Lost the Company for “True Love”
All I did was grab an extra bottle of water after getting back from a field assignment.
That was enough for the new finance manager to call me out in front of the entire office.
“Claire, do you have any shame? You bring in nothing every month, live off base salary, and still think you can take advantage of the company?
“Transfer ten thousand into the team penalty pool. That’s your fine.”
I looked at her for a moment, then said calmly,
“Who do you think you are? If anyone’s going to fine me, Adrian can say it to my face.”
What she didn’t know—I wasn’t only the company’s top dealmaker, but also Adrian’s wife.
Eight years. A secret marriage no one knew about.
Was he really going to take her side instead of standing up for me?
The answer came fast.
“Claire, just do what Rebecca says. It’s not a big deal. Don’t be petty.”
I let out a quiet laugh.
Then I looked him straight in the eye.
“Adrian, if you think I’m petty…
“I’ll request a full AI payroll audit.
“Let’s see who really owes whom.”