Chapter 3

Today was our company’s quarterly town hall meeting. The main agenda was announcing the new promotions.

As soon as I walked into the conference hall, a crowd of people swarmed me. Among them were coworkers who usually ignored me or stabbed me in the back, and even a couple of senior executives who usually walked around like gods.

They showered me with shameless flattery and compliments.

I didn't care. I gave them a few dry responses and walked past them. As soon as I sat down, a familiar, disgusting voice echoed next to me.

"Well, well, Leo. Who would've thought a quiet loser like you would be treated like a saint today?"

My direct supervisor, Jack, strolled over, his face twisted in a smug, mocking grin.

He intentionally tilted his chin up, showing off his score of 63. It wasn't high, but it was safely above the danger zone.

"But so what if your moral score is high? In this corporate world, it’s all about connections."

"A guy with no family backing like you will always be a nobody. You are destined to be stepped on by me. Your hard work is just a stepping stone for my promotion."

Jack didn't even try to hide his malice.

Because his uncle, Arthur, was a vice president at the company, Jack had been riding my coat-tails for years. He took my hard work, my project proposals, and my technical breakthroughs, claiming them all as his own.

If it weren't for his uncle's corrupt influence, I would have had his job a long time ago.

Logically, for someone who bullied coworkers and stole their work, Jack's moral score should have been much lower.

But then I realized the [Moral Rating System] had its own loopholes.

Workplace bullying was bad, but it was something that could be offset by throwing money at charities or doing community service. Jack had probably spent a fortune doing charity work lately just to keep himself above 60.

But for unforgivable sins like murder, sexual assault, or extreme betrayal like cheating on a spouse, no amount of charity could save you.

I cast a cold glance at him. "Jack, don't get too ahead of yourself. The higher you climb, the harder you fall."

Jack laughed. "Fall? No, no, no. I'm only going up. I'll be taking that Project Manager promotion today. And really, I have to thank you for providing the strategy and tech for it."

Finally, it was time to announce the promotions.

Our CEO, Richard Sterling, cleared his throat and addressed the room. "Now, I am proud to announce our new Project Manager..."

Jack adjusted his tie, his arrogant smile practically splitting his face. He shot me a triumphant look.

"Leo!"

The room went dead silent for a second, then erupted into thunderous applause.

Jack's smile froze. Absolute shock and disbelief washed over his face.

He stood up, yelling, "Impossible! This is a mistake! Mr. Sterling, you must have read the wrong name! How could a loser like him get the job?!"

Richard Sterling’s face darkened instantly. His eyes were cold as ice as he glared at Jack.

"Jack, watch your mouth. Don't think I don't know about the disgusting things you and your uncle have been doing behind my back!"

"Stealing your subordinates' work, undermining talented employees, and embezzling company funds. You two are cancers to this company!"

"I am officially announcing the immediate termination of Jack and his uncle, Arthur. Furthermore, we are turning all evidence of their fraud over to the police!"

Security guards marched in immediately, dragging the pale, trembling Jack and Arthur out of the room. It was incredibly satisfying.

After dealing with them, Richard Sterling's face instantly broke into a warm, almost desperate smile. He hurried over to me.

As he got closer, I saw the bright red, glowing number above his head: 23.

A 23!

How utterly corrupt do you have to be to get a 23? God only knows how many illegal and disgusting things this man had done in secret.

The only reason he was promoting me and kissing my ass was because of that death sentence floating above his head. He wanted my protection.

"Leo! Or should I say, Manager Leo!"

Richard grabbed my hand and shook it enthusiastically. "The company has always valued your talent! It was just those corrupt parasites holding you back!"

"You deserve this promotion. The future of this company is in your hands now!"

I felt zero guilt or awkwardness receiving his flattery. The value I had brought to this company over the years far exceeded this title and salary. I earned this.

But Richard’s brown-nosed behavior didn't stop there.

He leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "Leo, to show my personal apology for how you've been treated, I've personally wired you a special bonus. Check your account."

I pulled out my phone. A Venmo notification popped up: *Richard Sterling sent you $1,000,000.*

One million dollars!

I sneered inwardly. He was certainly generous when his life was on the line.

Just as I was about to speak, my phone buzzed again. It was a message from my tech friend. I tapped it, and my pupils dilated instantly:

"Leo, I found the guy. Your wife's lover is your boss, Richard Sterling."