"Come back and finish the proposal. I'll have HR process your raise right away—twenty percent to start. How does that sound?"
"The Hengtai project can't move forward without you!"
"Can't move forward without me?" I let out a dry laugh. "Ms. Pruitt, you flatter me."
"Your company is overflowing with talent. Especially certain people."
"Outstanding capabilities. High emotional intelligence. PowerPoint presentations that could win awards."
"A simple Hengtai proposal? Child's play for someone like that."
"I suggest you save the opportunity for those who truly need it."
"Like, say, the one who walked away with that hundred-and-eighty-thousand-dollar bonus."
"Max!" Naomi's voice turned to ice, laced with threat. "Don't bite the hand that feeds you. You think you'll find anything better out there after leaving this company?"
"You think your outdated skill set is in high demand?"
"Let me make this clear—walk out that door today, and don't expect to come crawling back."
"If the Hengtai project falls through because of you, can you even afford to take that responsibility—"
I cut her off, my voice steady. "Ms. Pruitt, the moment you threw my resignation letter in the trash, any responsibility between me and this company ceased to exist."
"The Hengtai project benefits someone. That someone can take responsibility."
"As for my future..."
I watched the motion-sensor light in the hallway flicker on, casting its warm yellow glow.
"That's no longer your concern."
I hung up before she could say another word.
Silence. Finally.
I held the near-empty cardboard box against my chest and climbed the stairs, one step at a time.
The road ahead was uncertain. Maybe even lined with thorns.
But at least I'd never again have to chase a carrot that was always just out of reach. Never again have to choke on the stench of shameless flattery.
When I got home, my wife was clearing the dinner table.
She looked up as I walked in, surprise flickering across her face. "You're home early?"
I set down the box. No point in hiding it. I told her everything—the bonus, the betrayal, all of it.
"So I quit."
I braced myself for her disappointment.
It never came. Instead, she walked over and took my hands in hers, her voice soft.
"It's okay. If you quit, you quit."
"These past few years... you've worked yourself to the bone. And you've never really been happy."
"I've seen it all along. It's broken my heart."
My throat tightened. I pulled her into my arms and held on.
She patted my back gently, then asked if I was hungry.
I nodded. She disappeared into the kitchen.
Minutes later, a steaming bowl of egg noodles appeared before me.
She sat across the table, chin propped in her hand, watching me eat.
"What's the plan now?"
"Haven't really thought it through." I slurped a mouthful of noodles. "After the new year, I'll scope out the industry. Maybe... pick up some freelance work?"
"Mm. You're good at what you do. Someone will want you." Her tone left no room for doubt. "Just don't rush it. Your health comes first."
I nodded.
The broth was warm, spreading from my throat all the way down to my stomach.
All these years, I'd always eaten in a hurry. Racing to finish proposals, scrambling to save time. I'd never once stopped to taste what my wife's noodles actually tasted like.
Tonight, I did. It tasted like home.
After dinner, I volunteered to do the dishes.
Outside the window, night deepened. The city lights blinked on, one cluster after another.
Right about now, the office was probably still blazing with fluorescent light. Clint was probably cradling his coffee, pitching some "fresh perspective" to Naomi.
But none of that was my problem anymore.
I finished cleaning the kitchen and walked back to the living room.
That's when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
A text from Naomi. Every word dripped with fury:
"Max, I'm giving you one last chance. Send me the Sterlinggate proposal by nine o'clock."
"My patience has limits. Don't burn every bridge you have."
"If you don't, I guarantee you'll regret it."
I stared at the screen, the corner of my mouth twitching into something that wasn't quite a smile.
My fingers tapped out a reply:
"Ms. Pruitt, I won't have any regrets."
