"I just picked it up casually. Happened to know a bit."
Sophia Sullivan downplayed it with ease.
"Besides, it's part of my job. Can't let the company collapse right after I join, can I?"
She joked lightly, deftly steering the conversation elsewhere.
Then Sophia exchanged a few polite words with Ethan Sullivan.
"Mr. Sullivan's security measures are excellent. Even without me, the issue would've been discovered soon enough. I merely did something small."
Ethan knew she was brushing him off but didn’t press further.
If Sophia didn’t want to talk about it, he wouldn’t force her.
"I understand how formidable our opponent is this time. So I’m especially grateful to you, Ms. Sullivan."
Ethan suddenly narrowed his eyes.
"Ms. Sullivan, since you just started today, did anyone give you trouble? Or deliberately make things difficult for you?"
Caleb Vance and the others held their breaths in fear.
They stole glances at the surveillance cameras—every word had been recorded. There was no way to deny it now.
Just as they were scrambling for an excuse, Sophia spoke up airily.
"No. Everyone here is smart. Who would dare mess with their boss? Unless they want me to make their lives miserable later."
Her tone remained light, but there was no warmth in her eyes.
They exhaled in relief, quickly lowering their heads to avoid her gaze.
Ethan didn’t even look at them.
"Good. You’re the partner I personally invited after multiple attempts. If some petty people ruin this, I won’t let it slide."
He smiled, but his words carried a clear warning.
"Starting today, Ms. Sullivan is in charge of the lab. Any personnel changes don’t need my approval!"
This meant Sophia had full authority to fire anyone without hesitation.
The group trembled. "Understood!"
Sophia thought to herself—if she couldn’t handle something this small and needed Ethan to step in, how could she establish authority later?
Fortunately, Ethan understood workplace dynamics. He didn’t interfere unnecessarily and trusted her capabilities.
"Feel free to use the lab as you see fit, Ms. Sullivan."
"Thank you, Mr. Sullivan."
After a brief exchange, Ethan left.
The moment he was gone, Sophia swept a cold gaze over them, her voice calm but firm.
"Everyone, back to work. This was your first offense for neglecting duties. Next time, I’ll enforce the rules without mercy."
Now, whether they were genuinely diligent or secretly scheming, they all scattered nervously. No one dared to test her patience now.
A new leader always made an example first. Who knew if they’d be next?
A young woman in a plaid shirt and blunt bangs quietly approached Sophia’s office, hesitating with her head lowered.
Sophia tilted her head. "Something wrong?"
"I... I want to apologize." Charlotte Vance whispered, guilt written all over her face.
"For what? You didn’t say anything earlier."
Sophia had noted who spoke up. This girl had stayed at the back, barely noticeable, but she hadn’t stirred trouble.
Charlotte shook her head, her voice even quieter.
"Women already have it hard in the workplace. Even though I didn’t speak, I doubted you when I heard the rumors. I should’ve stood up for you. By staying silent, I became part of the problem. I can’t live with myself if I don’t apologize."
Sophia remained composed.
"What good would it have done? Those seasoned troublemakers would’ve just talked over you. If you’d defended me, they wouldn’t have believed you anyway—just dragged you down with me. Protecting yourself was the right call. No need to feel guilty."
Charlotte only grew more ashamed, her head bowing deeper like an ostrich’s.
After gathering her courage, she finally spoke up.
"Ms. Sullivan, the lab’s a mess. There are cliques fighting each other, stealing credit, sabotaging clients—it’s ugly. Please be careful."
When she first joined, a major client had been poached from her this way.
Her voice grew smaller with each word.
Sophia nodded and patted her shoulder.
"Got it. Thanks for the heads-up. Now get back to work."
Charlotte gently closed the door behind her and left with her files.
Sophia looked out the window. Dark clouds loomed—a storm was coming.