Chapter 1 The Transfer

"This is a normal personnel move," Jessica said calmly. "You have poor emotional control and aren't suited to leading a team. Matthew may lack experience, but at least he has the right attitude."

Matthew gave me a smug look. "Calum, if you have any questions about purchasing, feel free to ask me."

Standing side by side, they looked like the perfect couple.

I rubbed my aching back, feeling drained all of a sudden. I didn't want to argue with Jessica anymore.

As I turned to leave, she shouted, "What right do you have to throw a tantrum?"

Outside, I leaned against my car and lit a cigarette.

…

Five years ago, my cousin tricked me into signing a power of attorney, claiming it was just a formality. But he used my name as guarantor on a one-million debt, then skipped town. Then, the creditors came after me, demanding repayment. They threatened to harass Jessica if I refused to pay it back.

Those people were capable of anything. So, to protect Jessica, I had no choice but to leave without saying goodbye and work in another city to pay off the debt.

Back then, both of her parents had passed away, and she needed me more than ever. After I left, she hated me.

I didn't dare face her again until the day I finally paid off every cent.

By then, Jessica had become CEO, with a sweet, obedient male assistant at her side.

Hoping to earn her forgiveness, I worked for her for two years without pay. I helped the company thrive and go public.

Unfortunately, she still despised me.

…

The next day, they moved my workplace to the far end of the logistics department's hallway.

Inside the room, a battered desk with peeling paint sat beside a towering stack of copy paper. The air conditioner blew cold air straight down on my head.

Matthew stood in the doorway while holding a pile of folders.

"Calum, these are the purchasing records from the past two years. Ms. Homer wants them organized within three days. Some of the invoices might not tally, so make sure you check everything carefully."

As I opened the top folder, the invoices were a mess. The dates were out of order, and some amounts were missing.

"Who handled these accounts?" I asked.

"I did," Matthew said, looking down on me. "I'm new to the job and still learning as I go, but you're experienced. I'm sure you can handle it, Calum."

I worked until 10 p.m., when my younger brother, Dennis Johnson, suddenly called.

"Calum, I got hit by a car. The driver won't let me call the police. Can you come help me?"

…

By the time I got there, Dennis was barely conscious from the pain. His leg was bent at an unnatural angle, bone sticking out through the skin, and blood had soaked through his jeans.

"Calum..." He looked up at me, his face pale. "Calum, it hurts..."

Panicking, I immediately pulled out my phone to call an ambulance. The next second, someone knocked it out of my hand.

Jessica was standing behind me.

"Calum, Matthew didn't do it on purpose."

"What are you talking about?" I stared at her in disbelief. I couldn't understand why she would stop me from getting Dennis to the hospital in an emergency.

Jessica spoke casually. "It was dark, and Matthew just got his driver's license. He couldn't see well and accidentally hit your brother. Let's settle this privately. Don't call the police."

Dennis's blood soaked into my shirt, warm and sticky.

"Jessica!" I shouted. "Do you even understand what's happening? My brother is hurt! What gives you the right to stop me from taking him to the hospital?"

Hearing my scream, Jessica froze. Maybe she wasn't used to hearing me raise my voice at her.

"How was I supposed to know your brother wouldn't secretly call the police?" she asked.

At that moment, Matthew stumbled out of the driver's seat, teary-eyed.

"Calum, I'm so sorry. I really didn't mean to. I didn't expect him to run out like that." As he spoke, he crouched down and started to cry while covering his face.

Jessica's heart immediately softened. Then, she said to me, "Matthew just got his license. If you report this, he'll be held fully responsible, lose his license, and end up with a criminal record. His whole future will be ruined."

Hearing her words, I shook with anger. "Do you care about him that much?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?" she demanded impatiently. "He's just my assistant. I'll pay for Dennis's medical bills and rehab. I'll find him the best orthopedic hospital, but you must not report this to the police."