Chapter 1

I went undercover to work at a company under my family's corporation.

I didn't expect to run into Sophia Smith, a manager who worships men and despises women.

I was trembling from menstrual cramps and went to ask her for leave.

Sophia took a leisurely sip of her coffee and rolled her eyes at me:

"Young women are so dramatic. It's just period cramps—grit your teeth and get through it."

Just then, intern Kevin pushed the door open.

"Miss Smith, I need to take the day off. Didn't sleep well last night, want to go home and catch up on some sleep."

Behind me came Sophia's saccharine voice:

"Oh my goodness, you work so hard. You men need to take care of yourselves while building your careers."

I laughed.

Him, hardworking? He writes sixty lines of code and twenty of them are wrong!

Just as I was about to leave the office, Sophia called out to me.

"Laura, the group leadership is coming for the KDD project presentation. Let Kevin present instead of you—men command more authority."

I froze mid-step.

I turned to look at Sophia and spoke without hesitation: "I refuse!"

The KDD project was a promise I made to Grandpa three years ago.

If I succeeded with the KDD project, Grandpa would agree to let me start my own company.

And this project presentation was my moment to deliver!

Seeing my refusal, Sophia's face instantly darkened.

"Don't be so selfish. You're a veteran at the company—give the younger people some opportunities. Kevin's about to be converted to full-time, he needs some decent achievements to show."

I turned around. The persistent cramping pain in my lower abdomen made it impossible to stand straight, forcing me to lean against the door frame. I suppressed my discomfort and explained: "This presentation is very important to me."

I hoped she would back down after hearing this.

Instead, what I heard was her raised voice scolding me: "Important? What isn't important? Don't think I don't know you want to show off in front of the group leadership! You're just a woman—what are you trying to prove!"

She raised her chin arrogantly, her gaze scanning over me like an X-ray.

She sneered: "Why are you so competitive as a woman? I think you look decent enough—just dress yourself up pretty every day and find a rich man to marry. Wouldn't that be better?"

Then she looked at intern Kevin, her tone suddenly turning coquettish.

"My husband says women should be like me, a pretty little princess~"

I really didn't have the mood or energy to watch her affectation.

I just replied flatly: "If there's nothing else, I'll head back to my desk."

Sophia seemed to feel her dignity was challenged. She slammed her coffee cup down on the desk with a harsh clatter.

"Don't you dare brush me off!"

"I'm advising you to be smart! The group leadership is coming personally this time. If you screw it up, you can't handle the consequences!"

She stood up, clicking toward me in her four-inch heels.

Looking down at me: "Look at you, you can barely stand. Letting you present—wouldn't that embarrass our company image?"

She beckoned to Kevin: "Look at Kevin, handsome young man with good presence and a strong voice. The leadership will be impressed! Go organize the data and send it to Kevin so he can familiarize himself with it."

Before I could speak, Kevin quickly chimed in: "Thank you, Laura! I really appreciate it. Don't worry, I'll memorize all the data in advance and won't let you down."