Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 1 - Chapitre 9

In my first year at the company, they organized a team-building trip to Merdive Island—five days and four nights at a seven-star hotel.The day the news was announced, the office erupted in excitement.Kevin had called me into his office and said, "Alexia, you know our department has limited spots. Only core team members can go. You're outsourced, so you won't be taking up one of those spots."Here's what we'll do—you hold down the fort at the office for a few days. If anything comes up, handle it promptly. It's a good opportunity for you to grow, don't you agree?"I nodded and said yes.For those five days, their social feeds were filled with beaches, diving, and seafood. And I stayed behind alone in an empty office, handling all the work they had left behind.My lunch was food from the convenience store downstairs. Dinner was instant noodles.In the past two years, in the name of employee care, the company had purchased ergonomic chairs worth five hundred dollars for every ful

I once believed that as long as I worked hard—harder than anyone else—I would eventually earn recognition.I did the work of three people on my own.The proposals I created were submitted under Bianca's name and went on to win the company's Annual Innovation Award.The clients I secured were credited to Kevin, who walked away with million-dollar bonuses.I burned with a 102°F fever and still sat in front of my computer revising PPT slides, because Kevin said, "Outsourced staff don't get sick leave."And what about them?They clocked in right on time every day, then started drinking coffee and chatting in the afternoon. They earned several times my salary, enjoying benefits I would never see.They took my work, my achievements, as if it were their right—and then turned around and mocked me for being "just an outsourced worker."Seven years. I thought my heart had gone numb. But now, looking out at the glittering hotel hosting the annual gala, I still felt a flicker of hatred.W

That single address—"Chairwoman Turner"—landed like an invisible slap, striking Kevin and Bianca across the face.The hall fell silent once more. If before there had been shock, now there was sheer terror.Kevin's legs gave out; he nearly collapsed to his knees.Bianca fared even worse—she crumpled straight to the floor, one of her high heels snapping in the fall.Frances straightened and took a document from his briefcase. Turning toward the audience, his voice rang out, "I will now announce three matters."First, by the highest resolution of the board of directors, effective 4:00 p.m. today, Alexia Turner has formally become the controlling shareholder of this group, holding 51% of its shares, and will assume the position of Chairwoman. All legal documents have taken effect."He paused, then projected a document stamped with a seal onto the large screen behind him.Black and white, stamped and sealed.Irrefutable proof."Second," he continued without inflection, "effective i

Public opinion escalated quickly. When the market opened that morning, the company's stock price dipped slightly."Besides hiring online trolls, Kevin has also contacted several media outlets he's familiar with. They're planning to release coordinated articles this afternoon to blow the situation wide open."Madison's expression remained calm. Clearly, she had anticipated this."At the same time, our legal department has received notice from the labor arbitration committee. The thirty-three dismissed employees from the marketing department have jointly filed for arbitration, demanding substantial compensation for unlawful termination, a public apology, and reinstatement."Frances added, "Several senior board members have called as well. They're concerned about the stock price and hope we can resolve this as soon as possible."I leaned back in my chair and took a slow sip of coffee."If they want to make noise, let them. The bigger the spectacle, the better."Madison paused for a