Chapter 4

Gavin’s attacks only grew more aggressive.

A week later, under the guise of "departmental workflow optimization," he forcibly disbanded the core project team I had built from scratch.

My key team members—highly capable strategists I had personally trained—were scattered and reassigned to dead-end, peripheral projects.

In their place, Gavin brought in a few of his cronies from other departments. Along with Sienna, they formed a so-called "Hustle Vanguard Team" to take over all our high-value accounts.

The office atmosphere became incredibly tense.

The veteran employees were terrified into silence, while the new hires walked around like they owned the place. Gavin had turned the entire Operations Department into a toxic mess.

That afternoon, Valerie called me in again.

"Chloe, here is your performance review," she said, sliding a document across the table. Her face was completely expressionless.

"For the past month, your performance rating is a D."

"According to company policy, consecutive D ratings give the company the right to terminate your employment contract unilaterally without severance."

I took the review sheet, glanced at it, and let out a soft laugh.

The reasons listed were laughably absurd.

"Lacks team collaboration spirit; failed to integrate into the new team culture." — Well, he was the one who disbanded my team.

"Low output and efficiency; failed to meet project deadlines." — He was the one who stripped me of all my projects.

"Poor client relationship management, leading to negative feedback from key clients." — This was likely his attempt to blame me for Carter's dissatisfaction with him.

Every single point was a fabricated charge.

And in the manager’s signature box, there was a sloppy, arrogant signature: "Gavin."

"Valerie, I don't accept this review," I said, sliding the document back.

"I’ve been completely iced out of my duties. How am I supposed to produce any performance metrics?"

"And if we’re talking about client relationships, I can call Carter from Lumina Group right now. He can tell you himself who he actually has 'negative feedback' about."

Valerie’s eyes flickered. She clearly knew this review wouldn't hold up in a real legal dispute.

She lowered her voice. "Chloe, don't be naive. This is just a formality."

"Gavin is dead set on getting rid of you. Even if you take this to the CEO, it won't change anything."

"I called you in today because I want to offer you an easy way out."

"And what way is that?"

"Resign voluntarily," she said, tapping her fingers on the desk.

"If you leave now, I can write you a decent reference for your background check so it won't ruin your next job hunt."

"The company will also pay out your salary for this month."

"But if you insist on making a scene and get fired, it will look terrible on your record, and you won't get a single penny of severance. Why put yourself through that?"

I looked at her, the very last shred of respect I had for her vanishing completely.

"Valerie, I’ve been here for five years. I poured my sweat and tears into this place. Is this really how the company treats its loyal employees?"

"The company is not a charity," Valerie replied coldly. "Those who can't keep up get left behind. Those are Gavin’s exact words."

I nodded, picked up the absurd performance review, and stood up.

"I understand. But if you want me to resign voluntarily? Absolutely not."

"If you want to fire me, do it legally. Otherwise, I’ll see you at the Department of Labor."

With that, I turned around and walked out.

Back at my desk, I scanned the ridiculous review and uploaded it to my encrypted folder.

The folder was getting incredibly full.

That night, Carter messaged me again, his tone incredibly frustrated.

"Chloe, that idiot Gavin tried to go behind your back. He wanted us to sign a contract addendum promising us 'S-tier' ad placements for next month."

"In exchange, he demanded a $1 million advance payment."

My heart skipped a beat. "Did you sign it?"

"Of course not! I’m not stupid."

"S-tier placements are your company's core strategic assets. They've been fully booked for the second half of the year."

"How on earth was he going to give them to me?"

"I bet he’s trying to scam us for an advance payment to cover up some financial deficit he created."

"When I rejected him on the spot, he actually threatened me! He said if we don't sign, he’ll unilaterally terminate our existing contract!"

My fingers flew across my screen:

"Carter, stay calm. Do not break off with them just yet."

"Play along for now. Tell him you need some time to think it over."

"Also, record your phone calls with him and send me the digital copy of that contract addendum."

"Easy. But seriously, what are you waiting for? This company is trash. You need to get out!"

"Don't worry, Carter. Soon."