홈 / Emotional Realism 단편 작품 & 소설 / She Fired the Wrong Man / 챕터 1 - 챕터 10

She Fired the Wrong Man의 모든 챕터: 챕터 1 - 챕터 10

10 챕터

Chapter 1

Before the person on the other end could reply, my supervisor, Tom Menzie, snatched my phone and hung up, glaring at me as if he wanted to eat me alive."Are you trying to tattle? You should know that this was Ms. Booth's decision."I smiled lightly. "Are you sure about that?"Tom let out a nasty grin and patted my shoulder."People need to know their place. Take a good look at yourself. You're just a bottom-level employee. What makes you think you can go up against me? Either you stay and work, or you pack your stuff and get out."Seeing me humiliated like that, a few coworkers couldn't stand it and spoke up for me."Isn't this a bit much? Most of our clients came because they know Jake. If he really leaves…"At least some people knew I was the backbone of the place."Jake's eye and craftsmanship are top-tier in the industry. Assigning him to handling routine luxury deals is unnecessary. Mr. Menzie, you should show him some respect. If you chase him out, we'll all be eating du

Chapter 2

No wonder the guy looked familiar.About six months ago, he botched a restoration on a limited-edition bag.He had to pull some strings to get it sent to me, and I fixed it without much trouble.Internationally certified restoration experts like me were rare. I couldn't believe Tom brought Stan in to replace me, having no fear that he would wreck Luxe Atelier's reputation.Then again, once I was gone, that name wouldn't be worth much anyway.I couldn't help laughing and said dryly, "Mr. Ford, didn't you just make yourself the industry's biggest joke earlier this year? What, memory of a goldfish now?"A few coworkers covered their mouths, snickering."Why bring in someone with a stain on his record?""Yeah, his eye can't compare to Jake's. Don't tell me he's going to mistake fakes for the real thing."They weren't being quiet. Stan frowned slightly and said stiffly, "Jake, no matter how good you are, they can't beat a scalable model. I can serve high-end clients and also grow

Chapter 3

Christine curled her red lips into a smile and lifted her phone."I've been on the call with Stan the whole time. I heard every word you said. Jake, I'm not even going to bother making excuses anymore. I married you to use you. Luxe Atelier is already famous. I don't need you anymore, and I'm allowed to chase my own happiness."Tom and Gavin exchanged a look, their grins barely contained.Christine went on, "Marrying you was our fallback plan after the Booths failed to break into the fashion world. We pivoted to luxury goods instead. I'm the heir to the Booths. I get to be selfish. I'm not settling for a lifetime of compromise."I had expected shamelessness. I just didn't expect her to say it so openly.As it turned out, people could actually be this brazen.I clasped my hands behind my back, digging my fingers into my palms until my fingertips went pale, forcing myself to calm down."Fine. Have Mr. Booth call me. I want to hear him say he's firing me himself."Christine's expr

Chapter 4

Christine knew she was in the wrong. Her voice dropped to a whisper."Yes. I didn't want to have your child. My body is mine. I have the right to decide."I laughed out loud. Strangely, that sentence smoothed everything over in my head.She had the right to choose not to have children and to cheat.In that case, I had the right to destroy Luxe Atelier."Fine." I tossed my staff badge onto the floor and said flatly, "Then when you've got time, let's go file the paperwork. I'll give you my blessing."The schemers exchanged looks, barely able to hide their delight."No need to wait. I brought the divorce papers with me."Christine rummaged through her bag and handed them over. I skimmed them once."There's a problem with the asset split. I only get 200 thousand dollars? Who do you think you're fooling?"She stiffened, bluffing through it."If you agree, sign now. I'll transfer the money immediately. Otherwise, we go to court. If you don't mind being a cuck and dragging it out,

Chapter 5

Christine kept posting photos of her with Stan on Instagram, the two of them glued together at every tourist spot.I felt nothing. My mind was fully occupied with scouting locations for my new shop.When they came back from their trip and reopened Luxe Atelier, I didn't even bother slowing down.For the relaunch, Christine set up a huge balloon arch and made a big show of announcing Stan's arrival to both old and new customers."New and returning customers get cashback. Our new restoration specialist, Stan, will provide warmer, more attentive service. Every Friday night, we'll host luxury style talks to demystify designer goods for everyone."In the promo video, Christine proudly showed off her so-called management skills. I honestly couldn't watch anymore and exited halfway through.Luxe Atelier had always focused on luxury restoration, with resale as a secondary business. Now, she had turned it into a confused mashup of everything.The target audience was no longer clear, and

