Chapter 3
As soon as the meeting ended, I was taken off the project team.
One of my coworkers was furious on my behalf.
She stood in the break room, coffee in hand, frowning, her voice barely above a whisper."Does Vivian have it out for you or something?
"Sure, she's the client, but who else would be this blatant about bullying someone?
"This project only ran smoothly because of you.
"You even ended up in the hospital from all that drinking for business deals.
"And now she replaces you with Alex, an intern? What makes him so special?"
I shook my head.
Vivian wanted to make it clear.
She had everything.
She had a cozy home and people who'd always support her.
She never had to stress about money.
Even if her grades were terrible, her dad could send her overseas.
After graduation, she could walk straight into a top-tier job at her brother's company.
And of course, her brother doted on her without limits.
As for me, all I had was the Rivers surname. Nothing else.
In the conference room.
She could cut me off without a second thought.
She could flash a smile and dismiss my ideas like they were nothing.
She could put me in my place with one sentence: "I think I should be the one calling the shots here."
With a single word, she could have me replaced.
Her gaze was always bright, almost carefree.
It was as if her eyes were saying,
"See? You'll never beat me.
"You couldn't beat me when we were kids, and you still can't now."
I knew it all too well.
She'd already taken over my spot.
The first time she ever stepped into our home.
She softly called out, "Uncle."
My dad's eyes grew teary.
Andy stood to the side, his gaze softening.
And me? I hid in the corner.
I was the one left out.
She was making sure I remembered.
Reminding me that none of the kindness in this world was ever meant for me.
Just like always, I was the outsider.
I'd gotten used to it.
*****
I needed this job to survive.
But Vivian pushed me out of the game.
Andrew called, his voice icy.
He snapped: "What's your problem? Why are you badmouthing people behind their backs?"
"Vivian's capable, and she knows how to handle her team. What exactly are you dissatisfied with?
"Emily, I tolerate you living in this city. But you need to learn your place and stay out of trouble.
"If I catch wind of any more gossip, you're out. Pack your bags and leave."
Aren't you impressive, Mr. Rivers?
I scoffed and shot back at him:"Wow, you really have some nerve, Mr. Rivers. Kicking out your own sister for Vivian?
"What did I ever do to make you personally come after me?"
"Emily." Andrew roared.
His fury had clearly boiled over on the other end of the line.
He was seething with rage, slamming his hand down on the table.
Then, Vivian's voice came through the phone.
Her tone was soft and delicate, with a touch of spoiled sweetness.
"Andy, don't be mad," Vivian coaxed.
"Maybe Emily isn't a fan of Alex.
"I really don't mind. Why not let Emily handle the project again?"
Andrew's tone became much gentler.
"No need," he said.
"She doesn't have the kind of pull that would make me change the project team for her," Andrew said.
I hung up.
Everything felt hazy for a second.
Whether she meant to or not, Vivian was exploiting the fact that my brother had come to hate me completely.