Chapter 1

My manager fined me six hundred thousand dollars for eating a snack bar during overtime, saying company rules mattered more than any contract I had closed.

What she didn’t mention was that I had just finalized a billion-dollar renewal and hadn’t left the office for thirty hours.

I signed the apology without protest, and submitted my annual leave request on the spot.

By the time I walked out of the building, the company’s largest client had already suspended the contract and demanded to speak to me by name.

I ate a snack bar because I was starving from working overtime, and my manager slapped me with a $600,000 fine!

She pointed a finger right at my face, absolutely fuming. "Alex, don't think you're hot stuff just because you closed that deal!"

"This is a workplace, not your kitchen! Eat your food at home!"

"Company policy explicitly forbids snacking! You knew this and did it anyway, so your offense is even worse!"

"Your $600,000 commission for that contract? Canceled!"

I just looked at her, cool as a cucumber, and said, "Whatever."

I figured, why bother? I was already giving up, and that’s when she really lost it.

Victoria was absolutely furious with my attitude. "Alex, write a public apology, you'll deliver it at the all-staff meeting!"

I looked at her face, crimson from anger, and clenched my fists. Then, calmly, I said, "Fine by me!"

My colleagues all stared at me, disbelief written on their faces.

Victoria spun around, high heels clicking, and went up to the 23rd floor. I stayed at my desk.

A little while later, a notice popped up in the company-wide company chat group.

"Sales Department's Alex has repeatedly violated company policies. After careful consideration, it has been decided to deduct this month's commission, totaling $600,000, and she is required to present a public apology at today's all-staff meeting at 2 PM as a warning to others!"

My colleagues looked at me in shock. Leo, at the desk opposite mine, sent me a private company chat: "Victoria's having a total meltdown, don't argue with her. Just suck it up, that's $600,000!"

I just smiled. Sucking it up wouldn't do any good; she wanted to kick me to the curb after I’d served my purpose.

She'd been eyeing my position for ages.

When Mr. Sterling, the old chairman, headhunted me, he promised I wouldn't have to clock in or out, I'd have complete freedom, and could eat or drink as I pleased, as long as I delivered results.

I practically ran half the sales department on my own.

This Monarch Corp. contract, worth billions, I handled the renewal myself, and wrapped it up in just a week.

Victoria probably thought my job was too easy and was just green with envy!

I company chatted back to Leo: "Just wait. This afternoon isn't just my public shaming; someone's also going to try and take my place."

Leo looked shocked, but I ignored him, calmly sitting at my desk, organizing and printing all my client files.

Then I formatted all the data on my work phone. After doing both, I started writing my apology.

Victoria came down at one point, saw me writing, and couldn't help but flash a smug smile.

At 2 PM, she arrived with some people. The all-staff meeting in the 23rd-floor conference room, with over a hundred people, was packed.

Victoria's voice was sharp and clear. "I'll reiterate: a company is a company. Don't think it's your home. Despite countless warnings, some people just don't listen!"

"Don't think you're so special just because the chairman personally hired you. Anyone can close a deal just by schmoozing and having a fancy dinner!"

"Alex, get up here and deliver your apology. Let everyone see how you messed up!"

I stood up and walked to the front, under a mix of confused and secretly gloating stares.

"Manager Victoria is right. I shouldn't have eaten that snack bar in the office. From today forward, I will strictly adhere to company discipline and never cross the line again!"

"Manager Victoria, I'm not much for words. If you don't want me to eat, I won't eat. Being a salesperson isn't such a big deal anyway."

"Good to know! Given your repeated offenses, the senior management has decided to revoke your position as Sales Director, effective today, and demote you to a regular sales associate."

"This is our new Director, Brandon. He's an MBA from abroad and will lead us to new heights!"

A smattering of applause broke out. Victoria pulled a smarmy-looking guy forward. Leo and I exchanged glances; he was completely floored.

Finally, Victoria added, "Alex, organize all your client files and hand them over. They'll be reallocated!"

I readily agreed, printed everything out, and handed it over immediately.

These clients? If you can handle them, go right ahead!

Seeing my cooperation, Victoria seemed a little suspicious. She checked everything carefully, ensuring nothing was missing, and finally let it go.

Brandon, meanwhile, was strutting around like he owned the place. He came straight from the 23rd floor to my desk and tapped on it. "Alex, hurry up, pack all your things right now. Otherwise, if anything goes missing, you'll be held responsible."