I gave a small smile. “Sure. I’ll wait.”
I quietly packed up my things and walked out of the company I had fought for the entire past year.
I poured all my passion and talent into this place. I didn’t rely on connections or family background. I used my own capability to help the company climb.
And the result? Getting fired.
It was like my chest had been dragged across ice blades—cold and sharp.
My coworkers followed me out, offering a few words of comfort.
Lilla’s eyes were red as she said, “Conley, you’re seriously talented. You’ll do great anywhere. Don’t take Tyron’s nonsense to heart. You’ll definitely find another job.”
I just gave a brief smile. Tyron? He didn’t have that kind of power.
The moment I stepped out of the building, I got a call from my aunt, who had been unreachable for half a month.
“Conley, I’m supposed to sign a contract with your company next week. But I’m flying to Germany for an inspection trip, so I won’t be there.”
I replied flatly, “Auntie, I got fired.”
She paused. “Did something happen at work? Do you need me to step in?”
“No. I want to go back and take this project myself.”
After hanging up, a quiet smirk pulled at my lips.
No hurry. The real show was just starting.
When I walked into the signing ceremony, everyone from my old company was stunned.
Rayner and Tyron especially—the way they looked at me could’ve cut glass.
Tyron glared at me with open disdain. “What are you doing here? You’ve already been fired. You have no right to be part of this signing!”
I glanced at him sideways. “Just because I’m not your employee doesn’t mean I can’t be here. Ever think that maybe I’m here as Aptivion’s representative? The client?”
He snorted. “You? Don’t make me laugh. The CEO of Aptivion Group is my mother. I am the client. I can sign on her behalf!
“And you? Calling yourself the client? Don’t kid yourself. Someone like you—a cheap pretty boy—doesn’t even qualify to clean Aptivion’s bathrooms.”
His words instantly drew everyone’s attention.
“So he’s Mrs. Appleton’s son? No wonder he’s got this attitude.”
“And that guy actually dared to go against Mrs. Appleton’s son? Is he done living in Texas?”
“Look at him—he’s got that nightclub vibe. Probably living off someone.”
“Not like Mrs. Appleton’s son. Her son is polished and impressive.”
Tyron stood in the middle of all the flattery, soaking it in, smug as hell.
He gave me a cold, arrogant grin and barked at security, “Get this piece of shit out of here. Right now. We’re signing.”
The guards started moving toward me.
I didn’t even flinch.
Instead, I slowly pulled out a crystal seal and held it up.
“Tyron, without this… how exactly are you planning to sign?”
Everyone froze, staring at my hand.
“Isn’t that Mrs. Appleton’s exclusive crystal seal? I heard it’s insanely valuable. She’s never handed it to anyone. How does he have it?”
Ignoring Tyron’s stunned expression, I walked straight up to the podium and picked up the microphone.
“As of now, I officially announce—Aptivion Group is canceling its cooperation and contract signing with Fogarty Corporation.”
Rayner’s eyes widened sharply. He glared at me. “Conley! Who do you think you are? You dare to speak for Mrs. Appleton?!”
I met his stare. My voice was steady. “Didn’t I say it already? I’m the client.”
Tyron stared at me like his whole world cracked.
“Conley! How do you have my mom’s seal?! Who the hell are you?! What gives you the right to make her decisions?!”
I looked him dead in the eye and answered, word for word, “Well, Thelma Appleton is my aunt.”
