He Owes Me the World

"Mr. Larson, Priscilla has done so much for the company," one of my colleague said. "Even though her title is head of marketing, she's been doing the work of a vice CEO. Now that we're about to go public, you're bringing in another vice CEO. Isn't that a bit much?""Exactly," another chimed in. "Without Priscilla, there wouldn't be Larson Technologies. If she's not made vice CEO, I won't agree to it!"Several colleagues, who had worked alongside me for years, couldn't stand it anymore and spoke out in my defense.Corey's face instantly darkened. He scanned the room before speaking coldly, "I'm the boss here. Do I need your approval for every decision I make?"After saying that, his eyes locked with mine, and his expression softened."I know you're upset, but Jayda studied abroad. She has a PhD in economics. She knows how to manage a public company, and she's much more qualified than you. I'm doing this for the company's future. You've been with me for ten years, so you should unde

Ten years ago, Corey's family business was on the brink of collapse. Thomas had jumped off a building, his mother, Emilee Castaneda, had run off with a man, and the company was drowning in over ten million dollars in debt.At that time, it was just Corey and me trying to save the company, and it seemed impossible.I remembered that on the third day after I joined the company, debt collectors cornered us in the office.A portly man in his 50s, flanked by a group of thugs, pointed at Corey and bared his teeth in a cruel smile. "Kid, don't say I didn't give you a chance."He then pointed at me and said, "Either she spends a year with me, and I'll erase the three-million-dollar debt, or you figure out how to pay it off today. Sell your kidneys, your blood—whatever. I don't care."At that point, the company didn't have a penny to its name. Corey pleaded desperately for more time, but the men were merciless.A dozen of them charged at me to grab me. At that moment, all I could think ab

I tossed my employee badge onto the desk and pushed the door open as I walked out.As for the check, I didn't even glance at it. I would just consider my ten years of effort as wasted!"Enough is enough! I'm done! I'm going with you, Priscilla!""Priscilla, you were the one who brought me up! If you leave, what's left for me to do here?"Reyna, along with the other senior employees, was in an uproar. They all insisted on leaving with me. In the end, I managed to calm them down.The current working environment was tough. Many of them had families to support, along with mortgages and car loans to pay off. I didn't even know where I was going next, so how could I drag them down with me?As I stepped out of the Larson Technologies building, I couldn't help but glance back at the huge sign on the building. Tears welled up in my eyes.For the past ten years, I had done everything for this company. I had once chugged alcohol to the point of stomach perforation just to secure a deal, ev

After hanging up the phone, I remained silent.Actually, when I found out that the company had failed to go public, I had already expected this outcome.I was the type of person who would give everything for love and would clear every obstacle for the person I loved.Over the years, I did everything I could for Corey because of my love for him. He was nothing more than a hands-off CEO. All his successes were the result of my hard work and sacrifice.Without me, he would still be the same helpless and clueless young man who had lost his parents ten years ago, facing a group of creditors.If Jayda had any real talent, that would be one thing, but she was a fool. If she continued running things in Larson Technologies, its collapse would only be a matter of time.The thought that the company I had worked so hard to build over ten years might eventually go under made my heart ache. I never imagined it would happen so soon.A month later, news broke online that a batch of organic milk

Before I knew it, the year was nearing its end, and work was exceptionally busy. After working late until midnight, I suddenly craved ravioli from the east side of town and decided to drive there.The place was hidden away in a quiet alley, known for its exceptional flavors. Open late into the night, it had become a favorite among the local office crowd."Hey, it's been almost a year since I last saw you. Been busy with work lately?"The owner, Arielle Hendrix, greeted me warmly as I walked in. Her words reminded me that I used to come all the time with Corey, but after leaving him and the company, I hadn't set foot here again. It had been a year indeed.I smiled faintly. "Yeah, work's been busy. One plate of ravioli, please."The familiar setting tugged at old memories.This place had witnessed countless late-night brainstorming sessions with Corey. Whenever we got hungry, we'd come here, grab a quick bite of ravioli, and then head back to finish the proposals."Pris, why would