Chapter 1

My colleagues lifted their heads in unison when I was kicked out of my boss, Frank Gordon's, office.

It was so quiet that I could hear the buzzing of the air conditioner.

One of my colleagues, Leonard Hamilton, approached me while holding an old mug.

"Damn, Mike! You were actually kicked out. What were you two shouting about in there?"

I didn't answer his question as I brushed the dust off my clothes.

Frank stood at the entrance of his office. He pointed a finger at me and exclaimed, "You can forget about scaring me with your mysterious words, Michael Fulton! Feel free to leave if you want, but you won't be getting even a penny of your salary for this month!"

"What gives you the right to withhold my salary from me?" I demanded. "I worked overtime for two weeks."

"What gives me the right?" Frank repeated. "Because not only did you skip work, but you're talking back to your superior!"

Frank whirled around and made a beeline toward the finance department, shouting, "Get out here, Cassidy!"

The door to the finance department slammed open with a loud bang.

Frank's wife, Cassidy Harrison, sauntered out of the department on her four-inch stilettos.

"Why are you wasting your breath speaking to an ungrateful bastard like him, Frank?" Cassidy sneered. "He was late three times last month. According to company rules, not only do we have the right to withhold his salary from him, but he also needs to pay us 200 dollars as compensation for his tardiness."

"I was only late because I stayed up all night editing your damned presentation slides for you!" I retorted.

Cassidy rolled her eyes. She jabbed a finger into the air and exclaimed, "You're just trying to extort our money! Do you have any idea who Frank is? He can send shockwaves throughout the entire industry with just a single stomp of his foot. Are you sure you want to get on his bad side?"

Leonard, who was standing to the side, shrunk back a little.

Strangely, the resentment in my heart faded away as I watched Frank and Cassidy's little show, replaced by an eerie sense of calm.

I returned to my cubicle and began packing my belongings, including a few pens that had run out of ink, an old and faded mug, and a half-eaten protein bar.

Frank assumed that I had lost my nerve. He let out a pleased scoff and said, "Get out of here as soon as you've packed up. Don't be an eyesore here. I'm curious to see what will happen in the next three days. Will my company fall? Or will you starve to death first?"

I stuffed the protein bar into my bag. I then turned around to look at him, saying, "You must wire my salary into my bank account within the next three days, Mr. Gordon."

Frank was briefly stunned before he burst into laughter. Cassidy also started laughing raucously while clutching her stomach.

"You've lost your mind! You definitely have a few loose screws in your head!" Cassidy exclaimed, slapping her thigh in amusement. "We have to pay you within the next three days? Your greed for money has fried your brains!"

I ignored them, slinging my bag over my shoulder and heading toward the exit. When I walked past Frank's office, I stole a glance at his desk.

His desk was covered in documents. A red invitation with gold-embossed words sat on top of the mess.

"Tonight. 8:00 pm. Gastronomic Delights. We'll be discussing financial plans with Mr. Colton."

I averted my gaze as I pushed the door open and pressed the button to call for the elevator.

Leonard had chased after me while I was distracted.

"Why did you say those things, Mike?" he asked. "All of us are just regular employees. Why did you have to go so far?"

"About that… Well, I didn't really say anything," I said, scratching my head. "Take care of yourself, Leonard. You should cut back on the chips. They're not good for your health."

The elevator doors slid shut, blocking Leonard's expression that suggested that he had more to say.

I looked up at the blazing sun after I strode out of the office.

Three days.

I was curious to see who would emerge the victor in the next three days—Frank's stubbornness or fate.