Janelle arrived at Blue Whale, only to be met with utter indifference. Blue Whale was now firmly under Westin and Amber's control. Janelle had been exiled to the border for five years, likely without even attending university. How could such a person possibly compete with the scheming Westin and Amber, a graduate of Imperial Capital University?
Westin had known since morning that Janelle had been released. He'd expected her to be locked up at least overnight, but she'd walked free. Yet, what did it matter? The two projects assigned to her were notoriously difficult. But as Blue Whale's ruler, he had legions ready to tackle any project he commanded. Janelle, on the other hand? No one dared help her. She was just an inexperienced girl.
"Regardless, you are my daughter. I naturally hope you'll do well!" Westin said magnanimously, seeing her silence. He turned to the assembled project managers. "Which of you is willing to work with the Young Miss?"
The managers exchanged uneasy glances. None stepped forward. They'd worked years at Blue Whale to reach their positions. They wouldn't risk becoming a laughingstock over her doomed projects.
"Manager, didn't you just finish your project? Perhaps you could assist the Young Miss?" one suggested slyly.
The Manager paled, instantly refusing. "President, my abilities are mediocre! The projects assigned to the Young Miss are far too complex! I truly lack the relevant experience!" He hastily deflected. "I recall Mr. Zhang handled similar projects before. Perhaps Mr. Zhang could assist the Young Miss?"
Mr. Zhang shot the Manager a venomous glare. They'd clashed over a project before; this was blatant payback.
"Mr. Zhang? Are you willing?" Westin asked, feigning openness. "It's fine if not. I respect your choices."
Mr. Zhang shook his head vigorously. "My apologies, Young Miss. My wife is pregnant. I need to focus more on her lately. I also have other ongoing projects. I wouldn't be much help." Like hell I'd work with her! She knew nothing! He'd be doing all the work himself! And everyone knew she was at odds with the President. Following her meant crossing Westin. Who would dare?
"Anyone else? Is there anyone willing to work with the Young Miss?" Westin asked, his inner satisfaction immense. His people were loyal.
"Janelle, what now?" Westin spread his hands, pretending concern. "No one is willing to join you. How do you plan to advance these projects?"
Just then, the conference room door opened. A woman in a striking red dress walked in.
"President, my apologies. Traffic was terrible." She then turned to Janelle, her gaze steady. "Young Miss, I'm Linda from the Project Department. I'm willing to work on these projects with you."
Westin eyed Linda. She'd joined only last month and hadn't led any projects yet. "Janelle, Linda joined us recently. She lacks experience. Will she suffice?" Though annoyed Linda had volunteered, her inexperience meant she and Janelle were unlikely to achieve anything significant. Westin dismissed them.
Janelle extended her hand to Linda. "Pleasure working with you."
Linda shook it firmly.
Westin, mindful of appearances, assigned Janelle an office. "Janelle, you are still my daughter. Work hard. If you have questions, you can ask me. I won't neglect you just because we're competing." Janelle ignored him. Westin didn't press. His own project team was stacked with Blue Whale's top talent from every field, led by their best project manager. He was supremely confident. As for Janelle? He'd show her that her father would always be her superior.
Westin left, encountering Linda in the hallway. "Linda, do your best! Janelle is young and knows little. Guide her properly." He forced a paternal tone.
Linda smiled politely. "Rest assured, President. I will."
Westin left with a cold smirk.
Linda knocked and entered Janelle's office. Janelle was perched on the edge of the desk, her captivating fox eyes studying the elegant woman before her. Linda possessed classical beauty – tall, graceful, and poised. She'd joined Blue Whale straight after university.
"Speak plainly," Janelle said, cutting to the chase. "Why choose to follow me?"
"Because of Madam," Linda answered directly. "Six years ago, if Madam hadn't saved me, I would have died."
Janelle's gaze softened slightly as memories surfaced. So she's the older sister Mom saved.
"You fought hard to get into Blue Whale," Janelle stated. "If I fail, you'll be thrown out too, possibly even banished from Graham City. Aren't you afraid?"
Linda smiled with quiet confidence. "Young Miss, don't worry. I have faith in myself. We will secure this project." Five years ago, she'd been powerless when Madam and the Young Miss suffered. Now, with skills, she was determined to make those responsible pay.
Janelle nodded. "Good. Then let's reclaim my mother's Blue Whale together." Blue Whale belonged to Madalyn. She would take it back.
Linda nodded, pulling out a thick document. "Young Miss, this is the project proposal I drafted. Please review it." She'd worked through the night, fueled by excitement since learning of Janelle's return. As the twenty-year-old reviewed the document, Linda found her palms sweating under the younger woman's scrutiny.
Janelle scanned the pages rapidly. Linda's proposal was indeed impressive – clear, logical, and highly feasible.
Closing the document, Janelle looked up.
"Well, Young Miss?" Linda asked, tense.
"A few issues need addressing..." Janelle began. Linda had initially thought the quick reading meant inattention, but Janelle's critiques were incisive, pinpointing problems that had genuinely stumped her. Linda had resolved to shoulder the project alone, but Janelle's insights instantly clarified her confusions.
"Young Miss," Linda admitted, humbled, "I thought you hadn't read it carefully. But your perspective is on a completely different level."
Janelle handed the proposal back. "The project team needs more members. Hire them directly. From now on, you have full authority over the team." Her gaze was steady and trusting. "You only need to answer to me. Ignore everyone else at Blue Whale."
She believed in trusting those she chose. Linda would be her sharp blade.