Chapter 1

The whole office went silent.

Everyone knew Opaline Corp ran on me.

If I walked out, ninety percent of the company's contracts would go with me. Opaline wouldn't survive it.

People immediately jumped to their feet.

"Dylan's here thirty minutes early every day. In ten years, this is the first mistake he's ever made. Just let it go."

Wendy's expression darkened. Instead of answering, she sent me a message.

[Behave. Take the hit for now. Whatever you're upset about, we'll talk at home. Don't make a scene and embarrass us.]

I didn't bother replying.

The silence made everyone even more nervous. One coworker hurried forward.

"Forget it. I'll take the punishment. I'll eat the worms. Dylan, calm down. Don't do something you'll regret."

He didn't get it.

I wasn't acting on emotion.

This time, I meant it.

Back when Wendy and I first started the company, she loved making an example out of me. If I accidentally printed one extra copy of a document, she'd tear into me in front of everyone.

Later, she'd wrap her arms around me and explain,

"Honey, I know it's rough. But I have to manage the company. If they see me calling out even my own husband, they'll respect the rules."

I understood how hard she worked to keep the business running.

So I put up with it. I swallowed every bit of frustration and let her walk all over me.

Then Tristan Crocker—Wendy's younger college friend—joined Opaline Corp.

From day one, he was a walking disaster.

He was constantly late, printing the wrong files, and costing the company money.

More than once.

But Wendy never punished him.

Instead, she'd reward him with paid time off so he could "reset his mindset."

When I questioned her, she'd massage my aching shoulders and patiently talk me down.

"Honey, times are different now. Punishment doesn't work on younger employees. Positive reinforcement is what motivates them."

I believed her.

Right up until a new young employee accidentally called her by the wrong name.

Wendy publicly chewed her out for three straight hours. "You can't even get something this simple right? What are you good for?

"Get out. We don't hire garbage here."