Chapter 7

Under the scrutiny of everyone around her, Octavia stood there alone, abandoned.

Sensing the questioning and probing stares, she calmly turned to the server. "You must have security cameras. I need to see the footage."

The server's face went pale. "I'm sorry, I don't have the authority—"

"Then get me the manager." She wasn't about to let this go. Everything that just happened would be crystal clear on the surveillance footage.

After tracking down the manager, Octavia held firm, and soon had the saved recording in hand.

"We're terribly sorry, ma'am. This isn't the dining experience we wanted for you. Please accept this complimentary dessert..."

Watching the manager's earnest expression, Octavia gave a faint smile but said nothing more.

At the hospital.

The doctor examined Octavia's wound, his brow furrowing. "This injury—why are you only coming in now? Keep it completely dry for the next few days, or you risk infection and fever."

Octavia nodded. "Thank you. I understand."

By the time she left the hospital, night had fallen completely.

The streets at this late hour stretched empty and desolate, barely a car in sight.

Under the streetlights, shadows stretched long and thin. Octavia walked alone down the sidewalk, glancing at the gauze wrapped around her arm. A self-mocking smile tugged at her lips.

Morning.

Octavia arrived at the office in full makeup. But the moment she opened her laptop, her expression changed. "Who's been on my computer?"

"The manager said you're being transferred to headquarters soon, so your work's been reassigned to another colleague. The data's been transferred too."

Hearing her coworker's words, Octavia looked utterly confused.

What? Even if she was being transferred, that data was hers—her work. What right did they have to give it away? Besides, there was no such policy.

Everyone had their own coding style. Even if someone else saw her code, they might not understand it.

"Who took it? I'm getting it back. It's useless to them anyway." Octavia shut her laptop and started toward the door to reclaim her data, but mocking glances followed her.

"Don't flatter yourself. We're all in tech here. Why put others down like that?"

"Right? You spent half the year on business trips. Sure your skills are even up to par? I heard the person taking over your work is a graduate from a top university. You think they can't understand your code?"

Octavia ignored the murmurs and headed straight for the manager's office.

But just as she reached the door, she heard someone mention "Ignatius." She froze mid-step.

"You're saying the CEO ordered this?" Octavia asked incredulously.

"Yeah. You know data on company computers isn't something just anyone can access. The CEO personally gave the order. I'd advise you not to embarrass yourself. You're not getting it back."

Ignatius personally ordered it?

He never paid attention to lower-level employees. In all her years at the company, she'd seen Ignatius only a handful of times, barely exchanged more than a few words. Since when did he care about rank-and-file staff?

Suddenly realizing something, Octavia strode quickly toward the exit. But just as she reached the door, the elevator opened.

Ignatius, immaculate in a tailored suit, stepped out with Yvaine at his side, surrounded by a small entourage.

The perfect couple. Beautiful together. With their retinue trailing behind them, they looked like royalty.

Their eyes met. Ignatius remained coldly indifferent, not even glancing at Octavia, as if she were a stranger.

Beside him, Yvaine stood in high heels, back straight, chin lifted high like a proud peacock, her eyes clearly taunting.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet your new colleague." Ignatius kept it brief, and when he looked at Yvaine, a hint of warmth softened his gaze.

Yvaine nodded graciously at the group. "I'm so happy to be working with all of you. Afternoon tea's on me today."

"Beautiful and generous. It's an honor to have you as a colleague."

"Absolutely. We'll make sure to support your work."

No one dared disrespect someone the CEO personally brought in.

At the same time, whispers began circulating that the two of them looked perfect together.

Standing off to the side, Octavia caught every word. A mocking smile curved her lips.

They were perfect together. Years had passed, and the two of them still looked like a couple.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, ready to demand her data back—but Ignatius and Yvaine walked into the office. From start to finish, he treated Octavia like a stranger. Not even a glance.

"See that? The favorite gets away with everything. Brand new here and already has her own office."

"You didn't know? That office has been empty for years. Yesterday afternoon, people came to redecorate it. It's basically set up like the CEO's office—luxury study, nap sofa, the works."

Staring at that office door, Octavia felt her chest tighten with bitterness.

In all her years at the company, she'd requested a private office countless times—it would help with development work, give her the quiet space she needed to think. Every single request had been denied.

Yvaine just joined the company and already had a private office. How enviable.

Octavia knocked on the office door. No response.

Taking a deep breath, she knocked again.

The door opened.

Yvaine looked at her visitor, brow slightly furrowed, casually brushing back a strand of hair from her chest. On her neck, clear as day, were fresh hickeys.

"Can I help you?" She leaned against the doorframe, voice soft, eyes openly taunting. That mocking look made Octavia feel like trash, radiating the arrogance of a victor.

Octavia looked up, her gaze landing on Ignatius sitting on the sofa adjusting his tie. Her expression turned icy. "I'm sorry to interrupt. I'm here for something—the data on my computer is my personal work. I need it back."

Ignatius paused mid-adjustment, looking up, his eyes darkening. "Your personal work?"

His thin lips curved into a smile, eyes full of mockery. "Since when do company employees have 'personal work'?"

"That data was created on my own time, outside work hours. Even in court, it's mine. Please return it."

Their eyes locked in silent confrontation.

Octavia's expression was stubborn, her tone firm. Those bright eyes held a calm intensity that was almost unnerving.

Ignatius remained expressionless, his tone still cold. "You're sure about this?"

"Absolutely. Give me back my data." Octavia shifted her gaze to Yvaine. "Everyone codes differently. That data is worthless to you. Please return it."

She could give up the man. Not the data.

Men were a dime a dozen. But that data—every line of code she'd written herself—was like her child.

Yvaine looked at her with interest, casually admiring her freshly manicured nails, eyes full of curiosity. "You're only here for the data?"

The hickeys on her neck were clearly visible, yet Octavia's reaction was completely flat.