Chapter 2 No Exceptions

The phone in Grace's office rang five minutes later. She answered it and murmured a few responses, the tension gradually easing from her face.

When she hung up, she walked out, folded her arms across her chest, and looked down her nose at me. "Just wait."

That was it.

Then, she led Madeline away and headed down the hallway.

My phone rang a moment later. It was Claire. I answered.

Claire's voice was gentler now, almost cheerful.

"Ethan, I just spoke with Grace and got a better understanding of what happened. She says you've been slacking off today. Apparently, you've been spending the whole morning leaning against the window, staring into space?"

I said nothing.

"She's new to the position, so her being a little strict will only do good for the company. You had an impressive year last year, but this year has barely started. You need to get yourself back on track. Maybe you've just misunderstood her? Let's not make a big deal out of it, yes?

"After all, we're all striving to do what's best for the company."

My fingers tightened around the phone, my knuckles turning slightly white as she nattered on and on.

I looked toward the end of the hallway. Grace and Madeline were standing around the corner, exchanging a secret smile.

I glanced at the shattered computer on the floor and said quietly, "I understand, Ms. Morgan."

My phone buzzed.

It was a message from the headhunter. "Ms. Reed wants to know if you've made a decision."

I deleted the message without replying.

…

The company held its annual kickoff meeting the following afternoon.

Every employee crowded into the conference room; everyone was packed like sardines.

I sat in the last row against the wall with two Band-Aids covering my hand.

Grace stood onstage in a sharp business suit. The projector behind her displayed a bold title in white against a red background.

"New Start. New Rules. New Heights."

She picked up the microphone and swept her gaze across the room before finally fixing her eyes in my direction.

"I know there have been certain so-called special employees in this company who think their past achievements give them the right to come in late, leave early, skip company events, and treat our rules like they don't exist."

The room fell awkwardly silent.

Grace raised the microphone closer to her mouth, her voice growing louder. "All such special privileges are revoked starting today. Everyone is required to clock in, attend meetings, and submit weekly and daily reports."

She paused, her eyes never left my face. "That includes certain people who think they're above the rules."

Someone in the front row started clapping. Madeline stood up and applauded the loudest, glancing back at me between claps. Shortly after, scattered applause spread through the room.

I didn't move.

…

Once the meeting adjourned, people filed out one by one.

I was the last to get up. I had just reached the door when Madeline caught up with me. There was a pink form clutched in her hand. "Ethan, wait."

She slapped the paper into my hand. "That'll be 20,000 dollars. Pay it to Accounting by the end of today, or it'll be treated as an unauthorized absence. Ms. Parker says the rules are the rules. No exceptions."

I looked down at the fine notice, then back at her. "How am I supposed to work when my computer's been smashed?"

Madeline grinned toothily. "Was it a company computer? Figure it out yourself. If it was yours, then you should just buy another one. It's not like you can't afford it, no?"

She slipped both hands into her pockets and tilted her head mockingly.

"Oh, and your desk is being moved to the spot by the door. You know the space next to the restroom? The original desk is being saved for the new key hire. You'd best move your things now. They're coming to the office this afternoon."

I said nothing. Instead, I walked past her toward the office area.

When I reached my desk, I bent down and started taking my things out of the drawer.

A few notebooks. A water bottle. An unopened box of pens. Finally, my hands caressed the crystal trophy they'd given me at last year's company awards dinner, engraved with the words "Outstanding Contribution Award."