All Chapters of The Genius They Underpaid: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"You have the experience, so you can lead the creative review team. Just help everyone review the materials and make sure the content stays compliant," Luke said.2,000 dollars.That was 28,000 dollars less than the 30,000 dollars Linnea had suggested. It was obvious he was deliberately humiliating me.He added, "We're all on the same team here. So, let's not sweat about the money. Once this round of expansion is over and the company starts making money, I'll make it up to you through your share of the profits."I stared at that familiar face and found it unbelievably foreign for the first time since forever.I didn't argue about how complicated the model was. I didn't remind him what had brought in 80 percent of our clients.I simply looked at him calmly and asked, "Where's the contract? Are we signing it now?"My willingness to agree so readily left both Luke and Linnea stunned.Still, he quickly recovered. In fact, he looked relieved as he immediately told HR to prepare the

"I removed the narrower targeting labels for things like pregnancy planning and parenting and consolidated them into 'high purchase-intent audiences.' I figured that would let us concentrate the budget and go straight after better conversion rates. I didn't know…"The sales director came rushing over. He was clutching his phone, his face as pale as a sheet."Mr. Zephyr, someone from the brand's executive team just called me. They blew 5 million dollars on the campaign today, and the system ended up targeting nothing but single men between 18 and 22!"Their brand account is practically being flooded with complaints, with customers asking if they've lost their minds for pushing nursing pads and breast pumps to college guys!"Sweat poured down the sales director's forehead, saying tremulously, "They want to cancel their contract with us immediately. They're also demanding reimbursement for the entire budget loss, plus triple damages for breach of contract. That's 12 million dollars in

I smiled and said into the phone, "I'll be home soon. I have a little something for Dad to look at, too."The elevator arrived at the lobby seconds after I hung up. I stepped out of the office building, my heels clacking on the ground. The early summer breeze swept across my face, carrying the sweet scent of the blooming magnolia trees. It smelled so much better than the stagnant air in Luke's office, which was thick with cigarette smoke and cheap perfume.I pulled out my phone and sent HR my formal resignation email. When I turned around, I saw a black Maybach parked by the curb, its driver already out and holding the rear door open for me.The car glided smoothly into the most expensive gated community in the city and stopped at the entrance to a sprawling private estate.My father was sitting in a wicker chair on the patio, drinking coffee. He set down his cup the moment he saw me walk in."What, you couldn't stand working at that little company anymore?" he drawled.I wal

Luke obviously couldn't afford it.His entire company was worth no more than 20 million dollars. I also knew that the house in his name was actually registered under his ex-girlfriend's name—the one he dumped for Linnea.So, Luke couldn't even sell the house without ripping his hair out in frustration.My former coworker continued, "By the way, guess what Linnea did?""Hm?""She secretly transferred the last 800,000 dollars that came into the company account and disappeared."800,000 dollars.I suddenly remembered something.When the company was just getting started, there had been one month when Luke couldn't make payroll. He had been so frantic with worry that I had taken 150,000 dollars from my own savings to cover it.Later, he swore up and down that he would pay me back when the company started making money. I told him not to worry about it and said he could count it as my stake in the company.Then, Linnea came along, and that was the end of it. Luke never mentioned tha

If Linnea had never gained access to the company's finances, the 800,000 dollars would never have been transferred into her bank account.It also meant that she would never have been arrested if she couldn't get her hands on that 800,000 dollars.That was the wonder of cause and effect for you. It only sucked more for Luke because he planted the buds of the cause to his own ruin.He had planted a seed called "Linnea," and it grew into a tree called "Destruction."Who could he blame? Himself.Linnea's case was resolved quickly. Later, I heard she had been released pending trial. However, she was ultimately given a two-year suspended sentence due to the amount of money involved, with three years of probation, and ordered to repay all the stolen money.She had already spent more than 200,000 dollars of that 800,000 dollars she stole, leaving her with less than $600,000.She had to fill that 200,000-dollar hole herself.Her parents sold their house back home to help her scrounge