All Chapters of One Bonus, One Feast, One Frozen Death: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

10 Chapters

Chapter 1

"Let's congratulate our first prize winner—Tony Rowe!"The moment I heard my boss, Michelle Wagner, call out that familiar line, it hit me. I had been reborn.As soon as my name was announced, my coworkers burst into cheers. Caleb Clinton slapped me hard on the shoulder. "Tony, your luck is insane. I'm seriously jealous!"However, I couldn't feel a single ounce of happiness. The nightmare from my previous life was still vivid in my mind.At the time, I was thrilled as I walked onto the stage, thinking I could finally use the prize money to buy my mom some new clothes.Then Michelle suddenly announced that she was doubling the prize to one thousand dollars in recognition of my excellent performance the year before.Before I could fully enjoy the moment, Caleb started egging everyone on, insisting I treat them to a meal. Michelle even threatened to make me quit if I ruined the mood.In the end, the Thanksgiving gathering she had planned turned into a dinner I had to pay for. I

Chapter 2

When I saw the glaring name on the screen, my head spun.How was this even possible? The company had over a hundred employees, and yet I had been selected twice in a row.I stared at the bright red name, and a chill crawled up my spine.Michelle flashed a grin."Tony, I didn't expect your luck to be this good. This is shaping up to be your year. The company's growth depends on you, so make sure you pull your weight."With a knowing smile, she handed me a stack of cash.Money that everyone usually coveted now felt like something I wanted nothing to do with.In that instant, it felt as if death had taken another step closer to me.I stared blankly at Caleb in the audience. He looked genuinely happy, but not in the way someone would celebrate my win. It felt more like he already knew what was coming next.Back then, Caleb had lost his job and came to me in tears, begging me for a referral to our company. I knew he wasn't fully qualified, but I still pulled strings and brought him

Chapter 3

Caleb lunged to his feet, stabbing a finger at me. "Tony, how can you be so selfish? We just wanted to share in your good luck. You're acting like we're trying to rob you blind!"All we're asking for is a simple, affordable meal to show some spirit. Do you really think we're so greedy that we'd demand a feast of delicacies? To be honest, having the chance to treat us after winning that prize is a blessing for you!"How sweet he made it sound. He'd said the exact same thing in my previous life. But when the bill finally came, it totaled over 107 thousand dollars.After subtracting the one-thousand-dollar prize money, I had to cover the remaining 106 thousand dollars out of my own pocket. In the end, it even cost me my life.With the bitter experience of my previous life fresh in my mind, I wasn't about to fall for Caleb's honeyed words again.At this thought, I felt a sudden urge to rip that mask right off him.I looked at Caleb coldly. "I don't need that kind of blessing. I don't

Chapter 4

Though I was the one treating them, once we arrived, I didn't even get a glimpse of the menu before the waitress started bringing out the food.Before I could say a word, Caleb said with a smile, "Tony, look how thoughtful Ms. Wagner is. She was worried about everyone going overboard, so she went ahead and pre-ordered for us."Michelle picked up the thread smoothly. "I'm a regular here. Everything is budget-friendly."Budget-friendly?I watched as platters of lobster, abalone, and crab were paraded onto the table. This spread alone had to cost thousands of dollars. My mouth couldn't help but twitch.Then, Caleb took it upon himself to wave over a waitress. "Excuse me, bring us a few bottles of wine. It's Thanksgiving! We've got to celebrate!"He didn't forget to emphasize, "The more expensive, the better. Money is no object today!"In light of his grand display, a stranger would've thought he was the one picking up the tab.Even though this meal was on me, I didn't stop him.A

Chapter 5

Michelle's husband, Melvin Brock, entered with a fierce presence.Michelle rushed over and forced a smile. "Darling! What are you doing here?"Melvin looked at her coldly. "What kind of question is that? This is my company's Thanksgiving dinner. Am I not allowed to attend?"Although Michelle played the part of the boss, everyone knew Melvin was the real power behind the throne. He was just usually too busy to make an appearance.Michelle clung to him like a lapdog. "Darling, you misunderstood. I just meant that if you were coming, you should have texted me so I could have someone pick you up."Melvin replied coldly, "I don't need anyone to pick me up. Besides, it's been a while since I last showed up at the company. I figured it was time to check in before the rot really started to set in."As he spoke, he threw a pointed, lingering look at Caleb.Caleb, who had been gloating over his nearly successful scheme, suddenly looked like a storm cloud had settled over his head.Notici

