Chapter 1

Adrian Cole was already losing patience.

“Claire Bennett, are you done yet? Is this really worth making such a scene over? Just pay the penalty, and I’ll transfer it back to you later. Happy now?”

He glanced at Rebecca Shaw, his tone softening.

“She’s new. If you embarrass her on her first day, how is she supposed to manage the team?”

I looked at him.

So her dignity mattered.

Mine didn’t.

Rebecca smirked at me.

“Didn’t you hear Mr. Cole, Claire?”

She tapped the payroll report in her hand.

“I’ve reviewed your records. Top performer? That’s a joke. The AI payroll system is completely objective. If you’re only getting the minimum base salary every month, that means you’re not contributing anything meaningful.”

She crossed her arms, her voice turning sharp.

“People like you sit around doing nothing while collecting a paycheck. Honestly, you should’ve been fired a long time ago. Mr. Cole kept you out of kindness. A ten-thousand-dollar penalty is already generous.”

I looked at Adrian, holding onto the last bit of hope.

“Adrian… is that what you think too?

“If you have anything to say, say it now.”

If he had defended me, even a little, I would’ve let it go.

Like I always did.

But Adrian avoided my eyes.

Then he spoke.

“Enough. Rebecca is just stating facts. This is settled. Stop making things worse.”

Rebecca immediately slipped her arm through his.

“Adrian, I knew you wouldn’t forget those years we had in college.

“I booked dinner tonight. Let’s go together.”

Adrian nodded without hesitation.

As if he’d already forgotten what day it was.

My birthday.

Then I noticed the bracelet on Rebecca’s wrist.

He had ordered it two weeks ago.

I thought it was for me.

Turns out, I was wrong.

The anger surged up, but my voice stayed calm.

“Adrian, you know exactly why my base salary is only three thousand a month.

“She’s your college classmate. Then what am I?”

His expression changed instantly. He thought I was about to expose everything.

“Claire, watch what you say.”

His tone dropped.

“Don’t forget our agreement. If you want to talk, we’ll do it after work.”

I let out a short laugh.

“There’s nothing left to talk about.”

I looked straight at him.

“I’m requesting a full AI payroll audit. Let’s see if what I’ve done for this company matches what I’ve been paid.”

Adrian’s face darkened.

Rebecca laughed openly.

“Claire, where do you get the confidence to challenge him? With that innocent act of yours, who knows how much you’ve been taking from the company behind everyone’s back.”

She glanced around.

“All those missing office snacks? Supplies? I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve been taking them home.”

She tightened her grip on Adrian’s arm.

“Let her do it. I’d love to see how this ends.”

Adrian stared at me for a moment, then gave a cold smile.

“Fine. Let’s run the audit.”