Chapter 3

Instead of arguing with Edward, I looked down at my phone. The message I'd sent my boss, Victor Manser, that morning still hadn't gotten a response.

The office was loud as more people kept criticizing me.

"Logistics has a complaint too. You make us submit an itemized breakdown for every reimbursement. What, you think we're trying to rip off the company?"

"Procurement as well. You're always jumping in to review our contracts. Who exactly don't you trust?"

"HR has complaints also…"

I tuned them out and sent a reminder to Victor, who was on a business trip. "Mr. Manser, could you approve my resignation today?"

My phone finally lit up, and Victor's reply came through. "Cut it out! We're in a critical IPO phase. You can't just walk out. Whatever your issue is, wait until I get back. Don't cause me problems!"

I stared at the message, and the last of my hesitation was gone. I felt nothing but cold.

I'd known for a while that he didn't care about the Finance Department. Otherwise, he wouldn't have brushed me off repeatedly when I pushed to streamline the reimbursement process.

He wouldn't have shot down my plan to roll out basic finance training for the sales and operations department, either.

The pile-on was still going on in the office.

Janet saw me on my phone, ignoring her authority, and her tone sharpened. "Ronan, are you even listening? What kind of attitude is that?"

I locked my screen and looked up. My face didn't show much, but what I said made everyone pause. "Are you all done?"

No one said a word.

I stood, walked to Janet's desk, picked up the stack of expense reports Henry had just tossed over, and gave them a shake.

"Since you all think that I, Ronan Cooper, lack basic decency and hold this company back, fine."

I turned to Henry, shoved the expense reports back into his hands, and said evenly, "Henry says he'll be considerate of everyone, so I'm handing everything over to him. Ms. Walker, any objections?"

That caught Janet off guard.

But the other department heads, especially Edward, spoke up immediately. "I'm all for it. Let Henry take a shot. Young people are usually quick on their feet!"

"Exactly. It's about time we let some fresh blood take the lead!"

Seeing the room rally and sensing a chance to push me down, Janet went with the flow. "Henry, you'll temporarily take over Ronan's work. Do it well. Don't let me down."

Henry's face lit up with joy, and he nearly jumped on the spot.

He shot me a smug look and thumped his chest. "Don't worry, everyone. I'll finish the job fast and won't keep anyone waiting!"

I smiled. "I'll email everyone confirming the handoff and that, from here on, responsibility rests with you."

High on the rush of power, Henry answered without thinking, "Got it, got it. Spare me the lecture!"

I nodded and said nothing more. Walking back to my desk, I started slowly packing up my personal belongings.

For the rest of the afternoon, the office felt weirdly tense.

I quietly sorted through old files and cleared my computer, while Henry threw himself into the work like he was saving the company.

He approved almost everything that crossed his desk, with no substantive review. With department heads egging him on and flattering him, Henry signed off on one expense report after another.

A longtime coworker pinged me on the side. "Ronan, you're seriously stepping back? Those expense reports are a disaster waiting to happen!"