Chapter 1

As soon as Samuel Cooper finished speaking, the HR representative beside him handed over a resignation agreement that had obviously been prepared in advance.

"Mr. Cooper specifically pleaded your case with the headquarters. They're even waiving the compensation penalty for breach of contract. Just sign the resignation agreement and pack your bags."

My head buzzed from the sheer absurdity of it all.

Right before the holidays, I had practically drunk myself sick and gotten a stomach ulcer just to secure deals worth over 100 million dollars for the company.

I had planned to finally relax during the holidays, but out of nowhere, Samuel had announced that the department would draw lots to decide who would stay behind for overtime duty.

It made no sense to me at that time. We were a tech company. There was absolutely no reason for anyone to be on call during the holidays.

Nevertheless, I went along with the management's decision and joined the draw.

Of course, out of everyone there, I was the unlucky one who got picked. The luxury week-long vacation I had booked months in advance had to be canceled on the spot.

What I never expected was that the moment my nine straight days of overtime work ended, I would immediately be called in and laid off.

Seeing that I was speechless, Samuel lost his patience. He snatched the agreement from HR and slapped it right in my face. The sharp edges of the papers scraped across the bridge of my nose, drawing blood.

I took a deep breath and held my ground. "I did not leak any corporate secrets. Therefore, I am not signing anything!"

The second those words left my mouth, Samuel's expression darkened. "Looks like you won't give in until it's too late."

As soon as he said that, the chubby security guard beside him suddenly stepped forward and handed him a phone. A surveillance video of me working in the duty room was playing on the screen.

My blood instantly ran cold. I stared at Samuel in disbelief. "You installed surveillance cameras in the duty room? That's a violation of employee privacy rights!"

He reacted as if he had just heard the funniest joke of the year and burst out laughing.

"Violation of privacy? Those cameras were installed for employee safety so we could respond immediately if something happened. It's not my fault that we ended up catching a mole instead!"

That label hit me like a slap in the face, leaving me burning with humiliation.

"Watch your mouth! Who are you calling a mole?" I snapped back.

Samuel couldn't care less. "Enough already. Sign the papers. Otherwise, I'll file a lawsuit against you for leaking confidential company information and demand damages. If that happens, you won't be able to leave even if you want to."

My face darkened as I looked at the non-compete clause clearly stated in the agreement, barring me from joining any competitor in the same industry for the next six months.

I laughed. "Your go-to strategy really hasn't changed, huh, Mr. Cooper? You use someone, then throw them away the second they're no longer useful."

My words immediately upset Samuel.

We had been college classmates. Back in our senior year, we entered a business competition together and won first prize. Thanks to that project, the company directly hired both of us.

On the first day we reported for work, however, Samuel rushed ahead of me to report to management and claimed the entire project concept as his own.

Since then, he had been the management's golden boy, even though we joined the company at the same time. Thanks to the special attention he received, he climbed the ranks quickly and soon landed the position of department director.

"What the hell are you trying to say, Levi?" Samuel shot back. "You leaked corporate secrets, yet still think you're in the right. If I hadn't stepped in, the headquarters would've already launched an internal investigation against you!"

He stood there looking so righteous and principled that it was almost comical.

"Very well, then," I said calmly. "I'll resign."

Samuel froze for a second, clearly caught off guard. "Y-You will?"

Even the two security guards beside him were stunned. They had obviously been planning to drag me out by force if I refused to resign voluntarily. No one expected me to agree so readily.

"What's wrong, Mr. Cooper? You don't look too happy. Or should I change my mind and stay?"

Samuel's face turned gloomy. "Cut the crap! Just pack your things and get out!"

With that, he turned and left, leaving the two security guards behind to watch me clear out my desk. Before leaving, I asked if I could make one more trip to the duty room.

"What do you need to go back there for?" they questioned me, tensing up as if they were facing a major threat.

"I just remembered I left my power bank there. I'm only going to grab it. If you're worried, you can come with me."

They exchanged glances. Figuring I couldn't possibly cause trouble under their watch, they eventually let me go in alone. I walked into the duty room and called out a few times.

Soon, a tiny snow-white furball waddled over to me. I filled up its food and water bowls before finally turning around and leaving.

The moment I walked out of the company building carrying my things, I saw a new message from Samuel pop up in the work group chat. He had tagged everyone.

"Notice—former employee, Levi Young, has voluntarily resigned effective immediately due to serious violations of company policy. I will fully oversee all projects previously under his management."

The second I read it, I felt like everything clicked. Samuel had been in such a rush to force me out because he wanted to take over my 100-million-dollar accounts.

What he didn't know was that those projects were far too much for him to handle alone.

The instant his announcement went out, my phone exploded with notifications. Dozens of former clients and business partners started messaging me for clarification.

"Mr. Young, what happened? Why did you suddenly resign?"

I gave all of them the same response.

"I've resigned. Thank you all for your continued support and trust over the years. I'm sure our paths will cross again in the future."

After sending that message, I immediately exited most of the company group chats. At the same time, I also canceled every new contract I had negotiated during the holidays.