‘Actually, it could only have been one of your team, as they were the only ones with access to the details,’ said Sophia with a tight smile.

‘No one on my team would leak this. And they weren’t the only ones with access,’ said Ellie, her eyes narrowing. ‘You’re able to access it, Sophia.’

Sophia shrugged. ‘Are you suggesting I’m a saboteur?’

Ellie suddenly realised that ambitious Sophia might well be exactly that.

‘With big money at stake, the competition is going for us. Which leaves us with no way to catch up. I’m sorry, Ellie,’ said Roger, ‘but the whole project has to be scrapped and your team dispersed. We need to start again.’

Sophia jumped in. ‘It looks bad, but we have to make a stand.’

The injustice rocked Ellie. For a moment her mind was blank with fury. She’d been sabotaged and every fibre of her being knew this smiling assassin of a woman was responsible. With enormous effort, she pushed down her rage.

‘You expect me and my team to just walk away? What exactly are you asking me to do? The loss of this project affects the whole company, not just me,’ said Ellie evenly.

‘Indeed. That’s why we need to make a gesture to show that the problem has been rectified,’ said Roger. ‘We have to show upstairs, the CEO and the clients, that the matter has been resolved.’

‘What! What are you implying? Are you going to make me the scapegoat for this mess? Or get rid of me altogether?’

‘Oh, you’re far too valuable for that,’ soothed Roger. ‘You’re always welcome as part of the company, Ellie. But I’m bringing in a new project manager.’ He nodded towards Sophia.

‘I’ll take good care of things,’ said Sophia with a thin smile. ‘And I’m sure we can find another project for you.’

Ellie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. ‘If you can’t recognise the advantages of our concept and let me and my team see it through, that’s your loss,’ she snapped. ‘Plus, if the project’s been leaked and we’ve not even been given the chance to address the so-called flaw someone has found, then there’s no point my being here.’

Roger shrugged. ‘I’m sorry you feel that way. Nonetheless, Sophia will be taking over.’

‘So, just to clarify, I am to be moved sideways and my team disbanded to fulfil your ambitions, Sophia, is that correct?’ said Ellie, finding it hard to get the words out. In spite of her efforts, she could feel herself losing control of her temper. ‘You won’t replace me easily, you know. Vision, leadership and my skills and expertise are hard to come by.’

She glared at the senior executive, who looked startled.