"You think you can waltz out of here after leaving the company in shambles? One resignation letter doesn't cut it."
His tone was no different from Kate's.
Sure enough, the rot starts at the top.
"Why I resigned—Ms. Matthews knows that best."
Kate stared at me with ice in her eyes.
"Every single employee in sales gave you negative reviews. Are you saying they're all wrong?"
When she wanted something done, she'd use any means necessary.
Rhys signaled for us to set aside personal grudges for now.
"Ian, the Dragon Rise project—that was yours before, wasn't it?"
"There are issues now. Handle it."
I glanced at Nolan, smug as ever nearby, then at Kate.
"Sorry, I have no obligation to do anything for your company anymore. Find someone more capable."
Rhys's expression darkened. Kate and Nolan looked equally stunned.
Neither had expected me to refuse Rhys directly.
But for them, this was a gift. Rhys had ordered them to contact me and resolve the contract issues. They'd agreed to his face—then done nothing.
"Ian Fox, do you think this is a negotiation? This is an order!"
"The resignation agreement clearly states you have an obligation to—"
I cut Kate off. "What obligation? I handed over all my work."
"You're the ones who can't handle it, and now you want me to bail you out. Why should I?"
"You—say that again!"
Kate glared at me, seething.
She knew better than anyone how these past years had really been.
"In all my time here," I continued casually, "have you ever actually secured anything for the company on your own merit?"
"Brought in a single order? One profitable project?"
"I…"
"What? Am I wrong?"
Kate's face went pale. She searched for a comeback and found nothing.
Because everything I said was true.
Nolan jumped in. "Ms. Matthews worked herself into the ground for this company. She was hospitalized not long ago. Those are facts."
I laughed. Kate's face flushed crimson.
From day one, she'd treated me like her personal servant. I'd even bought her personal items. I knew things.
I gave Kate a meaningful look.
Rhys, however, latched onto it. "Hospitalized? Is it serious, Ms. Matthews?"
"The company doesn't endorse sacrificing your health for work."
Kate waved her hands quickly. "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Hansen. Nothing serious."
"Good to hear."
Rhys didn't press further.
But Nolan kept running his mouth. "Besides that, Ms. Matthews travels on business every few days. Isn't that all for the company? Why does it sound like a problem when he says it?"
At the mention of business trips, I nearly laughed out loud.
This idiot wasn't helping Kate. He was burying her.
"Ms. Matthews, those trip expenses—all reimbursed by the company, correct?"
Kate's expression shifted. She opened her mouth to speak.
Nolan cut in with contempt. "Obviously. Business trips are for work—of course the company reimburses them."
"Then why is it that whenever Ms. Matthews travels, she's always—"
Kate interrupted before I could finish.
"Ian Fox, if you won't help, fine—but trying to turn employees against each other?"
"What exactly are you after? Coming back for revenge?"
Heh, the woman couldn't sit still already?
I hadn't even said anything yet.
Nolan, though, looked unbothered. "Ms. Matthews, let him talk. I want to see what he makes up."
"Sure, then I'll keep going."
I put on a curious expression and asked him, "When Ms. Matthews was hospitalized a while back—weren't you by her side?"
"Why would I be?"
Seeing he genuinely didn't know, I sighed.
Just as I was about to continue, Kate gritted her teeth. "Get out! Disappear from my sight—now—and don't ever come back!"
"I finally get it. You're just here to mess with us!"
I looked at her without showing any emotion.
She was anxious. Finally anxious.
But I'd already made up my mind—this time, there was no way I was letting her off easy.
