying to use the moral high ground to corner me?
Too bad for her—I never cared much for morals.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Grimm, but anyone my father saw fit to send away has no place in my company.”
Theresa’s smile faltered, just for a moment, before she turned to Karsten for help.
“Vali, Ms. Grimm was specially recruited by a headhunter. Maybe we could…”
“Mr. Schauer,” I cut in smoothly, “do I need your permission to fire one of my employees?”
Ludwig had warned me to schedule my surgery as soon as possible—I didn’t have time for their games.
“Process her compensation accordingly. Mr. Schauer, if Ms. Grimm needs assistance, feel free to submit the request on her behalf. I’ll personally approve it.”
Karsten’s face darkened, and Theresa trembled with anger. Other senior employees who were hoping to watch a dramatic showdown between us three were left stunned by my straightforward approach. They were exchanging uneasy glances.
Some even cast curious glances at Karsten and Theresa. Even if nothing was going on between them, people’s imaginations would run wild with how I executed my actions. Considering how messy things actually were, it wouldn’t be long before everyone started connecting the dots.
Once rumors spread, leaving Thalmann Legacy Holdings would make it difficult for Theresa to find another job.
Back in my office, Karsten struggled to keep his anger in check. “Vali, why did you do that? There’s nothing going on between me and Theresa.”
I couldn’t be bothered to entertain him, my focus locked on the documents I had prepared in advance.
“With Theresa resigning, some personnel adjustments need to be made.”
As I listed off the names, Karsten’s expression shifted from shock to a deep, brooding anger. After all, these were the very people he had painstakingly positioned within the company.
“Why? Vali, are you targeting me?” His voice was rough, laced with frustration.
“Of course not. Thalmann Legacy is expanding with a new branch in Saltwater City. I want you to oversee it personally—along with your trusted team.”
