Chapter 2

As a result of that incident, the board of directors at the company headquarters wanted to replace me. I had to put up with the pressure and promise the company that I'd bring in 100 million dollars in profit this year. If I failed, I would resign voluntarily.

The only punishment I gave Ingrid for her mistake was docking one month's salary. Not long after that, she came to me in tears, saying her mother was sick, and the family was in urgent need of money.

Without asking any questions, I gave her 50 thousand dollars. I didn't ask her to pay me back either.

Having recalled all of this, I turned off the screen and set my phone aside.

I was in the stairwell when I saw a small group of employees gathered in the office lobby. They were discussing the viral news about the company.

"Let's see how long that hag, Nicole Emerson, can keep acting all cocky in front of us now. I heard that she got a call from the Department of Labor."

"Thank God! All I want is for the company to replace her with a man as soon as possible. At least he won't treat us female employees badly."

"Same here. Look at the tech company downstairs. They have a male boss, and the female employees get amazing benefits! They even provide free painkillers and sanitary pads."

Zach White, a male employee who hung out with that group of female employees a lot, chimed in, "Honestly, I'd love to work for that company too. The male employees even get gas allowances."

Roxy, who'd been the most fervent contributor to the discussion, lit up at that. She immediately said, "Then let's all work together to bring down that hag.

"If we submit a joint complaint to the company headquarters, they'll definitely send someone fair to take over—a male boss who treats everyone equally."

Ingrid had just picked up some documents and was about to head upstairs.

Upon hearing what the group said, she turned right back around, pulled everyone close, and whispered, "There's no rush. Let me tell you some insider news. The company headquarters has issued an order. Our branch office must hit 100 million in profit this year. Otherwise, the hag is out!

"There are only two months left until the end of the year. As long as everyone slacks off a bit, there's no way she can meet the target. When the time comes, the company headquarters will definitely send her packing."

"Agreed!"

"Let's go on strike!"

"We won't lift a finger!"

Everyone was all fired up, convinced they could already see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Leaning against the wall, I took a deep breath. I could finally see clearly now.

I'd been with the company for eight years. Having climbed my way up from the bottom, I knew all too well how difficult the workplace often was for women.

Therefore, once I was put in charge of this branch office, the very first thing I did was submit an application to the company headquarters. Despite strong opposition, I secured two days of paid menstrual leave per month and paid maternity leave for the female employees.

Worried that male employees would find it unfair, I deliberately introduced a family support allowance for the men as well.

Yet somehow, in their eyes, this was proof of gender discrimination—that I was giving a special allowance just for men.

Well, if that was going to be the case, so be it. I decided to become the "villain" they pegged me to be.

When I came out of the stairwell, the discussion came to an abrupt halt.

"I'm calling a full staff meeting in ten minutes. Notify all the employees," I said. "I have an important announcement to make regarding some adjustments to the company benefits."

Ten minutes later, for the first time, the entire company filled the conference room.

Roxy wore a gloating smile as she loudly chatted with the people around her.

"I told you guys, didn't I? Only an official complaint to the authorities will scare these greedy senior executive types. Now everyone's going to get an additional thousand dollars a month!" she declared.

"You're the best, Roxy. And since it's all about gender equality from now on, does that mean we male employees get paid menstrual leave as well?"

"Of course! I definitely considered everyone's best interests."

For a moment, Roxy was soaring high with everyone lavishing their praise on her.

I didn't stop them. I simply took the microphone and calmly said, "I've carefully reflected on the recent online discourse. It's true that I didn't fully consider every employee's perspective."

Many people were already smiling in smug satisfaction.

"After careful consideration, I've come to a decision. All of the company benefits have been canceled. You will only receive the basic benefits listed in your employment contract."

All of the smiling faces stiffened, and the employees broke into an uproar.