Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Really? I secure the deal, and you guys look like you've just been served unsweetened lemonade."

Lizetta eyed Laura and Andrea's tight expressions with a mocking tone.

Laura quickly forced a smile, "Of course not, Ms. Lizetta, you really are... quite the wonder."noveldrama

Andrea, too, managed a strained smile and dryly said, "Congratulations."

Lizetta pulled back the contract, not bothering to look at their constipated expressions any longer, and asked, "Now that the contract is signed, I'm in full charge of this project, right, Mrs. Laura?"

Laura nodded with a smile, "Absolutely, you'll also get to pick your team."

Lizetta continued, "When I took on this project, Mrs. Laura, you mentioned how crucial it is for the company's growth. So, does it get priority? Can I pick anyone I want?"

"Of course."

Laura had indeed said those words, leaving her no choice but to nod in agreement.

Having clarified everything, Lizetta wasted no more time, nodded, and turned to leave.

As the office door closed behind her, Laura and Andrea's facade fell, especially Andrea, whose features twisted in dismay.

Lizetta returned to her desk and approached Logan and Mia, who were seated to the east of her.

"Logan, Mia, I've just landed the Starlight Group's 10th-anniversary gala. I'd like to invite you both to join the project team. What do you say?"

Logan and Mia turned around, clearly not expecting Lizetta to approach them, especially with an invite to such a prestigious project as the Starlight Group's gala.

Meanwhile, Lilian, who had been filing her nails, kept an eye on Lizetta's movements.

She had half-expected Lizetta to come back in tears after a scolding from the manager, but things turned out quite differently.

She immediately stood up and approached, "Lizetta. Did you just mention the Starlight Group's project? Wasn't that supposed to go to Glory Media?"

Lilian's face was a picture of surprise, having spread the word about the supposed failure to secure the contract earlier that day.

Lizetta raised an eyebrow, "Do you need me to show you the contract?"

Though surprised, Lilian knew being part of such a project would be beneficial for her as well.

She quickly changed her tune, grabbing Lizetta's arm, "Lizetta, you're amazing. How did you pull it

off? So, when's our project meeting?

I'll start preparing." fo

Lizetta withdrew her arm, "Sorry, but we don't want any distractions at our project meetings."

Lilian was taken aback, "What do you mean? I'm part of the project team. I was with you yesterday..."

Lizetta cut her off, "Mrs. Laura

emphasized the importance of this

project, instructing me to choose the most capable for the team. Unfortunately, I didn't see any capability in you yesterday, unless spreading gossip counts."

Lilian's face turned beet red, especially as everyone was watching.

Having indeed spread quite a bit of negativity that morning and pinning the blame

on Lizetta, she was now the center of unwanted attention.

Huffing, she retorted, "Who cares," and stormed off to the break room.

Turning back to Logan and Mia, Lizetta had observed her colleagues over the past few days. Both were quiet, focused on their work, and highly capable without causing drama.

Just yesterday, when Lizetta was too engrossed in drafting a proposal to refill her water, Mia had silently filled it for her.

Without much hesitation, Logan and Mia agreed to join the project team, with

Lizetta planning to slowly expand the group.

After a brief discussion, it was time to leave. Lizetta had plans to accompany her friend Yolanda to a blind date that afternoon.