Chapter 3

As soon as I returned to my cubicle, HR sent out two announcements.

"Leo has been found to be misusing company funds for lavish meals, which is a serious violation of company policy. Therefore, Leo's position as Sales Manager has been revoked, and he is suspended for self-reflection."

"Intern Derek has bravely upheld company interests and demonstrated outstanding performance during his internship, generating significant revenue for the company. He is hereby immediately promoted to full-time employment and appointed as Sales Manager, taking over subsequent projects."

Immediately after, Mr. Henderson @'ed me in the group chat.

"Leo, your extravagance and disregard for company policy have resulted in the deduction of this month's bonus. You are to write a 10,000-word self-reflection report and post it in the group. All other employees should take this as a warning!"

This was outright bullying!

They stripped me of my Top Sales Performer title, withheld my bonus, and made me a cautionary tale, using my humiliation to solidify his own power.

The group chat instantly went silent, and even the office fell into a dead hush.

All eyes, subtly or not, shifted towards me - some with sympathy, others with regret, indignation, and even schadenfreude.

The messages lay there, untouched. It was as if everyone was waiting for me to bow my head and apologize in the group.

Mr. Henderson @'ed me again. "Are you blind?"

I still didn't reply.

He kept @'ing me, over and over, like a man possessed.

Chloe sent me a Snap. "Leo, don't be stubborn. Just give in a little. Your job is on the line."

I smiled at her, a tear rolling down my cheek.

My stiff fingers tapped on the phone, trembling as I replied, "Understood, boss. I've learned my lesson. I'll never again be so extravagant as to order a forty-dollar dish. Next company dinner, I'll just drink water. I won't touch a thing."

This seemingly apologetic message was like dropping a match into a powder keg.

On the surface, it was calm, but it conveyed a deep disappointment in the company.

I immediately logged out of all company software, genuinely taking my suspension for self-reflection.

Mr. Henderson, citing the 'out of my lane, out of my business' principle, moved me to a cubicle next to the restroom.

I was forced to endure the condescending or pitying glances of colleagues passing by every day.

Derek sat triumphantly at my former cubicle, barking orders at department employees.

But my position wasn't so easy to fill.

Every previous project, I had personally overseen, from design to production, understanding every detail.

But Derek knew nothing. Within a few days, a dozen clients complained, demanding I resume their projects, otherwise they would cancel their partnerships.

The company was facing hefty compensation fees.

Mr. Henderson finally couldn't handle it. He condescended to come to my cubicle.

"Leo, these projects were under your supervision, and now there's a technical issue. Go coordinate and ensure the client is satisfied."

I slowly lifted my head, feigning confusion.

"Mr. Henderson, are you sure you have the right person? I'm suspended for self-reflection."

He paused, then spoke in a stiff tone. "Suspension for self-reflection doesn't mean no work. Company policy dictates that you're responsible for your projects from start to finish."

I shrugged. "But I've already revoked all my access permissions. I can't follow up."

His expression froze, his eyes filled with anger. "Suspension isn't termination, why did you delete your accounts? Apply for new access immediately."

I looked at him calmly. "But Mr. Henderson, you're the one who said, 'Out of my lane, out of my business.' I'm just listening to my boss's orders."

Mr. Henderson's face reddened with embarrassment, but he still tried to be patient.

"Alright then, your work status is reinstated now. Contact the clients immediately and make sure they don't terminate their contracts."

I smiled. "Mr. Henderson, shouldn't you be asking the more 'outstanding' Top Sales Performer for this? I'm just a pretty boy who gets by on his looks, you know, I don't have that kind of talent."

His face turned beet red, trying hard to suppress his rage.

"Leo, it was just a joke between colleagues, you didn't actually take it seriously, did you?"

I still had a smile on my face, but it was edged with ice.

"So, my Top Sales Performer title being revoked and losing out on a $500,000 bonus was also just a joke?"

"A $40 dish being deemed extravagant and wasteful was also just a joke?"

These words landed like a series of slaps, hitting him squarely in the face.

His complexion shifted from red to white, then to a purplish-blue.

He remained silent. I knew he was battling himself; after all, admitting he was wrong wasn't something a big boss like him would do.

Just then, Derek excitedly rushed over.

"Mr. Henderson, Skyward has agreed to invest!"

Mr. Henderson's face immediately broke into a triumphant smile. "That's fantastic! Derek, you're a godsend to this company. With Skyward as our backer, those clients will be begging to work with us."

He turned and gave me a sharp glare.

"Leo, you're fired. Go process your resignation immediately!"

I calmly nodded. "Alright. I'll expect the company to compensate me as per regulations."

He shrieked furiously, "Compensation? You've caused the company immense losses; just wait, the company will sue you!"

Derek looked at me with venom. "Leo, I'll make sure you're blacklisted from the entire industry!"

I gave a faint smile. "Sure, I'll be waiting."