Chapter 1

When I opened my eyes, I saw my CEO wife, Rita Scanlon, hand me an appointment letter that had gold along the side. She smiled as she said, "Your hard work all these years has been recognized by the company, Casey. This project is very important to the company, and I want you to be in charge of taking our company to greater heights."

The entire meeting room applauded after her announcement, and the board of directors looked at me with approval. I was not happy at the sight of the appointment letter, and I felt so nauseous that I almost threw up.

Back in my past life, this was the appointment letter that ruined my life and caused my death.

I believed my hard work all those years was finally rewarded, and I gave up my original plan to continue my studies overseas. I chose to pour my heart and soul into the company's new project. I worked day and night like a fool to make sure I did not let down the trust of Rita and the board of directors.

Rita became adamant about using Hudson Cobb's proposal close to the end of the project. That so‑called innovative proposal was full of loopholes. I tried my best to talk her out of it, but Rita refused to listen and even accused me of throwing my weight around as a senior and bullying an office newcomer.

The project's core data was eventually stolen, causing the company to suffer billions in losses. Rita shifted all responsibility onto me and left me with an impossible debt. I became ostracized by everyone in the company.

My debtors eventually beat me to death in a dark and damp alleyway.

I clenched my fists, and before I could reply, a shrill voice interrupted my thoughts. "I do not agree with this. Mr. Shore does not have management experience, and it does not seem suitable for him to be in charge of such an important project."

The person speaking was Rita's most adored assistant, Hudson.

I was an unknown, low‑level employee about to become one of the most powerful people in the company. He would naturally be unhappy that the spotlight was on me instead of him.

Rita explained right away, "This is the board's decision. Besides, Casey is more than just a senior at the company. His company ID is 005, one of the first people to join the company. There is a lot you can learn from him."

Hudson became even more upset. He wanted to say something, but Rita glared at him, and he stayed quiet. I would have been touched to see Rita protect me this way if this were in my past life. I knew now that she only wanted me to take the blame on behalf of Hudson.

When she insisted that Hudson join the project later, it was to make him emerge from the project looking good.