Chapter 3

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 want the prize money anymore. You can have it. Why don't you play host tonight instead?"

Caleb's expression shifted instantly, and he waved his hands in frantic refusal. "You were drawn twice in a row. That's destiny! If I stole your prize money, I'd be tempting fate. Are you trying to get me cursed?"

At that moment, Michelle chimed in. She whispered in my ear, "Tony, this is Thanksgiving dinner. It's our first gathering of the year. Don't you think you're being a bit of a killjoy?

"If you really don't want to be the host, I won't force you. But this kind of behavior isn't good for company morale. I'll have to keep that in mind when your next performance review comes around."

In my previous life, it was this exact threat that had forced me to cave.

However, I knew very well how to prioritize between work and my life now.

I stared at Michelle's conniving face. A resignation was on the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed it back.

Instead, I forced a small smile. "I get it, Ms. Wagner. Let's do as you say. Tonight's on me!"

Michelle finally flashed a satisfied grin. "Now that's the star employee I know. I love that attitude. By the second half of the year, that sales manager position just might be yours."

As Michelle spun her empty promises, Caleb rushed over, beaming. "Tony, you're the most generous guy I know. We're going to share in your good luck and break every profit record the company has this year! Right, Ms. Wagner?"

The two exchanged a look that was far too intimate. Their body language even seemed a little flirty.

I didn't say a word. I just watched them in silence.

By now, a perfect plan for revenge had already taken shape in my mind.

"Ms. Wagner, I have a friend who'd like to join us tonight. Is that okay?"

Michelle was in high spirits. "You're the one paying, so you can invite whoever you want. Bring ten people for all I care."

Caleb cut in. "What friend? Do we know them?"

I smiled mysteriously. "You'll see when he gets here."

With that, I sent a quick text to my guest.

This wasn't just someone Caleb knew. Everyone in the company knew him.

I checked the time on my phone. "It's getting late. Shall we head out?"

Michelle put on her best act of being considerate. "I've already made a reservation. Let's go to my spot. I promise it's nice and budget-friendly!"

Without a hint of hesitation, I replied, "Thank you, Ms. Wagner."