The Peter Principle Novels & Stories

Peter, having weathered a few more years in the business world than his younger brother and understanding Calvin’s character better, let out a light laugh. “There’s no rush. Grandpa’s trust in Calvin is deeply rooted. He won’t be swayed unless Calvin makes a huge mistake. Today’s just a warning shot—you think it’s something serious?” Leon grumbled, “Still, it’s so unfair. Based on seniority, it’s not even his turn to be president. Why him? What makes you any less qualified?” Peter lowered his voice in warning. “Careful. Trouble starts with the mouth. Don’t get yourself into unnecessary problems.”

- Here it is, found it. - Oh, it is quite large… - Well, I am quite known. If you feel like you can’t handle this I would understand. - No, no, it is not that. It is just that I haven’t worked before with someone as well-known as you, so… - But you are an agent, aren’t you? That question satisfied Peter so much that he allowed himself to smirk a little. I kind of liked that. It was like I tickled his huge ego.

Peter sat in stunned silence before bowing deeply. Inside, relief melted into delight. Theo defended me… even though I was guilty. He truly sees me as an ally now. That day marked a shift. Peter relaxed his guard. He began flattering Theo openly, basking in his “favor.” With time, arrogance seeped back into his veins. He insulted rivals, whispered lies about other officials, and strutted about the estate with newfound confidence, always boasting, “The alpha himself trusts me now.”

“No, sir, I cannot betray his trust like that.” “Oh, that is a shame. Because if you do, we both get a chance at promotions. But if you do not, you’ll be out of a job completely,” he fake frowned at me. “You do not have that power, I’m not under you anymore,” I said, my work filter starting to disappear. “Unless…” Unless he was going to try and screw me over like Bob did, I almost said out loud. Luckily the filter did manage to stop that one. “Unless I had something on you? I knew you were a smart one,” Peter smiled. “Don’t you worry.” He leaned forward. “I do.”

But in a good way or bad way? “Why are you standing like a statue? Sit down and do as I asked.” Adrian said. Peter nervously looked at the swivel chair which even if empty looks like the throne of hell for the devil. Gulping again and again he stiffly keeps staring at it. Just then the CEO’s desk number started ringing and Peter jumped at his place startled! Adrian shot a glare at Peter making him quickly sit on the CEO’s chair. Adrian quickly received the call. “Yes?” “Send her after one minute.” Adrian replied and hung the call. He then turned to Peter and warned, “Now listen carefully. Just do a quick review, ask about her family and promote her!”

After working on the papers in front of me, I stood up and started going around the office, checking their work. “Is this how you do your job?” I asked. “S... sir,” she stammered. “When did you start working here?” “It has been a year since I started working for the company,” she replied. “A year?” I yelled. “Who the hell accepts this impotent trash in my office?” “Sir, it’s Mr. Peter,” one of my employees replied. “Who’s Peter? Bring him here right now.” They began whispering among themselves. “Sir, you called me?” I gazed at the ugly, bald old man in front of me.

Anna thought that because Peter was older than Arthur, he must be more experienced and senior to him in the company. Unexpectedly, Peter started trembling. His entire body language became humble and overly respectful as they approached Arthur. “What’s with you?” Anna hiss-whispered at him softly, leaning in toward him and using her hand to cover her mouth so no one could read her lips. “You’re like a completely different person all of a sudden?” It was because as they were approaching Doris and Arthur, Peter realized the well-dressed man he was looking at was the boss of all of AmeriCapital!

It was full—full of horror, of understanding, of all the little pieces fitting together into a sick puzzle that Karen didn’t know she was putting together. The tests. Peter’s sudden interest. The dinners, the conversations, the kindness that seemed too good to be true. Because it was. “He... tested all the employees?” Her voice came out hoarse. “Probably. Or at least the ones who fit the right profile.” Sebastian returned to the bar, pouring himself more whiskey. “Young, healthy, no family to ask too many questions. An orphan would be perfect, don’t you think?” Each word was a stab in her chest. Each truth, a deeper cut.

I scoffed. Peter shook his head and sighed deeply. He stared at me speechlessly for a while before he finally spoke. "No matter how badly you treat me, you will still end up running to me when the time comes." "I would never!" Peter chuckled. He wiped his jaw and took a step closer to me. I took a step backwards and hissed. "I want my child," Peter suddenly said. "I want to take care of you and my baby. I'd take as many jobs as possible... two, three, more. Multiple jobs."

Axel's cold voice reached his ears and his heart almost jumped out of his skin. "Nothing boss. I will go execute the matter right away!" Peter said. It really was hard being the tyrant's assistant. Although the benefits were good and tempting, it really was life-threatening. Peter walked towards the door with shaking legs. He did not dare waste another second in the office or else he might be told to just bring over the marriage certificate. When he reached the door, he remembered something and he turned to look at his boss who had his face buried in documents. He mastered up all his lifetime courage and asked in a trembling voice, "boss what kind of wife do you want?"