Chapter 6

I recruited people right in front of Christine. Her face flushed and then went pale, embarrassment and rage colliding at once.Five of them lit up, nodding hard without hesitation."I've wanted out of Luxe Atelier for a long time. They only pay us base salary.""I'm in, too."They were almost painfully eager. I couldn't stop smiling and handed each of them a small gold nugget."If you're joining me, I've got to show some sincerity. These are welcome gifts. Tomorrow, I'll take you to get a few custom suits made. We've got to look professional."The staff laughed along. With their experience at Luxe Atelier, no training was needed. They could start immediately.Watching her own employees jump ship made Christine look like she had swallowed a fly.Tom came running over from afar, cursing as he ran."Are you all out of your minds? Who said you could wander off? This counts as skipping work!"Tom still hadn't figured out what was going on. When he saw me there as well, he doubled

Chapter 7

"You haven't been by in a while. We've kept the VIP room ready just for you," Christine went on.A flicker of surprise passed through Vivian's eyes.She clearly hadn't expected to see Christine here after our divorce.However, she was too well-bred to embarrass anyone who was being polite to her."Oh, hello, Ms. Booth. I've been busy lately. I'm one of Jake's longtime clients. He opened a new shop, so of course, I had to come show my support. Don't worry. I won't abandon Luxe Atelier either. I'll keep things balanced."Vivian smiled politely, her tone calm and measured.Christine finally relaxed and leaned in, lowering her voice. "If you're thinking about trading pieces, please come to Luxe Atelier. We'll make sure the price satisfies you. Our cash flow is very strong.""Sure, sure," Vivian replied lightly, though her posture stiffened almost imperceptibly.I smiled without saying a word. Christine clearly didn't realize she had already offended her.People with real money did

Chapter 8

"What are you talking about? What have I done to you?" I shot back without hesitation.Christine lifted her chin, eyes blazing as she pointed at me."You're shameless! You used the 200 thousand dollars I gave you to open Revive Studio, just to bleed Luxe Atelier dry and destroy everything I built!"All I felt was how absurd she sounded. The wages I earned and what I was owed in the divorce were worth far more than that money. She never once reflected on herself.For a moment, my chest tightened, and I felt as if lead had been poured into my throat.She was living in her own world, thinking anyone who didn't give in to her was targeting her."Christine, this is a commercial street. Big brands draw crowds. I didn't even open next door to Luxe Atelier. Blaming your own incompetence on me doesn't make sense."Her face darkened, and I pressed on."I told you before. Without me, Luxe Atelier was destined to fail. I didn't open this shop just to compete with you. I'm aiming for the to

Chapter 9

"Dad!"Christine clung to Ken like she had grabbed a lifeline, collapsing into his arms and sobbing."Dad, talk some sense into him. Make him go back to Luxe Atelier and make money for the Booths!"Smack!Ken slapped Christine across the face. She covered her cheek and shrank back."Enough! What do you mean, earning money for the Booths? You two were married. That money was his by right."Ken had been around the block. He knew how to make things sound proper.After scolding Christine, he finally turned to me."Jake, Christine told me everything. Your father and I are like brothers. Our families go way back. Can't you forgive Christine?""Sorry, Mr. Booth."Calling him "Mr. Booth" instead of "Dad" drew a clear line.Ken had treated me decently after the marriage. I also knew he was infamous for spoiling his daughter.Did he really not know that after the divorce, Christine only gave me 200 thousand dollars?Back when we were still married, I had worked myself to the bone. W

Chapter 10

The next day, I went to Luxe Atelier. The staff had all been dismissed.Christine rushed to me and suddenly leaned in, trying to press her lips to my face. I reacted on instinct and slapped her."What are you doing? That's disgusting."Christine collapsed halfway to the floor, crying uncontrollably. "Jake, I'm begging you! Give me one more chance. We can remarry. I'll report everything to you, wherever I go. Stan manipulated me. This is all his fault!"She cried like a storm, her shoulder half exposed.I pulled her clothes back into place and turned away. "Christine, I'm not interested in you anymore. Stop humiliating yourself."Her eyes went hollow. She crawled forward a couple of steps and grabbed my leg."Just one more chance," she begged. "I can change anything you don't like.""Don't be delusional. Things don't work like that."I shook her off and turned to leave."Christine, great news! A big investor wants in. We can survive this month!"Stan's voice arrived before he

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