“You’re just trying to make things difficult for me, aren’t you?”
Richard slammed the desk, making it shake.
“Sophia Anderson, don’t think that just because you were a founding partner who built this company with me, I can’t touch you.”
“The $9 million stays. Not a cent less. If you don’t have it, pack up and leave.”
“This company can run with or without you.”
I suddenly realized Richard was no longer the man who once fought side by side with me.
Clutching the fine notice, I said calmly,
“Fine. I’ll pay the $9 million. If you want me gone, I’ll go.”
Then I turned and dialed a competitor’s number.
“Ethan Walker, I’m offering you a billion-dollar project and a full R&D team. Interested?”
I heard a loud crash from his side of the line.
“You… say that again?”
“A billion-dollar project, plus a full research team.”
“In exchange, give me a Chief Engineer position at your company. And once the project succeeds, I want a $9 million bonus.”
There was a pause.
“Sophia, are you joking with me? You’re the lifeline of Skyline Technologies, a legend in the industry. Richard would never let you go.”
“Cut the nonsense. Just tell me—will you take me and my team or not?”
“Of course! Absolutely!”
Within a minute, Ethan sent me a Vice President onboarding link.
“Chief Engineer is beneath you. How about VP instead?”
“You’re one of Richard’s founding executives. You’ve been with him since the start, through every city and deal. Companies tried poaching you countless times and you never left. Why now?”
Memories surged, filling me with bitterness.
After college, I gave up a secure government job my parents arranged, choosing instead to help Richard build his startup.
In a few years, the company grew from a single desk and chair to an industry leader.
It wasn’t just my technical expertise—it was also my parents’ connections.
I brought in billions in profits.
And yet, because of a $10 million bonus and three ice creams, he was ready to betray me.
It had all become clear when he began showing his special favor to the new assistant.
“Sophia, work isn’t a game. I hope this isn’t just a lover’s spat between you and Richard.”
I sighed bitterly.
“I never joke about work. I’ll join tomorrow.”
After hanging up, I went straight to my desk to pack.
Emily swayed over with a smug expression.
She slapped my desk.
“Leaving during work hours? That’s a $1,000 fine!”
Folding her arms, she smirked as colleagues turned to watch.
“Don’t bark at me,” I said. “I’ve been afraid of dogs since childhood.”
The office erupted in laughter.
“You… you…” Emily’s face turned green. After a long pause she stammered,
“My words represent Mr. Collins. Don’t tell me you’d dare defy him?”
“Mr. Collins?” I sneered. “In my eyes, he’s nothing but a fart.”
“You’re vulgar! A bully!” She burst into tears and ran off.
I clapped my hands and turned to my team.
“Everyone, I’m resigning tomorrow. Will you stay here, or come with me?”
