Chapter 3

The call with Rachel Cole lasted less than twenty minutes.

I didn't complain about my current company once, nor did I mention the stripped bonuses.

I simply proved my worth from the perspective of an indispensable strategic partner.

Finally, I casually dropped that I heard her company was aggressively recruiting core tech talent with a deep mastery of high-concurrency systems.

Rachel was sharp. She didn't need me to spell it out.

Before long, an offer letter I couldn't possibly refuse landed in my inbox.

The next morning, I showed up to work as usual, acting as if nothing had happened.

The tension in the office was wound tight, yet I felt completely calm.

Chloe strolled around our department with her arms crossed, eventually stopping right beside me.

"Well, Director Vance, looks like your spirits are remarkably high."

Her tone was coated in sarcasm. "Here I thought you'd be crushed and unable to get back on your feet."

Not seeing me miserable seemed to genuinely annoy her.

Without looking up from my keyboard, I said, "Isn't this how we're supposed to act during working hours?"

Just then, the CEO's executive assistant came over, asking me to step into his office.

A triumphant smirk immediately flashed across Chloe's face.

I stood up calmly and brushed past her.

Entering the corner office, I found Mr. Taylor rubbing his temples, a report resting in front of him.

"Logan, take a seat."

His voice sounded drained. "I heard... you've been in touch with people from Lumina Tech?"

Word traveled fast.

My expression didn't waver. "Mr. Taylor, it's normal for headhunters to reach out. But I'm still the head of engineering here, and I will do my job."

"Good, good."

He breathed a sigh of relief, though his tone quickly pivoted.

"However, regarding the performance bonuses, I looked into it."

"Director Lee was indeed following the new framework strictly. Her methods might have been a bit... blunt. But company policy is something we have to uphold, wouldn't you agree?"

Watching him play both sides, my heart went entirely cold.

He knew it was unfair, yet he chose to look the other way.

"Mr. Taylor, policies are rigid, but people aren't. The project's success speaks for itself. Aren't you worried this will demoralize the entire tech department?"

"Come on, Logan, you need to understand the company's position."

He leaned into corporate speak. "Standardized management is the future, and we have to support it. As for the team, you're their leader. Talk to them, smooth things over. Keep your eyes on the long term!"

The long term? With my mother's life and my team's livelihoods on the line, he was lecturing me about the long term.

I looked at him and said nothing more.

I knew right then that justice did not exist within these walls.