When the moon sinks and the shadows are scattered horizontally and diagonally

Kathleen peered through the cracked door, watching David and Emily seated together on the sofa.

“David, we can’t thank you enough for handing the S Project over to Logan’s Group. You have my word—we won’t let you down.” Logan’s voice was thick with sycophancy.

David answered with casual indifference. “No need for formalities. Emily mentioned you were her benefactor. It’s just a project—nothing significant.”

“Of course, of course!” Logan rushed to agree, his tone oozing compliance. “You and Emily are clearly meant to be. As for Kathleen, don’t worry. Whatever you decide, I guarantee she won’t say a word against it.”

Their words struck her like hailstones—sharp, cold, relentless.

Her heart seized, then shattered. The weight of it pressed down on her lungs, making every breath heavy and labored.

She’d always believed her father held at least a shred of affection for her. Now she knew the truth: against profit, her feelings meant nothing.

“Ms. Kathleen?” Her assistant’s soft voice came from behind, noticing her prolonged stillness.

The sound alerted the room’s occupants. Drawing a deep breath, Kathleen pushed the door open and stepped inside.

“You’re here. Good timing—there’s something you should know.” Logan’s tone was flat, as if discussing the weather. “You’ll be stepping down as Vice President of the Project Department. Emily will take over.”

Her heart plummeted. She had come to discuss her resignation and plans to go abroad, but never in her worst nightmares had she imagined her father would hand over the position she’d fought seven years for—so casually, like a favor—to Emily.

Fresh out of college, she’d given up her passion for oil painting and forced herself into Logan’s Group, just to keep pace with David. Starting as a junior clerk, she’d worked through endless nights revising proposals, chasing projects, negotiating with clients. Seven years of grinding effort had earned her that VP title and the respect of the entire company.

“By what right?” Her voice trembled, the restraint she’d mustered beginning to crack.

David spoke first. “Emily holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Harvard. Isn’t she more qualified than someone with just an undergraduate degree?”

Kathleen’s face drained of color. Looking at the three of them, she felt nothing but absurd, sickening despair.

“What if I refuse?” Her voice was quiet, but carried a rare, stubborn edge.

“I am the Chairman of Logan’s Group. I have the authority to make personnel decisions.” Logan’s tone turned icy. He picked up the phone and dialed his assistant. “Issue a notice immediately: Kathleen is relieved of her duties as Vice President of the Project Department. Emily will assume the position.”

The moment he hung up, Emily finally spoke, her voice soft and hesitant. “Mr. Logan, I… I don’t have any management experience. Maybe Kathleen should keep the role. I could start from an entry-level position and learn.”

“That won’t be necessary. I have faith in your abilities.” David reached over and gently ruffled her hair, his tone dripping with affection. “Besides, I’ll be here to help you.”

Logan immediately chimed in, his face creasing into an ingratiating smile. “With David’s support, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Emily turned her gaze to Kathleen, unable to contain a triumphant little smile any longer. “Kathleen, I’ll be relying on you to handle the handover, then.”

The sight of their cozy little trio was a knife to her heart.

Suffocating, she turned on her heel and left without a word, refusing to spend another moment there.

Later, Emily followed Logan’s secretary to complete her onboarding paperwork.

Kathleen returned to her own office to organize the handover materials.

Then the door opened again.

It was David.