One Bonus, One Feast, One Frozen Death

"Let's congratulate our first prize winner—Tony Rowe!"The moment I heard my boss, Michelle Wagner, call out that familiar line, it hit me. I had been reborn.As soon as my name was announced, my coworkers burst into cheers. Caleb Clinton slapped me hard on the shoulder. "Tony, your luck is insane. I'm seriously jealous!"However, I couldn't feel a single ounce of happiness. The nightmare from my previous life was still vivid in my mind.At the time, I was thrilled as I walked onto the stage, thinking I could finally use the prize money to buy my mom some new clothes.Then Michelle suddenly announced that she was doubling the prize to one thousand dollars in recognition of my excellent performance the year before.Before I could fully enjoy the moment, Caleb started egging everyone on, insisting I treat them to a meal. Michelle even threatened to make me quit if I ruined the mood.In the end, the Thanksgiving gathering she had planned turned into a dinner I had to pay for. I

Caleb lunged to his feet, stabbing a finger at me. "Tony, how can you be so selfish? We just wanted to share in your good luck. You're acting like we're trying to rob you blind!"All we're asking for is a simple, affordable meal to show some spirit. Do you really think we're so greedy that we'd demand a feast of delicacies? To be honest, having the chance to treat us after winning that prize is a blessing for you!"How sweet he made it sound. He'd said the exact same thing in my previous life. But when the bill finally came, it totaled over 107 thousand dollars.After subtracting the one-thousand-dollar prize money, I had to cover the remaining 106 thousand dollars out of my own pocket. In the end, it even cost me my life.With the bitter experience of my previous life fresh in my mind, I wasn't about to fall for Caleb's honeyed words again.At this thought, I felt a sudden urge to rip that mask right off him.I looked at Caleb coldly. "I don't need that kind of blessing. I don't

Michelle's husband, Melvin Brock, entered with a fierce presence.Michelle rushed over and forced a smile. "Darling! What are you doing here?"Melvin looked at her coldly. "What kind of question is that? This is my company's Thanksgiving dinner. Am I not allowed to attend?"Although Michelle played the part of the boss, everyone knew Melvin was the real power behind the throne. He was just usually too busy to make an appearance.Michelle clung to him like a lapdog. "Darling, you misunderstood. I just meant that if you were coming, you should have texted me so I could have someone pick you up."Melvin replied coldly, "I don't need anyone to pick me up. Besides, it's been a while since I last showed up at the company. I figured it was time to check in before the rot really started to set in."As he spoke, he threw a pointed, lingering look at Caleb.Caleb, who had been gloating over his nearly successful scheme, suddenly looked like a storm cloud had settled over his head.Notici

After a few rounds of drinks, Caleb finally let his true feelings spill out.He patted my cheek with a smug grin. "Tony, you didn't actually think we were friends, did you? To me, you're just a tool. You've always thought you were better than me, so you look down on me, right? Just you wait until the end of the year. We'll see who's still standing at this company."I didn't say a word. I just kept eating and drinking.The party raged on until 4:00 am when everyone finally decided to call it a night.Just then, the waiter approached with a bill that was over three feet long."Excuse me, who will be paying the bill?"Before Melvin could even say anything, Caleb lurched to his feet. "I'll handle it!"Seeing Caleb's grand display of confidence, the waiter's eyes sparkled with a hint of admiration. Anyone watching would have mistaken him for some wealthy heir.Caleb leaned into the attention. "It's just a bit of pocket change…"Then, he looked at the final total, and his entire bod

As soon as the sun came up, I packed my things and headed home.I had barely stepped through the door when my phone started buzzing. It was Caleb.The arrogance from the night before was gone. "Tony, can you lend me some cash? I don't even have enough for the trip home."Caleb lived in the unit right above mine. "Didn't you just receive 300 thousand dollars? Why are you hitting me up for money?"He let out a heavy sigh. "The whole company is on leave. Finance didn't process the transfer. I've been calling Mr. Brock, but he isn't picking up."I chuckled. "You don't think he's going to stiff you, do you? Relax. He's not that kind of man. Just be patient and wait it out."However, Caleb panicked. "I need it now! Look, Tony, just lend me 150 thousand dollars. As soon as Mr. Brock pays me after the break, I'll pay you back instantly with a 50-thousand-dollar bonus. Deal?"I feigned a troubled sigh. "Caleb, it's not that I don't want to help, but I already transferred all my money to