Chapter 2

Peter's expression instantly darkened, and the smile froze on his face.

"Soren, what do you mean by that?" He slammed the plaque heavily onto the table.

"The company is going through such tough times. As a senior employee and the top performer, not only do you fail to show any consideration for the company, but you also make a scene at the annual meeting?"

"Tough times?" I pointed at his wrist. "Mr. Hurley, did you buy this watch to help you weather the tough times too?"

Peter instinctively retracted his hand, then grew furious with embarrassment. "That's my personal money! What does it have to do with you?"

"That's your business. Meanwhile, my commission is written in black and white in the contract. It's the money you owe me."

I looked at him coldly. "The contract stipulates that settlement will be made at the end of the year. Are you trying to renege?"

Peter stood up abruptly and pointed at me. "Soren! Watch your tone!

"What contract? The company has the final say on this! I decide how much gets paid out!"

He began to act shamelessly, saying, "Besides, didn't it cost the company to train you? The computer you use, the electricity, the opportunities—didn't the company provide all those? Without the company, you're nothing!

"This plaque is proof that we acknowledge your contributions. It's to motivate you to keep working hard next year! But look at you, chasing after money instead!"

Peter grew increasingly agitated. "20,000 dollars? Why don't you take a long look in the mirror and see if you're worth that much! Someone as money-hungry as you doesn't deserve to be in this industry!"

The colleagues around me began to whisper.

"Soren is being so unreasonable. Mr. Hurley is really angry."

"Exactly. 700 dollars isn't that bad. I only got 200."

"Talking back to the boss at a time like this is just asking for trouble."

The loudest voice belonged to Curtis Warner, who usually ranked last in performance but was best at sucking up to Peter.

He stood up and gave Peter a respectful, apologetic nod, practically radiating subservience. Then, he turned to accuse me. "Soren, you're the one in the wrong here. Mr. Hurley usually treats us so well. How can you be so ungrateful?

"Think bigger! You've got to have some perspective! Is it worth falling out with the company over this small amount?"

Perspective? I had hundreds of properties in Northspire, but he was telling me to think bigger?

I was just taking back what I had earned, yet that made me narrow-minded?

"Fine, then. You're all so noble indeed."

I nodded and swept my gaze across the room. "So, you're not planning to pay me the money, is that it?"

Peter snorted coldly, sat back in his chair, and crossed his legs. "No. Stay if you want and leave if you don't.

"Let me tell you this, Soren—if you walk out that door today, I'll blacklist you in the industry. I'll let everyone know you're a backstabbing, money-hungry ingrate with zero ethics! Let's see who dares hire you after this!"

He wanted to blacklist me? No one in all of Northspire dared to say that.

I took a deep breath, suppressing my anger. Making a big deal now was a crude way of handling things. I preferred to play things a different way.

"Alright." I smiled. "Since Mr. Hurley has put it so bluntly, I give up."

I picked up the plaque from the table.

The corner of Peter's mouth lifted. He thought I had given in. "That's more like it. Young people need to learn patience—"

Before he could finish, I turned and walked to the trash bin by the meeting room door.

I let go, and the plaque fell in with a dull thud.