Chapter 5: The Competition and the Betrayal

I dutifully helped Savannah settle in, introducing her to key people in each department.

I kept things professional, making sure she had everything she needed. I wanted to give her a fair shot, even if I had my doubts.

But she always seemed distracted, uninterested, until I brought her to her office. Only then did she perk up and ask, “Where’s Harrison’s office?”

Her tone was casual, but the question made my hackles rise. Most people called him Mr. Whitmore—she used his first name like they were old friends.

She seemed very familiar with Harrison—few people called him by name; only a handful did.

I hesitated for a second, then answered, keeping my voice even.

I frowned, but answered patiently, “Mr. Whitmore’s office is on the 32nd floor, the top floor. If you need anything, you can go through the approval process to make an appointment. Once approved, you can visit him.”

I made sure to emphasize the process—rules were important here, and everyone respected them.

“What about you? Where’s your office?”

Her tone was almost challenging. I straightened my shoulders, refusing to let her rattle me.

My office is also on the 32nd floor. Because it involves sensitive business information, the 32nd floor was always reserved for the executive president alone.

But when Harrison took over, he renovated the building and moved my office next to his.

It was a big deal—people noticed. Some resented it, but Harrison was firm in his decision.

I once asked if this was against the rules.

He replied lightly, “I am the rules.” But I still felt uneasy, worrying it was unfair to other talented colleagues.

He’d laughed at my concern, ruffling my hair. “You worry too much, Lillian.”

Seeing me troubled, Harrison laughed, sighed, and tapped my nose. “You take things too seriously.”

He always teased me for being a stickler, but I couldn’t help it. Fairness mattered to me—maybe because I’d had to fight for everything I had.

I really am serious and stubborn, always following the rules. I believe only by following rules can the world be fair.

It’s the only way I know how to survive in a world that doesn’t always play fair.

And it’s because so many break the rules that the world is unfair.

I’d seen it too many times—people cutting corners, getting ahead for all the wrong reasons.

Later, I compromised, because Harrison made a rule: that office belongs to Whitmore & Co.’s most outstanding chief designer.

He made it official, so no one could argue. Still, I worked twice as hard to prove I deserved it.