After recording the video, I went to work.

To secure the Quinn Venture project, I worked late into the night.

"Willow, give up on the Quinn Venture deal. If I win, it's for us. If you win, it's for your boss," Sam said, nuzzling against my neck.

His tactics hadn't changed. Whenever we competed, he always used his charm to sway me. And back then, I had foolishly fallen for it.

"I'm working hard to support Mom and Irene. I can't expect you to shoulder everything alone, can I?"

Swallowing my disgust, I kissed him on the cheek. Then, I stepped into my heels, grabbed the proposal I had spent all night perfecting, and strode out.

Sam would be groveling beneath my feet soon enough.

At Quinn Venture's office, five competing firms gathered. As the first to present, I walked in confidently.

I shot Sam a glance before stepping through the door. This proposal was the culmination of all my efforts.

In the past, Sam had often made me draft plans for him behind the scenes, so I knew his company's weaknesses like the back of my hand.

Taking a deep breath, I sat down across from the client, Archer Quinn, and began presenting my ideas.

Halfway through, Archer interrupted me and asked me to leave.

By afternoon, Quinn Venture announced Sam as their new partner.

How could this be? I stared at the results in disbelief.

Back home, three pairs of eyes locked onto me the moment I walked in.

"Willow, you're clearly not cut out for this. Why not just stay home and look after the baby? Do you know what time it is?" Irene was the first to scold me for being an irresponsible mother.

"Weren't you all supportive of my career?" I asked, feigning a pitiful expression. Two could play the victim game.

"Willow, just focus on the family. Let me handle the money-making. Quit your job, okay? Securing Quinn Venture today was a great start. You take care of things here, and I'll take care of everything else," Sam said, holding my hand.

It was clear they wanted me to quit voluntarily, or they wouldn't let me rest tonight.

"Willow, you need to quit your job. I'm not feeling well and can't look after the child."

My mother dumped the child on me again.

"Mom, if you don't want to look after Ronnie, I'll send him to daycare tomorrow. That way, you and Irene can head back home to enjoy your retirement."

I spoke calmly, standing up and heading back to my bedroom.

If my mother left, Irene couldn't stay either. But she'd worked so hard to move in here—how could she leave so easily?

The two of them had only pushed me to get a job so they could carry on as they pleased behind my back. If I really did quit my job, would they still have free rein at home?

That was when I decided to order three hidden cameras on my phone. This wasn't something I intended to keep to myself—I wanted everyone to see what they were up to.

The next day, I went to the payroll office and changed the bank account linked to my salary.

Soon after, the cameras I ordered arrived. While my mother was in the bedroom tending to the child, I discreetly placed the cameras in the living room and the bedroom.

Since giving birth, Sam had been using the excuse of snoring too loudly to move into the guest room. Who knows how long they'd been sneaking around at night?

I couldn't shake my doubts about the botched contract with Archer, so before his morning meeting, I stopped him to get some answers.

"Your proposal was solid, but I can't stand thieves," Archer said, giving me a sharp look.

Thieves?

I quickly pulled him aside to explain the thought process behind my proposal.

In just three minutes, I managed to win him over. Impressed with my abilities, he decided to collaborate with me and introduced me to several new clients.

As I gained traction in the business world, my relentless networking—complete with endless socializing and drinking—secured a string of new deals. My efforts doubled the company's valuation, earning me a salary increase that reflected my contributions.

Then payday rolled around.

My mother called me in a panic when she realized she couldn't transfer any money from the bank card.

"Willow, I'm not feeling well and might need to see a doctor. Why is there no money in your account?" she asked while clutching her heart, her face pale.

"Mom, the finance department said that card was frozen, so I switched accounts. I've been saving my salary for the past two months to surprise Irene with a gift," I replied mysteriously, keeping my tone playful.

Her eyes lit up with greed, and she lunged for the card.

But there was no way I'd give her the chance. I quickly slipped the card back into my bag.

"Mom, after I buy the gift for Irene, I'll give you the card," I added, leaving no room for discussion before heading off to check on the child.

I wasn't worried that she would steal my new card; after all, she didn't know the PIN.

Peeking through the door, I saw her frantically making phone calls in the bedroom. I couldn't help but feel curious about what kind of scheme their little trio would concoct next.