Chapter 4

I checked the company's financial expense reports from last year.

Among the gala expenses, there was a $5,000 receipt from a VIP lounge bar.

The claimant: Brandon.

Reason: Department team-building.

But that night, I was alone in the office, working overtime.

While they were at the VIP bar, celebrating Brandon's "lucky win."

Using our department's team-building budget.

I saved the digital copy of that receipt as well.

But what broke my heart the most was Lily.

She was an intern I had personally trained.

When she first arrived, she knew absolutely nothing.

I had to teach her how to use even the scanner.

I shared all of my experience with her without holding anything back.

When she made mistakes, I took the blame.

When others tried to bully her, I stood up for her.

She always followed me around, calling me "Chloe, Chloe," like a loyal little puppy.

I really thought she was different from the rest of them.

The day before yesterday, she came to me with teary eyes.

"Chloe, I heard... the company is doing layoffs."

I comforted her, "Don't worry, you're doing so well. They wouldn't lay you off."

She hugged me, almost crying.

"Chloe, you're so good to me. Don't worry, even if I have to leave, I'll never forget how much you helped me."

I was so moved at that moment.

But just now, I saw her messages in the group.

"Manager Vance, can I take over the follow-up for the 'Starlight Project'? Should I start taking over the files from Chloe now?"

Someone replied:

"Lily is so proactive!"

Harrison replied with a single word.

"Approved."

In that exact moment, my heart went completely cold.

It turned out her little performance the other day wasn't because she was afraid of being laid off.

She was just worried that I, the "office doormat," wouldn't be fired fast enough to clear her path to promotion.

Friday afternoon, right before clock-out.

Harrison called me into his office.

The blinds were drawn, making the room quite dim.

He sat in his leather executive chair, a look of rehearsed pity on his face.

"Chloe."

He spoke, his voice heavy.

"You know how the company's financial situation has been lately. For our long-term survival, we have to make some difficult decisions."

I looked at him quietly, saying nothing.

I just waited for him to finish his act.

"You've always worked hard, and we appreciate it. But..."

He paused, pretending to search for the right words.

"We need to optimize our department's structure. Some roles are being merged. So... look, here is your severance package."

He slid a document toward me.

It was the bare minimum required by law.

Not a single penny more.

He had calculated it perfectly so I couldn't sue them.

"Sign it. You don't have to come in on Monday."

He said it so casually.

As if he were just letting me know the cafeteria menu had changed.

Instead of the fact that he was destroying the career of an employee who had worked herself to the bone for him for five years.

I picked up the agreement.

The paper was thin, yet it felt incredibly heavy.

I caught the faint, smug smirk on Harrison's face.

He thought I was still that obedient "doormat" who would take the hit, sign the papers, and leave in tears.

I looked up, staring straight into his eyes.

Word by word, I said clearly:

"I’m not signing this."

***

### Chapter 4