Chapter 14 — The Invisible Employee Knows French

Industry-wide internal announcement. Each word was like a sledgehammer, falling straight down on Vuong Ky's body. She completely collapsed.

“No! Don't!” – she screamed, rushing forward, wanting to grab the CEO's hand.

"CEO! I was wrong! I'm really sorry! Please give me another chance!"

"Lin Van! Lam Van! Help me say a word! I beg you!"

She turned to me, her eyes filled with sadness and pleading. I looked at her, not a single wave in my heart. Wanting this day—she planted the seed herself a long time ago. I turned away coldly, without even saying a word. Finally, she was pinned on both sides by two security guards and dragged out of the CEO's office. When leaving the company, Vuong Ky looked like a soulless corpse, his hair was messy, his face was pale, and his hand was holding a tiny paper box containing personal belongings. There is no longer any trace of the arrogant, overbearing appearance of the past. A war that had lasted for several months had finally ended—this way. I stood by the window of the CEO's office, watching Vuong Ky's back disappear into the traffic on the street. No gloating. Infelicitous. There is only one feeling: the resolution of an annoying burden. My world—finally at peace again. Vuong Ky's departure was like a big wind, completely blowing away the stuffy atmosphere that had covered the company for many months. From then on, no one dared to show even half a word of disrespect to me. The International Cooperation Department was quickly established, the staff are all elites selected from the departments. Under my guidance, the project finished perfectly – impeccable. We brought the company unprecedented profits and reputation. The company held a solemn celebration party. In a scene of bright lights and the sound of clinking glasses, I wore an elegant, elegant evening dress, stood in the middle of the main stage, received from the CEO the trophy honoring "Best Achievement", and the bonus check that made everyone stunned by the number on it. The camera flashes continuously. Under the stage were countless looks of admiration, admiration, and envy. Director Truong raised his glass and jostled towards me, his once calculating face was now so humble that he almost bowed.

“Director Lam—no, Van Van… you… before were really blind and couldn't see people!”

"I... punished myself with three drinks! Call me sorry!"

Having said that, he tilted his head back and drank three glasses of white wine without hesitation. I looked at his face, which was red from the wine. I just gently raised my glass and said:

"Director Truong is being polite. We will have to cooperate more in the future."

I keep enough distance. That made him even more confused. Colleagues came to toast me, congratulate me, and flatter me in every way possible. I always smiled politely and responded calmly. I know, what I won today— is not just a successful project. It's recognition. It's a voice. It's position. And that recognition does not come from pity or favor, but from the strength that I have built myself, step by step. After the party, I did not participate in the 2nd party. I walked alone to the hotel balcony, where the cool night breeze blew gently across my face. I turned on my phone and transferred all the bonus money I had just received—not keeping a penny—to my mother's medical account. Then I called the doctor politics.

“Doctor Vuong, please use the best treatment regimen for my mother.

I will take care of all expenses.” The other end of the line gave a firm answer. I hung up the phone, raised my head to look at the thousands of lights in the city... and for the first time, my eyes were a little wet. All the perseverance, patience, and struggle throughout the months, until this moment—finally made sense. At that moment, my phone rang. It's a strange number from France. I was a bit hesitant, but still picked up the phone. A familiar, cheerful voice rang out:

“Mademoiselle Lin, c’est Herve.”

It's Mr. Herve. My heart seemed to stop for a beat.

“Bonjour, Monsieur Herve.” – I immediately switched to French.

“Lam, congratulations on achieving great success with your recent project.”

"I'm calling... to represent headquarters in Paris and send you an official invitation."

I stopped. We hope you can go to Paris to participate in a half-year senior leadership training program. All costs will be taken care of by us. Your talent should not just stop at your current position.” Leadership training. Another door—another world— silently opened before my eyes, just when I least expected it. I gently squeezed the phone in my hand, looking at the sparkling lights of the city in front of me, my heart overflowing with countless emotions. Three months ago, I was just a "shadow number" laughed at, quietly struggling in life to make a living. Three months later, here I stand—with a career, with fame, with power, and with the ability to protect the one I love most. The saying "be fluent in French" that once made the whole company laugh in my face— has now become the key to changing my life. And now, that key will continue to open a broader world. I smiled brightly over the phone:

“Merci beaucoup, Monsieur Herve. J’accepte avec grand plaisir.”

(I thank you very much. I am extremely honored to accept the invitation.) A new story... officially begins.