Chapter 2

"And on top of what?" I whispered.

Frank gripped my sleeve tightly. "Mr. Chamberlain said your entire three-million-dollar performance bonus for this quarter will be diverted to his account.

"He's also transferring the 32 veteran members of your team to the logistics department. His plan is to have them clean the toilets."

I pressed my lips together, my fingernails digging into my palm.

Those 32 employees had been with me since the company's earliest days.

Mitchell Slater once pulled three consecutive all-nighters to meet a deadline. Ultimately, he collapsed in the conference room from fatigue.

Even amid chemotherapy treatments, he was still the first to arrive at the office. He made it his mission to squeeze in just a bit more work whenever he could.

Likewise, Vernon Halloway once spent three days and nights at the airport to win over an overseas client. His heartfelt sincerity led the client to sign the contract in the end.

He had recently purchased a new home following his wedding and hadn't taken time off for a honeymoon. Instead, he was working overtime, relentlessly pushing himself to meet project deadlines.

Alongside them, there was also Rowan West…

These 32 people had landed countless major contracts and generated enormous revenue for the company.

Despite this, they never bragged or thought of resigning. They just worked relentlessly, never once voicing a complaint.

However, thanks to the whim of some entitled college kid, they were now being reassigned to clean the toilets.

It was nothing short of ridiculous.

Just then, a commotion came from the office doorway.

A group of college students in trendy streetwear swaggered in, their laughter filling the space.

Without a moment's hesitation, they made themselves comfortable on Mitchell's and Vernon's desks.

"Wow, this office is incredible!" A blonde guy casually knocked a photo frame off Mitchell's desk, sending it shattering to the floor.

"Ed's fiancee is seriously amazing. Not only did she give us salaries in the tens of thousands, but she also doesn't even set working hours. We can come and go as we please."

At those words, my face went pale.

To secure a billion-dollar deal, my team had worked nonstop for three exhausting months.

At the celebration banquet a few days ago, I finally mustered the courage to propose a five-thousand-dollar raise for everyone.

Fiona's expression darkened instantly, and without hesitation, she smashed her wine glass.

"Sure, the company secured a major deal, but money's still tight. You need to be more considerate. How dare you ask for a five-thousand-dollar raise? Do you really think bringing in ten billion dollars is such a huge achievement? Have you even considered labor costs?"

Back then, I'd trusted Fiona when she said the company was struggling financially.

But now, these college students—who couldn't even read a report—were being offered salaries in the tens of thousands.

Was this really what Fiona meant when she said the company was "tight on funds"?

It was one thing that she betrayed me, but to show such contempt toward the very employees who built her empire was simply unforgivable.

Mitchell carefully picked up the photo frame that had fallen to the floor. It was a picture of his daughter.

"Hey, old man," one of the students sneered, kicking Mitchell's chair. "Hurry up and get your stuff out of the way. We need to get back to gaming!"

My hands tightened into fists.

Without hesitation, I dialed a long-forgotten number.

My voice cut through the air like a shard of ice. "Ms. Muller, I've decided to accept your offer for the CEO role in Germovia, but there are two conditions I want to discuss."

Staring at the college students carelessly destroying the project documents, I spoke each word slowly and carefully.

"First, I'm bringing all 32 members of my team. Not a single one will be left behind.

"Second, each person's salary needs to be raised by at least five thousand dollars from their current pay."

A delighted chuckle came from the other side of the line.

"Logan, I'll offer each of your team members a ten-thousand-dollar raise. Welcome aboard!"

I ushered the shaken Mitchell forward and gathered the staff who had been assigned to scrub the toilets.

…

After a quick discussion, a few key members and I made our way to the HR department to submit our resignations.

"Ms. Gilmore, all 32 of us have decided to resign. Here are our resignation letters for your reference."