Chapter 6

Then, Melvin brought out a box containing the names of every employee in the company.I stepped forward and, with a single motion, pulled out Caleb's name. "Congratulations to my dear friend, Caleb Clinton!"Hearing his name, Caleb, who was sitting in the corner, sprang to his feet as if jolted by electricity. However, there wasn't a trace of a smile on his face."Mr. Brock, can I pass this opportunity to someone else?"Melvin tossed the ball back into my court. "That's up to the person who drew the name."Caleb looked at me with pleading eyes. "Tony, come on, just give the chance to someone else."I teased, "Caleb, back at the meeting, weren't you dying to share in my good luck? Now that luck has found you, how could you turn it down? You aren't suggesting that Mr. Brock is trying to set you up, are you?"Caleb waved his hands frantically, trying to maintain his generous facade. "We're good friends! Your win was my win. Let's just let someone else have a turn.""Let someone el

Chapter 7

After a few rounds of drinks, Caleb finally let his true feelings spill out.He patted my cheek with a smug grin. "Tony, you didn't actually think we were friends, did you? To me, you're just a tool. You've always thought you were better than me, so you look down on me, right? Just you wait until the end of the year. We'll see who's still standing at this company."I didn't say a word. I just kept eating and drinking.The party raged on until 4:00 am when everyone finally decided to call it a night.Just then, the waiter approached with a bill that was over three feet long."Excuse me, who will be paying the bill?"Before Melvin could even say anything, Caleb lurched to his feet. "I'll handle it!"Seeing Caleb's grand display of confidence, the waiter's eyes sparkled with a hint of admiration. Anyone watching would have mistaken him for some wealthy heir.Caleb leaned into the attention. "It's just a bit of pocket change…"Then, he looked at the final total, and his entire bod

Chapter 8

A flicker of awkwardness crossed Michelle's face, but she forced herself to stay calm as she answered the phone.She hung up, thinking she'd played it cool. However, she was completely unaware that both Melvin and I were tracking her every move.She started tapping away at her phone. It didn't take a genius to figure out she was transferring money to Caleb.Moments later, Caleb swaggered back into the room. His confidence was fully restored.He coolly handed his card to the waiter. "Charge it."Then, he turned to me. "You know, Tony, I was actually going to throw a few grand your way. But since you decided to be so heartless, you won't see a single cent of this bonus."Before the words could even settle, the waiter returned, holding the card out."I'm sorry, sir. This card has been declined for insufficient funds. Perhaps you gave me the wrong one?""What?" Caleb's jaw dropped. He shot a venomous look toward Michelle. "That's impossible!"However, Michelle was already panickin

Chapter 9

As soon as the sun came up, I packed my things and headed home.I had barely stepped through the door when my phone started buzzing. It was Caleb.The arrogance from the night before was gone. "Tony, can you lend me some cash? I don't even have enough for the trip home."Caleb lived in the unit right above mine. "Didn't you just receive 300 thousand dollars? Why are you hitting me up for money?"He let out a heavy sigh. "The whole company is on leave. Finance didn't process the transfer. I've been calling Mr. Brock, but he isn't picking up."I chuckled. "You don't think he's going to stiff you, do you? Relax. He's not that kind of man. Just be patient and wait it out."However, Caleb panicked. "I need it now! Look, Tony, just lend me 150 thousand dollars. As soon as Mr. Brock pays me after the break, I'll pay you back instantly with a 50-thousand-dollar bonus. Deal?"I feigned a troubled sigh. "Caleb, it's not that I don't want to help, but I already transferred all my money to

Chapter 10

I said, "Caleb! You're finally back! Some shady men were just at your place looking for you. I was worried sick about you!"Caleb rolled his eyes at me. "Cut the act, Tony. This is all your fault! You're the one who told Melvin about Michelle and me, aren't you? They're getting a divorce now. Are you happy now that you've destroyed a marriage? And the lucky draw was a setup too, wasn't it?"I shrugged with mock innocence. "Caleb, we're good friends. How could you just slander me? Melvin's divorce was his own choice, and you're the one who signed for those loans. How is any of that on me?"As for the lucky draw, I actually begged Melvin to give you a shot. That's why I made sure every single slip in that box had your name on it. Honestly, you should be thanking me.""What did you say?"Caleb's eyes widened in disbelief. In the next second, he lunged at me. "I'll kill you, Tony Rowe!"Suddenly, his house door flew open, and Eric charged out. "You worthless brat! You actually have t

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