Chapter 4

The next morning, Arthur practically burst into my cubicle, his face flushed with excitement.

"Logan! Did Apex Tech contact you? I heard they’re looking for a lead agency for their national tech summit!"

Word traveled fast. I wasn't sure if someone from Marcus's team had mentioned it, or if he had heard it through other channels.

"Yes, Marcus sent me the RFP yesterday afternoon," I said honestly.

"Incredible!" Arthur rubbed his hands together greedily. "This is a massive deal! It makes the previous million-dollar contract look like pocket change!"

"Get a preliminary proposal and budget ready. I need it on my desk by the end of the day so I can personally pitch it to their executives!"

I didn't move.

"What's the matter? Is there a problem?" Arthur frowned, noticed my lack of enthusiasm.

"Arthur, we can't take this project," I said calmly.

"Can't take it? Why?" Arthur’s voice jumped an octave. "Our company is more than capable!"

"Capability is one thing, but resources are another," I said, looking him dead in the eye. "To execute a project of this scale, we’ll need extensive travel, off-site coordination, and massive upfront expenses. It’s not going to be cheap."

"According to company policy, the project lead has to front these costs and submit them for reimbursement later. Personally, my bank account is currently in the red, so I can't afford to play bank for the company again."

"Furthermore, the RFP requires a team of senior engineers to work on-site for at least two weeks of testing. Under our current HR policy, this kind of overtime is considered 'voluntary.' I don't think it's fair to force my colleagues to sacrifice their personal lives for 'voluntary' corporate charity."

I paused, mimicking the exact tone he had used on me.

"After all, we have to look at the long game. We can't keep letting our employees take losses, right?"

The excitement on Arthur's face instantly froze. He stared at me, his mouth open, as if I were speaking a foreign language.

"What... what are you saying?"

"I’m saying," I repeated clearly, "I personally decline to take on this project."

"And since the company highly respects 'voluntary' actions, I suggest we politely decline Apex Tech's invitation."

The office went dead silent.

Arthur stared at me, his eyes burning with rage. He had never expected me to weaponize his own PUA logic against him.

"Logan Miller!" he slammed his hand on the desk. "You are doing this on purpose! Just because of that petty $2,500, you’re willing to ruin a multi-million-dollar deal for this company?!"

"You're overreacting, Arthur," I said, my voice smooth as silk. "I'm just strictly following company guidelines and looking out for my team. How is that sabotage?"

"That $2,500 was my 'voluntary personal action.' And refusing this project is also my 'voluntary personal choice.'"

I emphasized the word "voluntary" heavily.

Arthur’s face turned a deep, angry purple. He pointed a shaking finger at me, but couldn't squeeze out a single word.

The fire was lit. And it was beautiful.