Chapter 2

Smiling, I pointed at the employee handbook. "I'm just pointing out a contradiction in your logic. How does that count as insubordination?"

"You…" Finley's finger trembled with rage as he pointed it at me.

Sensing disaster, the assistant manager, Edward Perry, rushed to play peacemaker. "Mr. White only has our best interests at heart. The company does need everyone to pitch in and care for it.

"Mr. White, Asher is still young. If there's something he doesn't understand, we can guide him. Let's all just take a seat first."

As Edward said that, he gently guided Finley back into his chair, then turned to me with a smile. "And Asher, there's no need to get so worked up. Young people tend to be too impulsive. That's not necessarily a good thing.

"By the way, aren't we here to review the proposal for Apex Group? Asher, I believe you're in charge of it. Why don't you walk us through it?"

With Edward taking the lead in defusing the tension, my team lead quickly jumped in to help me out. "Right, yeah! Asher's been pulling a lot of late nights on this proposal. Asher, go ahead and give everyone the breakdown."

Seeing Finley still glaring daggers at me, I rolled my eyes, grabbed my proposal, and walked up to the front of the room.

"Apex Group's goal for this campaign is pretty straightforward. They want to showcase their brand identity and core product highlights within a tight window…"

Since I had completed the proposal on my own, I explained the details with confidence and ease.

By the time I wrapped up, Finley's expression was still sour, but Edward was already smiling and clapping. "Excellent! This is a phenomenal proposal. The signing with Apex Group this afternoon is sure to be a success!"

I never started trouble unless provoked. Since Edward was keeping things civil, I offered him a polite smile in return.

"Appreciate the vote of confidence, Mr. Perry."

"Alright, everyone. Let's give it one last push today. Once we secure this deal, dinner is on me tonight!" Edward announced, earning an appreciative round of cheers from the rest of the room.

"Yes!"

"Thanks, Mr. Perry!"

The moment the meeting adjourned, I left the room, sat back down at my desk, and started fine-tuning a few minor details in the proposal.

When Joel got back to his desk, he nudged me and dropped his voice to a whisper. "Dude, you're an absolute legend. You should've seen Finley's face. It was as dark as a thundercloud. He's literally staring you down right now!"

I raised an eyebrow and glanced toward the manager's office. Sure enough, the door was shut and the blinds were drawn, but someone was peering through a tiny gap in the plastic slats, glaring directly at my desk.

Shit! That scared the crap out of me!

I rolled my eyes in sheer annoyance. Was he trying to give me a heart attack?

"Let him watch all he wants. We're doing our jobs. Who cares?"

Joel shot me a suspicious look. "Be honest with me, Asher. Do you have family on the board or something?"

I chuckled and started stacking my papers neatly. "Oh, totally. My dad owns the whole company."

Noticing how casually I said it, Joel figured I was just joking. He cracked a few more jokes and went back to work.