The executive meeting was in session.
Ethan Sullivan sat at the head of the table.
His fingers tapped lightly against the polished surface.
"Mr. Roland is notoriously particular in our industry."
"Countless companies have failed to meet his standards."
"Yet this project was executed flawlessly."
"Mr. Roland expressed complete satisfaction."
"Our competitors are scrambling for information."
"They want to know our secret formula."
Ethan's gaze swept across the room.
Every key executive was present today.
He intended to promote Sophia Sullivan.
"Who was the project lead?"
"The company will issue substantial bonuses."
Sophia opened her mouth to respond.
Caleb Vance jumped to his feet first.
"Mr. Sullivan, I led the project."
His face stretched into an ingratiating smile.
"You're too kind."
"It was just doing my job."
"I was nervous during negotiations with Mr. Roland."
"Completing the task was reward enough."
"Serving the company is my duty."
"Bonuses aren't necessary."
The words were carefully calculated.
Not directly claiming credit.
Yet implying full involvement.
The Roland project had originally been his assignment.
The perfumes had passed through his hands.
He'd planned to use it against Sophia.
Instead, he'd stumbled into unexpected benefits.
Sophia regarded him calmly.
She wouldn't fight for recognition.
Her parachuted leadership position was sensitive.
Publicly disputing project credits would be undignified.
Other executives frowned slightly.
Caleb's behavior left a bad taste.
Credit-stealing was workplace taboo.
Today it was Sophia.
Tomorrow it could be anyone.
Warning bells rang in everyone's minds.
Ethan's voice turned icy.
"Are you certain you led this?"
Sophia responded evenly.
"It was a team effort."
Ethan's eyes narrowed.
She refused to take individual credit.
"Standard procedure - raises for all involved."
The room froze in surprise.
Rumors painted Sophia as arrogant.
Yet here she demonstrated humility.
One sentence shifted perceptions.
As Sophia moved to discuss the next project,
An assistant rushed in.
She whispered urgently in Ethan's ear.
His expression darkened instantly.
"Raises are postponed."
"We have a problem."
His pen struck the table.
The celebratory atmosphere shattered.
"Mr. Roland filed a complaint."
Ethan's gaze pinned Caleb.
"The sample was correct."
"But only 4,500 units delivered out of 5,000."
"He demands the remaining 500 within 24 hours."
His laser focus remained on Caleb.
"Your project."
"Can't even count properly."
"Did you fail basic arithmetic?"
Caleb turned deathly pale.
Sweat beaded on his forehead.
He scrambled to his feet, stammering.
"I handled initial stages."
"But final approval was Ms. Sullivan's responsibility."
"Not my fault."
No credit gained.
Only trouble acquired.
Better to shift blame onto Sophia.