Chapter 10 — The Invisible Employee Knows French

The CEO's eyes glanced back and forth between me and Ly Uong's computer screen. His face, which was always calm, was now covered with dark clouds. He was silent for a full minute—a long minute that seemed to last a century. The investigation room was silent, except for the soft breathing of a few people. Finally, the CEO spoke, his voice deep and majestic:

“The investigation is over.”

He turned to the human resources director, his voice stern:

"Human Resources Department, immediately open an in-depth investigation into this anonymous complaint! The accuser must be identified!

The company absolutely does not tolerate acts of using dirty tricks for internal competition, and does not even hesitate to sabotage common interests. Whoever is involved—will be dealt with severely!” The HR director was startled and quickly nodded yes repeatedly. The CEO turned to me again, his eyes were no longer cold—but filled with deep appreciation mixed with appreciation.

“Lam Van, you did very well.”

He stood up, walked over to me, and looked down at the laptop screen.

“Calm in the face of danger, clear arguments, complete evidence.

She not only protected herself—but also protected her reputation and company interests. Such professional behavior—highly commendable.” These words are like the official designation for the entire incident. The rock weighing heavily on my heart—finally crashed to the ground. I wasn't emotional, just calmly nodded:

“Thank you CEO for your trust.”

The CEO glanced at his watch and frowned:

"What time is it? The meeting with the French hasn't started yet?"

“It's already 3:15, 15 minutes late.” – I replied softly.

“Nonsense!” – He shouted softly, then decisively ordered:

"Miss, come with me to the meeting room! I will personally attend this meeting with you!"

He picked up the phone, strode quickly outside and called:

"Hello, Mr. Truong! It's me!

Don't let your people talk nonsense—Lam Van is coming soon! Yes! She's with me!” I immediately closed the phone and followed him. When passing by Ly Uong, I looked at him with gratitude in my eyes. He just nodded gently—nothing else needed to be said. As I followed the tall CEO through the sales office area, the whole office was as quiet as paper. All employees stared wide-eyed: the company's highest boss, personally escorting an employee who had just been "disciplinarily investigated", entered the high-level meeting room. That scene—compared to any commendation document, was ten times more shocking. Vuong Ky still sat in the same place. When she saw me safely walking behind the CEO, her face immediately turned pale, as if all the blood in her body had just been drained. Her whole body felt limp, as if her bones had been pulled out, and she collapsed onto the chair. She knows—me, done. Entering the meeting room, Director Truong was sweating profusely, his face confused, trying to use his broken English to explain to Mr. Herve who was gradually losing patience on the screen. As soon as he saw the CEO and I walk in, his eyes seemed to see a savior. The CEO sat down in the chair, looked straight at the screen, and apologized in fluent English: He explained that the meeting was late because the company had just conducted the final confirmation before implementing the project. Then, he seriously turned and introduced to Herve:

“Mr. Herve, allow me to formally introduce—this is Ms. Lam Van.

From today, she is not only the person in charge of this project, I decided to promote her to the position of Director of the newly established International Cooperation Department, responsible for all projects with your company. And…her salary will be doubled.” The meeting room was silent. Director Truong's mouth was so open that he could fit his fist. On the other side of the screen, Mr. Herve was also momentarily surprised—but then he burst into laughter and clapped his hands:

“An excellent talent who deserves to be treated appropriately.

CEO, your decision… is extremely wise.” I stood there, my mind blank. Everything happened so fast. From someone who was just suspended from investigation, to being specially promoted to a senior position, in less than half an hour. I looked at the CEO, he responded with eyes of trust and encouragement. I understand—this is your apology, and my final test. I took a deep breath, suppressed the waves rolling in my heart, smiled professionally, and calmly looked at the screen:

“Mr. Herve, I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

Now, let's get started.” That moment, I knew—a new chapter in my career had opened. An era named after me— officially begins.