Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 113

Chapter 113 Shifting Lines

+5 Pea

Elena stayed quiet for a moment, then told herself Lydia was probably just asserting authority. Office politics had its own rhythm, and this was nothing new.

As expected, the room straightened up the moment Lydia finished speaking. They might never see the CF in person, but Lydia worked with them every day. If she put in a few negative words upstairs, anyone’s position could become shaky.

“That’s all. Get back to work,” Lydia said after going over key points, then added, “Camille, stay for a minut

Elena glanced at Camille, who remained seated, then left the office with Hannah.

Their desks had already been assigned. Hannah’s workstation was just a few seats away from Elena’s. She had barely sat down when a message popped up.

Hannah sent a message, “Why did she keep Camille? You think she’s about to trash talk you?”

Elena had told Hannah before about Lydia and Luna making things difficult. Hannah’s instincts were sharp

Camille had built a name for herself overseas. But not long after coming back, she was caught in a fabricated reporting scandal. Word was the injured party had considered suing her, and the Hart family likely smoothed it over with money. Otherwise, her reputation would have taken a serious hit.

Elena replied, “No idea. Doesn’t matter. Dinner tonight? My treat.”

She genuinely did not care. She was already the executive president. Velmora Media ultimately answered to her. Whatever game Lydia thought she was playing, Elena did not need to lose sleep over it.

Inside the office, Camille faced Lydia.

“I’m aware there’s tension between you and Elena,” Lydia said smoothly. “When I was abroad, I heard about your work. You’re talented.”

Camille’s profile overseas had been solid, and she was a Hart by name and Nathan’s legal wife, even if the internet treated that marriage like a punchline.

“As for Elena,” Lydia continued, a faint smile curving her lips, “I know about your history. I actually recommended you for the team lead position. Your qualifications speak for themselves. Unfortunately, Elena has a close connection with the executive assistant at headquarters. That’s how it works sometimes. Relationships carry more weight than merit.”

Her tone carried just the right amount of regret.

Camille was no fool. Lydia did not bring this up out of kindness.

Still, they had a common target.

“Thank you for the confidence,” Camille replied lightly.

“You’re underutilized in this role,” Lydia added. “Keep performing. With Hawthorne Group and the Hart family backing you, once you build a few solid wins, we can revisit this. If Elena falters, I’ll speak to the executive president. That team lead seat could be yours.”

Chapter 113 Shifting Lines

Camille’s eyes brightened. “I appreciate it.”

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Internally, she scoffed. A team lead role? As if that is the prize. If she was going to climb, she would not stop there. She intended to run the entire editorial floor, with Elena beneath her.

Outside, Elena introduced Hannah to Sophia. Hannah was outgoing, and Sophia, though clearly used to comfort, spoke her mind without hidden agendas. They warmed up quickly.

When Camille stepped out of Lydia’s office, the conversation paused. She shot them a curt look and returned to her seat.

Less than half an hour later, Lydia’s door opened again.

“There’s a fire at West Garment Factory. Elena, take a team now and get us first hand coverage.”

“Yes,” Elena responded immediately, her focus sharpening. “Sophia, grab the equipment. Let’s go.”

Sophia hurried to pack up. Camille rose as well. “Lydia, I’ll go too.”

“This isn’t a low risk assignment,” Lydia replied. “You shouldn’t.”

When Camille transferred over from Swiftline, she had been pregnant. If anything happened, it would reflect badly on Velmora.

Camille held her ground. “I can handle myself. I chose this field knowing the risks. I’ve worked in conflict zones before. This isn’t beyond me.”

A few heads in the office turned:

“She’s pregnant and still volunteering?”

She used to be a war correspondent. That takes nerve.”

“What about that inaccurate report situation?”

“Maybe she was just adjusting to domestic media standards.”

Just like that, the narrative tilted in her favor.

Lydia nodded approvingly. “If you’re determined, then go with Elena. Stay on the perimeter and handle support tasks. Don’t overextend.”

Before Elena could object, Camille added, “Elena, let’s go together. I’m not here to steal your spotlight. I just

want to observe.”

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