Chapter 385

Sophia Montgomery stood frozen for a moment.

She had only intended to negotiate for a two-thousand raise, but five thousand? That was beyond her wildest expectations.

Yet, if she stayed, she wanted better terms.

She straightened her shoulders. "Yes, Director. But I have one condition. I won't be Elizabeth’s assistant anymore. I’ll be her supervisor—meaning every design she drafts must go through me first. Is that acceptable?"

Sophia wasn’t trying to crush Elizabeth.

During her first two days at the company, while reviewing Elizabeth’s work, she had noticed something—Elizabeth’s technique was refined, different from her own.

There was much to learn.

And the best way to learn? By overseeing Elizabeth’s designs directly.

The design director hesitated.

Sophia pressed on. "I won’t take her hundred thousand. Colleagues should support each other. No need for compensation."

"Done. Elizabeth will assist you from now on," the director agreed instantly.

"Thank you." Sophia smiled, then asked politely, "Should I return to my desk? Or…?"

"No. You’re the lead now. Swap seats with Elizabeth. Go ahead—I’ll notify HR and arrange the details."

"Understood." With that, Sophia left the office.

Outside the design department, she paused.

Voices carried through the door—sharp, mocking.

Mostly women.

The architectural design team was male-dominated, but where women gathered, drama followed.

They were rallying behind Elizabeth.

"Who does she think she is? Blackmailing Elizabeth like that!"

"The director only favors her because she’s worked on construction sites. She’s not a real designer—just a glorified laborer!"

"I bet she seduced Mr. Montgomery. He was supposed to take Elizabeth to dinner, but now he ignores her."

"Pathetic."

"Trashy to the core."

A male colleague cut in. "Enough. Sophia’s diligent and solved a major crisis for Linda. Show some respect."

Another agreed. "She’s quiet, hardworking. I like her."

Elizabeth slammed her desk. "If Sophia has any shame, she’ll stay gone after taking my money. If she dares come back, I’ll make sure she regrets it—"

"Elizabeth." Sophia’s calm voice cut through the chatter. "Pack your things. This desk is mine now."

Silence.

Elizabeth whirled around. "What did you say?"

Sophia wasn’t one for theatrics. "I’m staying. We’re swapping seats. You’ll assist me, and all your designs require my approval."

Elizabeth’s face twisted. "You think one good deed makes you queen? You extorted a hundred thousand from me, and now you want to boss me around? Dream on!"

The room tensed.

Even the men who had defended Sophia now frowned.

Then the design director entered—followed by Julian Montgomery.

"Elizabeth," the director snapped. "If not for Sophia’s mercy, you’d be jobless with a ruined reputation. Be grateful."

Elizabeth paled. "Director, I—"

"Sophia saved your career. She’s more skilled than you, both in design and execution. Working under her will benefit you. Yet here you are, challenging her authority?"

The message was clear: Sophia was being promoted.

Elizabeth would answer to her.

Elizabeth’s lips trembled. "Director, I’ve been here for years. My designs are flawless. How can some construction-site rookie—who doesn’t even dress properly—judge my work?"

"Elizabeth!" Julian’s voice was icy. "Resign if you can’t accept this. The company thrives on talent, not tantrums. Sophia saved us twice. Anyone who undermines her undermines me."

He stepped forward, his gaze cutting. "I don’t care about beauty or charm. Cross my company’s interests, and you’re gone."

A beat.

Then, softer but no less lethal: "And trust me—I’ve seen enough women to know the difference between class and trash."