Chapter 2

I went to HR. Ms. Jenkins, who handled personnel transfers, and I had a good relationship.

She pulled me aside and whispered, “I only got the boss’s notice this morning, Alex. Tell me, did you offend someone…?”

I narrowed my eyes. If I had offended anyone, it could only be…

“Ms. Jenkins, who’s the new team leader?”

She gave me a helpless look. “Brandon Henderson, officially promoted today.”

I wasn't surprised by this news at all.

The boss was using me as a stepping stone for his son!

The day Brandon started at the company, the boss himself brought him in, making a big fuss.

The boss had said then that I was an excellent employee and he wanted me to mentor Brandon. Out of respect for the boss, I had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

But I never expected this pampered heir to prop his legs on the desk, not only ordering other colleagues to run errands for him but also telling me to make him coffee.

It would be one thing if he were capable.

But the truth was, he couldn't even get into college. His dad spent a fortune sending him overseas to get a fancy degree, turning him into a “returned overseas student.”

These past three months, Brandon not only botched his own work but also loved passing the buck and making a mess, making my other team members suffer terribly.

To reduce rework costs and overtime, I could only let him sit aside and watch shows or play games.

Because of this, I figured this spoiled brat probably held a grudge against me.

I refused to accept this “connections over competence” workplace principle.

Ignoring Ms. Jenkins’s pleas, I strode towards the boss's office. What’s the worst that could happen? I could just go back and help my dad collect rent!

Robert Henderson, the boss, saw me barge in without knocking and had a knowing look.

He smiled and told his secretary to pour me a glass of water, then began his routine of making grand promises and gaslighting.

“Alex, you’ve been with the company for three years now, haven’t you? I’ve seen all your contributions to the company during these years.”

I nodded and, without hesitation, listed every single contribution I’d made to the company over the past three years.

Robert Henderson’s smile faded a bit.

He took a sip of tea and said, “Young people should be more modest.”

“It’s true these projects were under your responsibility, but for them to be successful, our partners looked at the company’s strength, not just you personally.”

“Otherwise, why would they sign with you alone?”

“The company decided to remove you from your team leader position because we hope you can take some time to reflect and grow. Once you make another outstanding contribution to the company, we will certainly promote you again.”

“By then, you might not just be a mere team leader!”

I chuckled sarcastically. “Boss, stop trying to sell me a pipe dream. I’m not an idiot!”

“You can revoke my position, I have no problem with that. But why make Brandon the team leader? Is it just because he’s your own son?”

Before, I thought even if Brandon’s work ability was poor, he had at least spent three years abroad, so his English should be decent.

So I gave him a document and asked him to translate it.

The rich kid, however, directly translated the document using Hanyu Pinyin, and even then, most of the pinyin was wrong.

Robert Henderson sneered. “This is my company. It’s not a junior employee like you who gets to tell me what to do!”

“Brandon is my son. If I don't look out for him, should I look out for a broke person like you instead?”

“Forget a team leader position; in the future, Brandon will be sitting in my chair. You’ll have to respectfully call him ‘Boss’ then!”

Seeing him so unable to distinguish right from wrong and practicing such blatant nepotism, I only felt regret for the three wasted years and effort.

“Boss, are you sure your son can handle being a team leader? Aren’t you afraid that the company you’ve worked so hard to build will be ruined in his hands?”

Robert Henderson chuckled. “I’ve already thought about that. Brandon is the team leader, but until he’s fully competent, the day-to-day work of the team leader will still be your responsibility.”

“Oh, and your salary, starting this month, will be paid at a regular employee’s rate.”

“It’s good for young people to experience some hardship. There are only benefits, no downsides!”

Oh, screw that!

I suppressed my anger, barely stopping myself from cursing aloud. “Whoever wants this job can have it. I’m out!”

Seeing me being so disrespectful, he slammed his teacup onto the table. “Alex Miller, you’d better think this through. Don’t make a decision you’ll regret in a moment of impulse.”

“I’ve been in this business for decades. Though I’m not the best, I do wield some influence.”

Facing Robert Henderson’s naked threat, I took off my ID badge and threw it in front of him.

Then I slammed the door and left.