Chapter 3

There went the hype again.

My reputation as a heartless capitalist spread far beyond the platform, going viral across all social media.

It was only because Cassandra posted a video update while the journalist pressed me for answers.

She was in the hospital.

The video showed Cassandra looking pale in a ward, hooked to a drip. Her husband, Wesley Luckwell, held her hand, looking utterly heartbroken.

“Thank you for your concern. I’m doing well, really.

“I promise I’ll be strong for my baby and all of you.

“I can’t just quit, guys. I need money to support my little one.”

At that point, Wesley said in agony, “I’m sorry, Cass. I’ve failed you for putting you in this situation. I’m good-for-nothing.”

Cassandra took Wesley’s hand. “No, babe. I dragged you down. You’ve drained your savings to pay my parents’ medical bills. This is on me. Don’t blame yourself.”

Following the release of the video, Cassandra and Wesley drew sympathy from the widespread internet.

On the other hand, I was nailed to the cross of shame by the couple.

The backlash against me came as no surprise, but oddly enough, some comments came to my defense among the attack.

Cassandra was quick to pin these comments and posted a response.

“I’m just a regular employee. It’s not my job to understand my boss’ intentions. He denied me my maternity leave. Is that my fault?

“I don’t know who you are or why you’re standing up for Mr. Gordon, but from what I can see from your profile, you’re a woman.

“I’m not saying you’re trying to please men or chase money. I just want to ask you, woman to woman. Why are you making things hard for me?

“I’m only fighting for my right.

“I want to end this by saying that you are bound to get married and pregnant one day. I hope you won’t face a boss like mine when the time comes.”

Her words became the spark that let the online community release their pent-up feelings.

Predictably, the poor soul who stuck up for me was torn apart by trolls.

It didn’t take long for the internet to identify my girlfriend, Vivian.

“I see that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I wondered who could be so sick. As it turns out, she’s a brute like Sam.”

“Love can really blind people. After everything, she still hasn’t left him. How big of a red flag does she need? Is she going to wait until the monster gets physical with her?”

“I actually feel sorry for her. She’s been brainwashed and doesn’t even know it. That’s just sad.”

“Tsk. She acts like she’s above us all. All she does is suck up to the capitalist like a lapdog. Trash!”

As if digging up Vivian’s and my past wasn’t enough, the online mob also tracked down her workplace and home, and even brought her parents into it.

I sought Vivian, only to be slapped in the face by my future father-in-law.

Jeremy Williams yelled furiously, “Is this how you protect my daughter? I’ll kill you if you harass my daughter again, Sam!”

After twenty-four hours of brewing, the situation went from bad to worse.

The company lines were jammed with calls, and employees walked on eggshells, afraid of getting caught up in the drama.

The interns gave me dirty looks, looking as if they would pull a punch at me any second.

Our business partners bombarded the company with emails, all worded sharply.

A cloud of gloom and despair loomed over the office.

To make matters worse, Neptune Media sent a termination notice for Kingdom, pushing the situation to its breaking point.

An army of furious Kingdom fans overwhelmed the company’s livestream, spamming the chat.

All products in the flagship store were bought out and returned right away. The repeated cycle eventually crashed the flagship store’s system.

Everything went down like dominoes.

All products were taken off the shelves across all platforms.

The livestream and flagship store were shut down.

Contract termination letters poured in from all our partners.

The employees faced harassment and threats, their nerves stretched thin.

Worried about the escalation, the board put out an urgent notice mandating a company-wide break.

Then, there was me.

“Your signature here.” Eric slid the dismissal slip toward me with a straight face. “You made this bed, so now, you should lie on it.”