Free Web NovelChapter 53: Chapter 53 Fight Back
Sylvia’s POV
"And presenting our new finalized concept."
The collective gasp that echoed through the room was music to my ears. Every pair of eyes—from junior executives to our stone-faced board members—widened as they took in my comprehensive presentation for the new hot springs resort development.
"As you can see, unlike the proposal presented earlier," I continued, meeting Sunny’s rapidly paling face with a level gaze, "this final version doesn’t cater exclusively to luxury clientele. I’ve incorporated family-friendly zones that make the resort accessible to middle-class families while maintaining the high-end appeal in designated areas."
I clicked to the next slide, revealing my marketing plan. "And regarding the celebrity partnership that was mentioned—I’ve already initiated preliminary discussions with their management team."
The silence that followed lasted only seconds before the room erupted in applause. Everyone rose to their feet, their appreciation genuine and undeniable. The energy in the room was electric—far more enthusiastic than the polite, lukewarm response Sunny had received earlier when presenting what I now recognized as my stolen initial draft.
The revelation was crystal clear to everyone present. The weight of evidence and quality spoke for itself.
"I never would have guessed Sunny was this kind of person," someone whispered, loud enough for the room to hear.
Another voice joined in. "Always so quiet, scheming behind everyone’s backs."
"People like that are dangerous to have around," a senior designer added, shooting a disgusted look toward Sunny, who seemed to be shrinking in her chair. "First stealing work, tomorrow it could be selling our trade secrets to competitors."
Our project manager, Mr. Hayes, stepped forward, his broad shoulders squared as he addressed me. Though human, he commanded respect like an Alpha in his own right.
"Sylvia," he said, pride evident in his voice, "this is exceptional work. Truly outstanding—unlike the... alternative we were presented earlier." freewēbnoveℓ.com
I inclined my head slightly, my posture straight and dignified. "I’m simply setting the record straight, sir. This was always meant to be my final presentation today."
"And what about her?" someone called out, all eyes turning toward Sunny.
In that moment, Sunny looked like she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole.
Mr. Hayes’s expression hardened as he looked at Sunny, who had collapsed back into her chair. "In cases like this, the protocol is clear. Police report for intellectual theft, and immediate termination."
"Someone made a good point," he continued coldly. "We can’t risk having someone who might leak our proprietary information to competitors."
The reality of her situation seemed to finally hit Sunny. She scrambled from her chair and fell to her knees before Mr. Hayes, clutching at his pant leg in desperation.
"Please, no! Don’t fire me!" she begged, tears streaming down her face. "I made a terrible mistake! I promise it won’t happen again!"
Some of the more tender-hearted staff members shifted uncomfortably, but Mr. Hayes remained unmoved.
"Is that so?" he asked coldly. "And who should you really be apologizing to?"
Understanding dawned in Sunny’s tear-filled eyes, and she crawled toward me, the display making my wolf bristle with discomfort. This kind of submission wasn’t dignified—it was calculated and desperate.
"Sylvia, Ms. Frost, I’m so sorry," she sobbed, reaching for the hem of my designer suit. "I shouldn’t have stolen your work. I was desperate! Please forgive me, I won’t do this again."
"You mean you want there to be a next time," I echoed, arching an eyebrow. "Are you hoping that next time I won’t catch you?" ƒrēewebnovel.com
I wasn’t some soft-hearted Luna who forgave at the first sign of tears. If I hadn’t been prepared—if I hadn’t backed up my work and created this superior version—my career could have been derailed today. And if I had been some new college graduate without connections? The damage could have been irreparable.
The cold fury of my suppressed Alpha nature flooded my veins. For three years I’d played the demure, accommodating omega role for Zane, dampening my true nature. But here, in my professional domain, I didn’t have to pretend.
"No, no, that’s not what I meant!" Sunny shook her head frantically, tears and mascara creating dark rivers down her cheeks. "Absolutely not, never! I’ve realized my mistake."
No one in the room moved to speak on her behalf.
Gently extracting my clothing from Sunny’s desperate grip, I turned to Mr. Hayes. "Since Sunny claims to be genuinely remorseful," I began, watching hope flicker across her tear-stained face, "I believe we should respond accordingly."
Then I delivered my verdict, each word precise and cutting: "Terminate her employment immediately and ensure she’s blacklisted throughout the industry."
The hope in Sunny’s eyes died instantly. She collapsed to the floor, ashen-faced and broken.
Mr. Hayes nodded approvingly. "An excellent suggestion. That’s exactly what we’ll do."
As I moved to return to my seat, I caught the shift in Sunny’s scent—that sharp, acidic burst that wolves recognize as imminent attack. Before I’d fully processed it, she lunged at me, fingers curved like claws aiming for my face.
"You bitch!" she shrieked. "If I’m going down, you’re coming with me!"
"Attacking me?" I said softly, my eyes momentarily flashing their true Alpha gold before I controlled the slip. "Poor choice."
Sunny remained motionless on the floor, finally understanding the depth of her defeat. She couldn’t outplan me, couldn’t out-present me, and certainly couldn’t outfight me.
With an expression of utter distaste, Mr. Hayes pulled out his phone. "Security, we need an escort to the main conference room, please."
Within minutes, security personnel arrived to remove Sunny from the premises. The meeting resumed as if nothing had happened. Mr. Hayes continued praising my proposal, and the rest of the meeting proceeded smoothly. No one mentioned Sunny again. A fallen adversary wasn’t worth the breath.
After we adjourned, Lily bounded up to me, her eyes shining with admiration that reminded me of an excited pup. "Sylvia, that was absolutely brilliant! The way you handled everything—you were amazing!"
I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Thanks, Lily," I said, gathering my materials. "But trust me, this was the easy part of my week."
