The Employee They Underestimated

At the company's annual gala, the CEO announced, "In 2024, our total revenue reached 1.67 billion, with a net profit of 530 million. Our net profit has increased by 1.5% year over year."

He continued, "This is an outstanding performance in our industry. Thank you all for your hard work. To reward excellence, the company has decided to establish a Top Sales Award. The 2024 sales champion will receive a two-million-dollar bonus."

The second everyone heard "two-million-dollar bonus," the room exploded.

I couldn't resist grinning.

That was because I was the obvious sales champion, what with my numbers and all.

The coworkers around me immediately leaned in and congratulated me in low voices.

"Cassian, you have to treat us to dinner at The Alder House once you get that bonus."

"Cassian, you're the sales champion. That two-million-dollar bonus is definitely yours. How are you this good?"

"Cassian, don't forget us when you're rich. Remember to help us out later."

I laughed and elbowed them lightly. "Keep it down. The executives haven't announced it yet."

Just then, Brennan Sloane, the coworker who loved sucking up to management more than anything, cut in with a sneer.

"They haven't even announced the winner yet, and someone's already celebrating. That's hilarious."

He scoffed and added, "A useless guy who does nothing but schmooze clients over dinner actually thinks he can win the bonus. You must still be dreaming. You think making a few calls and drinking with clients a couple of times makes you the sales champion? How naive.

"If that's all it takes, then any idiot could be a sales champion."

I knew he was just jealous, so I did not bother responding.

Onstage, the executive announced excitedly, "Next, let's invite the chairman to reveal the sales champion. Let's all look forward to it."

The chairman took the microphone. "I announce that the 2024 sales champion is..."

I clenched my fists, almost able to see that two million were waving at me.

Beside me, my coworkers quietly chanted, "Cassian. Cassian."

Brennan rolled his eyes at me and muttered, "Please."

The chairman finally called out, "Lucien Blackwell. Everyone, please welcome him to the stage to accept the award."

I sat frozen in my chair, my fingers tightening around the edge of the table. 'What? How could it be him? I was clearly the sales champion.

'Was it just because he was the sales director? Did that mean every deal our department closed counted under his name?'

The people around me froze for half a second. Then, they all stood and applauded.

"Mr. Blackwell, you truly deserve it."

"Incredible, Mr. Blackwell."

I stayed seated, staring at the stage while my mind went completely blank.

...

The next day, Lucien called me into his office.

"Cassian, the industry is not doing well right now. Although the company's performance this year is still decent, we need to think about long-term development. The company has decided to reduce year-end bonuses."

He advised, "Try to be understanding."

Year-end bonuses were supposed to be paid the week after. Yet, my direct supervisor was suddenly telling me the bonus would be reduced.

Then again, I had just closed a major deal for the company. The company was about to make a huge profit from it.

So, I figured my year-end bonus should not be reduced by too much.

It was with that thought in mind that the anxiety in my chest finally eased.

Just then, Lucien placed the year-end bonus plan in front of me.

I froze on the spot.

"Mr. Blackwell, is this a reduction or a total massacre? Based on my usual year-end bonus and commission, I should be getting at least two million. Why is it only 20,000 this year?"

I had been in this industry for six years.

Aside from my first year, when I only received 20,000 due to my lack of results, my year-end payout had never been below one million.

And that did not even include this year's sales commission.

My hand tightened around the edge of the bonus plan. 'He had already stolen my sales champion title and taken the two-million-dollar bonus. Now he wanted to pocket my year-end bonus and commission, too?'

I set the form down and kept my tone as polite as possible. "Mr. Blackwell, could there be a mistake? Why is my year-end bonus only 20,000? Could you please check again?"

Lucien gave me a loaded look. "Cassian, didn't I just explain it to you? Company revenue is down, so year-end bonuses have to be reduced."

I steadied my breathing and pushed the sales department's year-end bonus plan back across the desk. "Then, why am I the only one whose bonus was reduced?"