Chapter 3

When Zachary, Leon, and Victor heard that I was about to expose them, their expressions instantly tightened. But Wendy acted as if she hadn't heard a thing.

Zachary was the first to respond, his tone sharp but his eyes betraying his unease.

"What are you accusing me of without a single piece of proof? When did I ever even talk to you? Do you have any evidence?"

Wendy didn't acknowledge my warning at all, and her patience wore thin as she frowned.

"A loser like you dares to accuse our key contributors on your way out?"

I shot back, sneering, "Key contributors? Which of these people standing up right now is a key contributor?"

The remark made several faces in the room turn even darker.

I pressed on, "I don't think Mr. Craig Wilson can possibly afford that half-million-dollar watch. Didn't Mr. Grant just buy a waterfront condo in the city? And Mr. Howard only recently sent his kid off to study abroad, right?"

Victor slammed his hand on the table, his face contorted with anger. "You… You're making groundless accusations! I've been in this position since the company was founded. If I weren't loyal to this company, you wouldn't even be running that lousy cybersecurity department."

Leon stared at me coldly, still refusing to back down. "How dare you say that? I've devoted myself to this company for years. Everything I've earned is what I deserve, and I have a clear conscience."

As I watched them stubbornly deny everything, I scoffed.

Wendy had no idea that without me, Shaw Group would already have been plundered from within. The small portion they'd embezzled came from a loophole left by the previous programmer. I'd discovered and patched it ages ago.

Otherwise, a spoiled heiress like her wouldn't have to do a thing beyond signing off on deals. And yet there she was, daring to tell me to leave.

The company was plagued by external threats and internal corruption, yet she sat in the CEO's chair, completely oblivious to it all.

Setting aside the past five years, I faced multiple cyberattacks from rival companies in the last six months alone. I blocked every single one and submitted reports to her, but she never paid attention.

Wendy once told me I only needed to serve as the company mascot. But because I'd made a promise to Michael, I'd poured my expertise into writing code for the company.

On one hand, I was repaying his kindness. Now that Michael's health was failing and he no longer involved himself in business matters, Wendy had dropped the act. Did she think she could control Shaw Group however she pleased?

My fists clenched until my knuckles cracked. After a long moment, I locked eyes with Wendy and said, "I'm going to ask you one question. Are you absolutely certain you want me to leave?"

Wendy seemed caught off guard by the way I was looking at her, and it took her a moment to collect herself.

"Yes."

Hearing that, I lost any desire to warn her further. I knew she would face the consequences eventually.

The other executives continued clamoring for me to leave, while Wendy made no effort to hide her disgust.

"Julian, I suggest you leave on your own. The company doesn't need people like you who collect a paycheck without doing any work. And don't you dare complain to my grandpa. If you do, I'll despise you forever."