Chapter 2

The next day, I saw the price he had spoke of.

At the awards ceremony, my title as Top Sales Performer and my $500,000 bonus were given to Derek.

The award acceptance speech on the presentation slides even still had my name on it.

This was blatant robbery, and a fire raged in my chest.

I immediately challenged them.

"What are the criteria for Top Sales Performer? My project sales this month exceeded one billion dollars, generating tens of millions in revenue and outperforming second place by five million in profit. Derek has not closed a single deal. I ask every leader here-on what grounds was my award given to him?"

A sudden silence fell over the room.

The Finance Director and Sales Director exchanged glances, neither daring to speak.

Derek looked at me with an arrogant smirk. "Of course, it's because your projects weren't acquired legitimately. The company can't condone such deplorable behavior."

"Right now, we're only stripping you of your Top Sales Performer title. If you continue to use such shady tactics to damage the company's reputation, then you'll be facing termination!"

I was trembling with anger, my gaze sweeping across all the leaders on the podium.

Those leaders who used to praise my business acumen, calling me a promising talent, now all avoided my gaze.

I looked at the company's highest leader, Mr. Henderson.

"Mr. Henderson, is this your decision too?"

Mr. Henderson, called out publicly, was clearly displeased, frowning impatiently.

"Leo, the company has its own considerations. Don't let such a small matter disrupt the awards ceremony. You need to think about the bigger picture."

"The bigger picture?" My eyes reddened, and my voice trembled.

"The 'bigger picture' you speak of means that my projects, which I worked on tirelessly, staying up until midnight every day, are simply handed over to someone else?"

"Because of his baseless rumors, all my contributions are erased, and you do nothing?"

"I ask you, where is the fairness? Where is the justice? Don't you feel any shame treating an employee who has made such significant contributions to the company this way?"

Mr. Henderson was left speechless by my questions, but Derek showed no shame, raising his chin as he looked at me.

"Fairness?" He scoffed. "Leo, don't be so naive. In this society, justice always belongs to those with power."

"If you want justice, then find a rich mom to give it to you. Too bad, you don't have one."

He made no effort to hide his contempt, telling me coldly, "My identity as the CEO of Skyward Group, Evelyn Jonathan's son, will crush you so completely you'll never recover in this lifetime!"

I stared at him, truly wondering where he got such confidence.

I even started to doubt whether my aunt had truly secretly had a child without our family knowing.

I suddenly spoke up. "I heard Ms. Jonathan has a nephew she dotes on like her own son. Derek, have you ever met him?"

Derek's expression stiffened for a moment, then he gave me a disdainful glance.

"That's my cousin. Of course, I've met him. But my cousin lives abroad and rarely comes back. Even I rarely see him. A lowlife commoner like you wouldn't even have a chance."

I scoffed. "Is that so? Derek, if you're not a 'lowlife,' why are you stealing someone else's Top Sales Performer title and bonus? Could it be you're just a fake heir?"

"You!"

Derek's face turned ashen, and he glared at me fiercely. "Leo! Don't push your luck. Your Top Sales Performer title was revoked because you're undeserving, and I earned mine through merit!"

"Through merit?" I took a step forward, glaring at him.

"Are you referring to your 'merit' of slacking off and playing video games all day, taking a two-hour lunch break, and leaving promptly at five?"

"Or perhaps your 'merit' of sitting in front of a computer all day and only typing 'proposal' into a presentation slide?"

My words weren't fast, but each one was enough to humiliate him.

He stood there, mouth agape, unable to speak, and looked to Mr. Henderson for help.

Mr. Henderson's face flashed with a look of disappointment, and he spoke to me in a stern voice.

"Leo! Watch your language. This is a company, not a fish market, and you won't be allowed to make a scene!"

"Don't think that just because you secured a few projects for the company, you're above the law. It's survival of the fittest. You need to accept being replaced by someone more outstanding. Don't be unreasonable!"

All eyes turned to me, waiting to see me make a fool of myself, tearing into the company over this $500,000 bonus.

$500,000?

I wouldn't even bat an eye at $5 million. What I wanted was fairness.

I wasn't angry, nor did I refute. I just offered a sarcastic smile.

"Fine, I accept. The Top Sales Performer title should indeed be reserved for someone more outstanding."