Chapter 1

“Noah, the annual company raffle prize is the latest iPhone. You're on buying duty this year, and here’s the budget.”

I looked down at the single, crisp hundred-dollar bill in my hand and immediately refused.

“Mr. Collins, are you missing a couple of zeros here? A hundred bucks isn't going to buy an iPhone 17.”

Henry Collins shot me an annoyed look. “Everyone else managed just fine in previous years. Why is it suddenly a problem when it gets to you? Don't be so hyper-focused on the numbers, young man. Take one for the team and show some initiative.”

So he wanted me to pay out of my own pocket!

I tossed the hundred-dollar bill back onto his desk.

“Sorry, Mr. Collins, but I’m not in the habit of financing office perks. If it’s such a great investment in team spirit, feel free to show the initiative yourself.”

Mr. Collins clearly didn't expect that response. He froze for a second, staring at me in anger.

“Noah! This is a workplace, not your private living room. Is that any way to talk to your boss?”

I forced a fake smile and repeated myself in a polite tone.

“My apologies, Mr. Collins. But, like I said, company perks aren't on my tab. I wouldn't want to steal your thunder by taking initiative!”

His face flushed an ugly shade of red.

Keeping my fake smile intact, I added, “If that’s all, Mr. Collins, I’ll take my leave.”

I turned around and grabbed the door handle, only for him to yell furiously behind me.

“Noah, I’m not asking for your opinion! This is an official assignment and a direct order from your superior. You will fulfill it.”

I turned back and raised an eyebrow at him. “And what if I don't?”

Mr. Collins grabbed my onboarding file from his drawer and slammed it onto the desk.

“Don't forget you're still on probation. The company can terminate an intern without a reason.”

He smirked arrogantly. “So choose carefully, Noah. Do you want to pass your probation smoothly, or do you want these papers to turn into worthless trash?”

Honestly, a thousand dollars meant nothing to me. But I absolutely refused to take his arrogant, threatening attitude lying down.

Without another word, I opened the door and walked out.

My family was loaded anyway. My dad was an established tycoon in Boldenfield who made his fortune as a major energy mogul in coal mining.

After graduation, he wanted me to step into his shoes and take over the family enterprise. However, I had no interest in dealing with energy contracts all day, so I joined this small firm just to get a taste of everyday working life.

Who knew a firm this small could have so much toxic drama? Well, screw this, I was done putting up with it.

Behind me, the loud slam of Mr. Collins punching his desk in a fit of rage echoed through the hallway.

I walked straight back to my cubicle without looking back and started packing up my things.

Seeing me pack, my coworkers immediately gathered around, whispering and asking what had happened.

I briefly explained the situation to them, and to my surprise, none of them seemed shocked at all. Instead, they just tried to talk me down as if it were completely routine.

“Dude, that’s just Mr. Collins’ classic trick. Every intern gets squeezed dry before they're hired full-time.”

“Look, the salary and benefits here are really good, and jobs are so hard to find right now. Just consider it paying for peace of mind.”

“Noah, take our advice and don't act out of spite. Hurry back in there and apologize to Mr. Collins.”