Chapter 2

He scowled and snapped, "Rebecca, you're quitting drinking? What about the company dinners? Who's going to entertain the investors? Can't your stomach wait two more years for treatment? Do you even realize how important the investment conference in two days is for the company? How can you let a minor health issue interfere with work? This is completely selfish."

I met Dr. White's surprised gaze and snorted silently in my mind.

Giselle's slight indigestion made him panic, yet my stomach ulcer—even cancer—was apparently just a minor inconvenience in his eyes.

I said, "What, the company can't run without me? Isn't Giselle here? You're always praising her work—let her handle the executives. I'm leaving, Vincent. Once I've handed over my responsibilities, I won't have anything to do with the company anymore."

Vincent's frown deepened. "You're not exactly young, Rebecca. Giselle is still inexperienced—how could I let her handle those dinners? Stop joking. At your age, do you really think any company would hire you once you leave?"

"Not exactly young," I repeated the words in my mind.

I was 35, and for eight years, I had worked for Vincent, witnessing him create an empire from nothing. In any other company, I would have been recognized as a founding member, treated with the respect and benefits that title deserved.

With Vincent, I had only the title, none of the perks. I ran the company's day-to-day operations yet earned a mere ten thousand dollars a month. Even a new intern could now easily walk over me.

For eight long years, my love for Vincent had made me turn down every opportunity elsewhere. It was my endless compromises that convinced Vincent he couldn't do without me.

As I met his expectant, demanding gaze, my resolve solidified. I had endured enough of this life.

After leaving the hospital and returning to the office, I immediately drafted my resignation. On the way back, Leona Clarke had told me that my independent office was ready, and I could start anytime.

Just as I was about to submit my resignation to HR and settle my final paycheck, Giselle suddenly called a company-wide meeting. "First, I want to thank Rebecca," she began. "Everyone should have received the 50-thousand-dollar bonus in the group chat yesterday, right?"

Just as I was reeling, unsure what Giselle was up to, she went on, "Here's another piece of good news. Rebecca is leaving. After discussing with Vince, we've decided that Rebecca's unpaid salary will be distributed to everyone as a bonus."

Anger shot through me. I snapped to my feet. "Are you out of your mind, Giselle? What gives you the right to turn my salary into a bonus for others?"

Giselle shrank back at my words, and her eyes brimmed with tears. "Rebecca, I assumed that after so many years as an executive, you'd feel a connection to everyone here. I only wanted to make your farewell a happy moment for the team, so I arranged one final bonus. I never imagined you'd refuse. Don't you see us as family?"

When the other employees heard that, they all looked at me with disapproval.