Trending @Accenture; Can your lead hold your hike or VP.? If you don't have a good terms with them.

Guys always try to be smart and act mature and not out of emotional turmoil.
We as humans are biased and egoistic. If anyone who has slight leverage and authority over you finds you brushing them off in wrong way. They will play games against you. My promotion was being held for a long time. And now it's been given to me when I got my innovative capabilities recognised by the senior directors of the market level 3 people.
Always focus on quality hardwork and believe in your capabilities.

Hold to release to you or hold so as not to put you in a spot to get good hikes?

Not vp but hikes yes