"Queenie is officially joining the company starting today. She'll need to establish herself here with real results." Barret looked at me, his tone leaving no room for discussion. "This project will be handed over to her. She'll have full authority going forward."
I stared at him.
"Say that again."
Queenie blinked innocently, her voice soft and timid. "Maggie, Barret's always praising your work ethic in front of me."
"Like a workhorse, he says. Never asking for anything in return, just quietly grinding away."
"You're so talented—handing this one little project over to me and starting a new one should be a breeze for you, right?"
I walked forward and slammed my palm down on the conference table.
"I'm not handing over anything."
"I spent six months courting those investors. I threw up five times from stress lunches and dinners just to close that deal. And you want to hand it to her on a silver platter?"
Barret's expression darkened. "Maggie, don't bring your personal feelings into the workplace."
"Transfer all data access to Queenie immediately. This is the company's decision."
A cold laugh escaped me. "The company's decision? Half of this company was built on my blood and sweat."