Chapter 4

My voice was rough, and my eyes were filled with a fierce resolve born of desperation.

Caleb looked up. "Zach, do you remember Mr. Derrick Jones from Redex Group? He called me last week. Redex is expanding, and their administrative team is short-staffed. He asked if I'd be interested."

I asked, "What did you say?"

Caleb gave a wry smile. "I didn't commit. I said I'd think about it. If I'd known it would come to this, I should've just said yes."

I said, "It's not too late. Call and find out how many people they can bring on board."

Caleb frowned. "Wait, you mean all of us together?"

I nodded. "Worth a try. If it doesn't pan out, we'll deal with it afterward."

Caleb immediately pulled out his phone. "I'll call right now."

Julius' eyes lit up. "Zach, Redex Group is one of the top companies in the industry. If we can get in…"

I cut him off. "Don't get excited yet. This has to stay secret. Before we officially resign, the company can't know our plans."

Julius asked, "Why not?"

I said, "Mr. White holds grudges like nothing else. Back when he was starting out, he took Mr. Jones' clients, and they've been at each other ever since. If he learns we're all jumping to Redex, he won't let it slide."

Julius nodded. "Got it. Zach, take the lead."

Caleb was on the phone for half an hour. When he came back, he was smiling.

"Mr. Jones said Redex is setting up a new administrative center and needs a full team. We can all move over if we want."

I asked, "What about the compensation?"

Caleb replied, "Base salary would be 30% higher than what we have now. Annual bonuses are paid quarterly in advance, and full benefits are covered. They can even schedule interviews as early as next week."

Renold jumped to his feet. "Seriously?"

Caleb nodded. "Mr. Jones said it himself. How could it be fake?"

Julius slapped his thigh. "What are we waiting for? Let's do it!"

I raised my hand to stop him. "Hold on. A few things need to be sorted first. First, organize all our materials—backup and photograph everything necessary.

"Second, continue working normally. Don't give anything away. Only once the interviews are done and the offers confirmed do we move.

"Third, ensure we have written confirmation of our resignation compensation. N+1 is the legal minimum—no exceptions. Lastly…"

I paused briefly and said, "The company's books aren't clean, and we have leverage we can use."

The three of them turned to look at me.

I continued, "Last year, all of Mr. White's personal dinners were run through us so he could claim them on company accounts. Have you forgotten? He even brought his mistress to Florencia, and every flight and hotel was charged to the company."

Julius drew a sharp breath. "Fake invoices…"

I added, "It's not just that. Three of the suppliers on the company list are actually companies run by Mr. White's brother-in-law. Every year, millions move through those accounts without any actual business. This is related-party transactions, possibly even misappropriation of company assets."

Caleb's face darkened. "Zach, are you saying…"

I looked at him. "I haven't said anything. I'm just reminding you to keep everything safe. We might need proof someday, and it's better to be prepared."

They all nodded silently, understanding exactly what I meant.

Over the next week, our transition was carefully organized.

Redex Group treated it seriously. Mr. Jones personally arranged the interviews, and all four of us passed. The offers came through, and the start date was set for early next month, perfectly aligned with our resignation plans.

I thought everything was under control—until Friday afternoon, when Mr. White suddenly tagged everyone in the company chat.

"We have an all-hands meeting at 3:00 pm. The entire administrative department must attend, and there will be important personnel announcements."

My heart sank.

At 3:00 pm sharp, the meeting room was packed. George stood at the front, and beside him was a young man I didn't recognize. He wore gold-rimmed glasses and was impeccably dressed, radiating the polished air of someone who had studied abroad.

"I've called everyone here today to share an important announcement," George said.