I thought it would be a good way to train myself, so I went to the external branch. I just never expected that five years of my youth would be wasted on these ungrateful people.

Well, in that case, it was time to play the game with a new identity.

I returned to Norell that same day.

When I got home, Mr. Brown was also there, having tea with my dad. They were even talking about me.

They were both stunned to see me suddenly show up.

"Ivy, what are you doing here?" Mr. Brown asked.

I collapsed onto the couch and grabbed his arm. "Can't I be here? I missed you so much that I flew back just for you!"

Mr. Brown happily patted my hand and flaunted to Dad.

Dad only rolled his eyes in response.

"If you're back, don't leave again. It'd be great if you were to work in Norell!" Mr. Brown exclaimed.

"Mr. Brown, I was just about to talk to you about that. I'd like to intern at headquarters. Which department do you think I should start with?"

During my years in Stonehaven, I had familiarized myself with—and even mastered—the operations of every functional department in the company.

Mr. Brown knew that too. He kept praising me for being hardworking, unlike his foolish son who only knew how to mess around with music.

Now, when he heard me mention this, his eyes practically lit up.

"Given your excellent performance, why would you need to be an intern? Just tell me which department you want, and I'll arrange it!"

"Thank you, Mr. Brown!"

Mr. Brown smugly glanced at Dad again and received another eye roll in return.

"But wait," Mr. Brown said. "You were doing so well, Ivy. Why did you suddenly come back? Could you bear to leave that what's-his-name… that heartthrob boyfriend of yours?"

Everyone knew I had stayed in Stonehaven for Felix.

Mr. Brown had been furious back then and gave Felix the nickname "heartthrob" to mock me for going crazy over him.

Dad also sensed that something was wrong and looked at me seriously.

I knew I couldn't hide it, so I told them everything.

It made Dad so angry that he smashed a teacup.

Mr. Brown's expression also turned dark with rage. He was so angry that he forgot his manners and started cursing.

"Fuck! Even I've heard about your performance at headquarters. How dare they bully you like that? Tell me the names of those pieces of garbage! I'll kill them!"

"Greg, my daughter's being picked on by your staff. How do you plan to answer for that?" Dad asked.

"Don't worry, Harvey. I'm not going to let anyone mistreat Ivy," Mr. Brown said solemnly.

Only then did Dad's expression improve slightly.

I quickly sat between the two of them and held each of their arms. "Dad, Mr. Brown, please don't get involved. I want to handle this myself."

Getting back at someone personally was the only way to make it satisfying!

Mr. Brown glanced at Dad. When Dad didn't object, only then did he nod.

…

The next day, I reported to headquarters. Because my performance was truly outstanding, my name was already known there.

I was appointed as team lead right off the bat.

Over the next few months, I took turns leading teams in various functional departments.

Every team's performance was excellent, and I was quickly promoted to manager.

Mr. Brown was both pleased and anxious. "Ivy, when are you finally going to deal with those pieces of trash? Did you forget about it?"

Forget? How could I ever forget?

"Don't worry, Mr. Brown. I'll get my revenge, but not in a crude, reckless manner. Sure, I could use your authority to punish them directly, but that would be too easy on them.

"Besides, I genuinely like this job. I want to return to Stonehaven on my own merit and then deal with them!"

Revenge was important, but I didn't want to taint my genuine fondness for this work because of it.

I would let them enjoy themselves for a little longer. They needed to fully enjoy every gain they stole, because only then would the loss truly destroy them!

Seeing that I had a plan, Mr. Brown didn't say anything more.

…

Another two months passed, and the general manager of the Stonehaven branch was promoted to headquarters, leaving the position vacant.

I knew it was time for me to make my entrance.

Since I was an external appointee and the new general manager of the branch, I went directly to the headquarters' HR department for the handover.

The moment I stepped into the building's lobby, a loud squeal rang out.

"Ivy! What are you doing here? Get out immediately!"