"Victoria, starting today, you're officially part of our IT department. That means you can't play for the other team anymore," George announced, a wry smile on his face.
"All we're doing here is working hard to provide for our families, trying to make a bit more so life gets a little easier. I hope you'll be able to stick with us through thick and thin. Let's not let all our hard work go to waste again."
Victoria couldn't help but be amused by George's speech. Was he welcoming her or warning her? His words sounded like a dressing down, but every sentence seemed to highlight her achievements.
After all, in the last game development project, Victoria had almost single-handedly secured the team a hefty bonus—enough to double everyone's salary for two years.
When word came that Victoria was joining the IT department, no one was more excited than George. He'd barely slept the night before as he tried to come up with the perfect way to welcome her.
"I understand. I won't let everyone down again," Victoria replied. All she'd wanted was to reclaim the intellectual property that belonged to her, but she'd ended up dragging the whole department into the mess. She felt genuinely apologetic about that.
"Now, let's give a warm welcome to Ms. Turner, the newest member of our IT department!"
The office erupted in applause, so much so that Violet, passing by with her assistant, couldn't help but frown and shoot a look at Georgia.
"Remind the IT team that this is a company, not a pep rally. Tell them to tone it down…"
Georgia caught Violet's meaning and immediately changed course, heading straight for George in the IT department.
George led Victoria to her new desk, and she couldn't help but notice it was covered with an assortment of quirky figurines and pastel plush toys.
George, face stoic, said, "These are from your new colleagues. You're the only woman on the team, so they went a little overboard. Had nothing to do with me. But just so you know—if your work slips, I'll still call you out on it."
Victoria stifled a laugh. She never understood why George always wore such a fierce expression when talking to her; his words, though, never quite matched the look.
"Thank you," she said with a soft smile.
George turned and walked away, still feeling awkward.
That afternoon, the IT manager came to her desk. "Ms. Marchand's assistant needs a file. Please find it and bring it over as soon as possible."
Victoria frowned. Why did Violet's assistant always seem to need her for these things? Was Violet supervising the IT department now, too?
She gathered the requested file, but before she could go looking for Georgia, Georgia appeared at her desk.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge