Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 85

Zachary chuckled. “Stephanie, you came to Sapphire Group right after graduation and have been under my protection, shielded from the harsh realities of the world. Even if I hadn’t poached her, another company would have. Rather than letting her become a competitor to Sapphire Group, it was better to strike first.

This is the business world. It’s a dog-eat-dog world. Who’s going to say no to money? This isn't a university lab where a failed experiment just means a delayed graduation. She can bring me profits, so I give her more funding for her research. Is that wrong?”

Zachary’s words stunned Stephanie.

She was fond of Sapphire Group—it was her first company after graduation—and she respected Zachary deeply. But his words shattered the idealized image she had of him and the company.

It was one thing for a businessman to pursue profit, but there had to be a line.

She asked, “What about the researcher at Orion Industries? Victoria stole the fruits of their labor. Their whole world must have collapsed overnight.”

Zachary said, “That’s not something you should be worrying about. Go back to your work.”

Stephanie left the boss’s office.

As soon as she returned to her desk, she submitted a request for her annual leave.

Today's events had been too much of a shock. She needed time to think.

Troy saw the request, surprised that Stephanie was taking her annual leave so soon after her wedding leave.

He said, “Even if Verdant Grove Capital ultimately chose Victoria and the boss cut your research funding, you still have other opportunities. Don’t give up. Besides, your research and Victoria’s are in completely different directions; they don’t conflict.”

Stephanie shook her head. “It’s not because of that. I just need some time to clear my head.”

Sapphire Group’s business philosophy was completely at odds with her own. She needed to seriously consider her future path.

Troy thought for a moment and ultimately approved it.

Because R&D was a core department at Sapphire Group, employee leave required the boss's personal signature.

When the leave request reached Zachary’s office and he saw it was from Stephanie, he shook his head.

“Still too young. Can’t even handle a little setback.”

Now, all she felt was profound disappointment and a bitter, self-mocking laugh.

The assistant happened to be leaving the office and froze when he saw Stephanie standing outside. “Ms. Jackson.”

Zachary was also taken aback. He glanced out. Had she heard everything?

Stephanie said nothing, simply turned and walked away.

Seeing this, Zachary frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean? Is she giving me an attitude?”

The assistant guessed, “She probably just felt humiliated and ran off.”

A few minutes later, Stephanie returned, a letter of resignation in her hand. She slapped it onto Zachary’s desk.

“What is this?”

“It’s in black and white, Mr. Wright. The resignation letter spells it out quite clearly.”