Chapter 3

Sam began by saying, "You saw that recruitment post from two days ago, didn't you? I sent that."

I looked Sam up and down. No matter how I looked at him, he was still the same kid.

Seeing my confusion, Sam explained the truth. He was actually the boss of a competing company. However, his family was the one that had placed him there. He was worried he could not handle the shrewd senior employees inside the company, so he wanted to find a few allies ahead of time.

I had naturally caught his attention, since I had led my team in taking several projects from his company.

That was why he had hidden his identity and come here undercover. He wanted to see what I could do and poach me at the same time.

I was almost speechless. Then, I said, "For a CEO, you're really hands-on. You even have to poach your own people in person."

Sam scratched his head in embarrassment. "I mean, my family practically kicked me out for not achieving anything, but don't worry. I still have plenty of resources. You won't get the short end of the stick."

That almost made me laugh. I would never doubt a nepobaby born with a silver spoon in his mouth when it came to the sheer amount of resources they had access to.

Still, I had just woken up from years of being lied to. I no longer dared to trust anyone so easily. So, I tested him with a sneer, "From what you're saying, your situation doesn't look good. In that case, I'm going to ask for something outrageous."

Sam's tone turned serious. "What do you want? I'll do my best to get it for you."

His solemn expression startled me, so I tested him again. "I want five percent of the shares that you own. The team I lead must also have full autonomy. Executives can't interfere with my work."

I thought he would reject me immediately. But to my surprise, he let out a sigh of relief instead, and a sly smile appeared on his face. "That's all? Dean, your ability is worth those terms. Besides, I was ready to offer you fifteen percent of the shares I control."

My chest tightened.

So… There really were people who could see what I was capable of and tell me with certainty that I was worth it.

I thought back to when I first joined this company. The team had not even gotten off the ground, and I was the one running around alone, bringing in projects and solving problems.

Meanwhile, Kyle would simply sit back and relax with tea in his hand. "Keep it up, Dean! This is all part of your job, so don't slack off! Also, I'm out of my premium tea. Remember to buy me a few more packs."

I had long since gotten used to Kyle saying things like that.

The team's afternoon snacks, his premium tea, and every other extra expense had to be paid by me first. If I refused, I had no team spirit. But once I paid, I never got the money back.

I had gone to finance more than once, but they and Kyle kept passing me back and forth.

"Those were Mr. Brown's personal requests. They aren't company expenses, so they can't be reimbursed. If you want your money back, please ask Mr. Brown."

"Those were company expenses, so of course they go through finance. Go ask them for it."

I had been played for years. In the end, it was the boss of the competing company who was now telling me that I was worth it.

Looking at the light in Sam's eyes, I laughed softly. It was aimed at myself, but it was also one of relief.

"Alright. I accept," I said.

I also wanted to see how this company could keep running without me.

Before I could finish packing my things and hand in my resignation letter, Kyle called me into his office.

He started, "Dean, I heard you've had some complaints about the company lately?"

"I don't just have some complaints about the company. I have a lot of..." But before I could finish, Kyle held my shoulder.