Chapter 2

I looked at the already-printed resignation letter and felt the last shred of camaraderie I had for them disappear.

They'd truly come prepared.

"And if I refuse to sign?" I asked blandly.

"Refuse?" Shane sneered as he closed in on me. "James, don't make us do this the hard way. We've already changed the password to the core project's system. If you refuse to leave, then you can enjoy having absolutely nothing to talk about during the acceptance meeting tomorrow!

"When the client loses it, you'll be the one taking the fall as the team leader once the company starts looking for someone to blame!"

It was a threat. Plain and simple.

They were using the access I'd granted them to stab me in the back.

"James, if you sign, I promise I won't make things too hard for you. After all, we're colleagues." Shane suddenly changed his tune as he said kindly, "Don't worry. I've already got a backup plan waiting for you."

He took out a job listing from his pocket.

"My uncle's a supervisor in the Security Department, and they're hiring. They're looking for a night shift security guard. It's even a captain position! It's going to be rough to pull those late hours, but it's a stable job.

"You'll even be working in the same building. If we ever need someone to do the heavy lifting or the grunt work, we'll be sure to throw you a bone. What do you think?"

Kevin burst out laughing, saying through gasps, "Shane, you're amazing. You actually got James a job so quickly? Then again, being a security guard really does suit him. After all, all he's been doing is patrolling the office these past couple of months."

Lila joined in on the mockery. "They're right, James. Can't you see how thoughtful we are? We've even got you a backup career ripe for the taking. So, why don't you hurry up and thank us?"

I looked at Shane coldly. "You want me to become a security guard? That's your grand backup plan?"

"Hey, you shouldn't be so picky. Based on your current capabilities, you'd be hitting the jackpot if you land the job in the Security Department," Shane retorted imperiously. "I only did you this huge favor by getting you a spot because of our history."

I nodded, crushed the paper cup in my hand, and threw it in the trash. "Fine. Since the three of you are so very capable, I'm washing my hands off this project."

I turned and walked away right after that.

Soon, their triumphant voices rang out behind me.

"I told you he was all bark and no bite, didn't I? All it took was one scare, and he folded like wet tissue!"

"Yay! That hundreds of thousands is all ours now!"

As I left the smoking lounge, I took out my phone and sent a text to headquarters. "Evaluation's over. Time to wrap things up."

When I returned to my desk, I wasn't surprised to find that I'd been locked out of my computer.

The screen was even flashing with a bright red "Access Denied" message.

Still, I had to admit that their tactics were more underhanded than I expected.

Shane swaggered over and looked down his nose at me. "Oh, goodness, James! I'm so, so sorry. You know how it is with my butterfingers. I slipped and accidentally deleted your account."

His mouth was blabbering words of apology, but the look on his face was pure schadenfreude.

"Well, you've already signed the resignation letter anyway. There's not really a point in keeping this computer lying around, wouldn't you say? You might as well pack up now and make room for your replacement." He even kicked the legs of my chair as he spoke.

Our colleagues all turned to look over, watching us curiously.

I didn't bother wasting my breath on him. Instead, I lowered my head and quietly packed up my personal belongings.

When Shane saw my lack of response, he assumed that I was intimidated. So, he became even more arrogant.

So, he said, "James, don't blame us for being ruthless. It's always the survival of the fittest in the workforce. When it comes to people like you, who coast on connections instead of merit… Well, you're bound to be weeded out sooner or later."

"Connections?" I paused mid-packing and looked up at him. "And whose connections did I rely on?"

"Quit playing dumb already."

Shane loomed closer as he deliberately raised his voice and declared, "Everyone in the company knows how you got hired. Do you really think you'd have kept your job for this long if you hadn't been that former female vice president's boy toy?"

"What he said. Also, you're always dressed so nicely, but… That watch right there is a fake, right? Let me guess. You had to save up all your money to keep your sugar mama happy?" Lila added, tittering mockingly.

I had to give it to them. Their smear campaign was no joke.

Not only did they just make others question my capabilities, but they'd also attacked my dignity as a man while they were at it.

Sure enough, the whispered discussion around us grew louder.

"So, he leeches off rich women? No wonder I never see him work overtime."

"You really can't judge a book by its cover."

I swept my gaze across their smug faces and couldn't help but find the entire thing absurd.

Back when they had begged me to save their arses, they said over and over how "James, you're such a stand-up guy" and "James, it's all thanks to you".

And now, they'd turned into a pack of rabid hyenas just for the sake of some paltry bonus.

"Are you done?"

I slid a document into my briefcase and rose to my full height at six-foot-one, instantly overwhelming Shane in sheer presence. "If you're done, then do us both a favor and get out of my way."