Chapter 3

In the workplace, experiences like being targeted by a supervisor, unpaid internships, or even having to pay to work, and uncompensated overtime were all too common. In the end, it often came down to nothing but mental resilience.

Over the past year, I worked tirelessly from dawn to dusk.

Dad felt for me, so he promised to transfer the final nine million dollars to the company regardless of how the project turned out—all because he had my back.

When Dustin caught wind of this through the grapevine, he couldn't wait to claim the project's success as his own just days before my contract renewal.

Unfortunately, not only were there still unresolved bugs in the software, but Dad also had no intention of paying them the remaining funds.

What Dustin didn't know was that his threats meant nothing to me, as I could easily file a labor arbitration claim to recover my rightful wages.

The day after the incident, I decided to slack off and see what Dustin and his darling girlfriend could come up with.

After all, we were the generation known for taking the path of least resistance. Thus, staying true to the art of doing the bare minimum, I began clocking in and out exactly on time.

Instead of actually working, I just relaxed at my desk and scrolled through short videos to pass the time.

On the third day, just as I was about to leave right on the dot, Sandy slammed a USB drive onto my desk.

Probably still holding a grudge from our confrontation the other day, she pointed at me and yelled, "Brooke, why didn't you tell me there were still bugs in the software? Did you do this on purpose?"

I glanced at her and replied innocently, "That's because you never asked. Since you didn't, why should I say anything? After all, I've already handed over all the files.

"Besides, there were clearly gaps in the code. Don't tell me you didn't notice? Anyway, I've got to head home now and binge-watch some shows in bed."

With that, I turned and dashed off, completely ignoring Sandy's furious shrieks behind me.

…

At exactly 8:00 am, I clocked in right on time.

Slumping into my office chair, I saw there were hardly any documents left on my desk.

With no work to do for now, I picked up my phone and started playing ranked matches.

My colleague from the next cubicle, Candice Burch, spotted me and immediately leaned over to relay a message from Dustin.

"Brooke, last night Ms. Richmond went to complain to Mr. Kline. The client said they specifically want you involved in the project, and Mr. Kline agreed. You're also expected to attend the project meeting this morning."

I totally tuned her out and kept playing my game. To me, she looked like a throwback to some old-time servant in a wealthy household, acting all arrogant and entitled for no reason.

Right as my team was closing in on the enemy's base and we were moments away from winning, I heard Sandy's shrill screech cut through.

"Brooke, are you deaf? Can't you see the client specifically asked you to report on the project progress? How dare you make everyone wait for you?"

Only after finishing my ranked match did I slowly look up, casually digging my ear.

"God, that was loud. If I didn't know any better, I'd think someone was slaughtering a pig. Ms. Richmond, getting angry so early in the morning isn't good for your health, you know."

Usually, everyone was used to Sandy's habit of shouting and making a scene whenever something happened, and they would quietly go about their work without daring to speak up.

But now, things were different. I had already been kicked out of the project team by Dustin, so at most, they would just gossip behind my back.

I strolled leisurely to the conference room door and took a closer look. Well, well, it was a room full of familiar faces.

I took my seat with practiced ease and opened my game before greeting the client's representatives with a friendly smile.

"Here's the thing—I'm no longer the project lead, so the new project lead will handle the reporting from now on. Ms. Richmond, please go ahead. As the lead, you should give a proper presentation."

Sandy's face visibly paled. She had no idea how to present the report at all.