Chapter 4

"The reconciliation is coming up, will you cover for her again this quarter?"

Celeste often withdrew money from the company account. Initially, she remembered to pay it back, but eventually, she always forgot. She’d have the finance department wait until she couldn’t cover it at reconciliation, then they’d come to me.

Each time, I’d use my own savings to fill the gap.

I’d mentioned it to Celeste, but she called it trust.

It wasn’t until last month that I discovered a large portion of Celeste’s expenses went to Finn.

She didn’t trust me; she just saw me as a fool.

"I won’t cover it this time. Report it as is," I said calmly. "And don’t come to me for these things anymore; we’ve broken up."

Hearing this, the finance officer actually sighed in relief.

"You finally came to your senses. I was going to advise you this time. Covering the company’s shortfall often takes a quarter of your total income. The company doesn’t seem like Ms. Celeste’s, it feels more like yours."

"After all, you’ve been managing it diligently for years. Even her tax evasion was covered by you. Without you, she wouldn’t have made it this far."

After hanging up, I reflected for a moment.

I used to think we were one unit, that Celeste’s problems were my problems since we’d eventually marry. In hindsight, my thinking was laughable.

Even outsiders could see my contributions, yet Celeste couldn’t. She was still trying to shake me off.

I knew Celeste wouldn’t let this go easily.

Sure enough, in the following days, she and Finn became bolder. Where they used to hide, now they held hands openly, fingers intertwined.

Celeste used to find excuses. Now she directly assigned my projects to Finn, crediting him instead.

Just as I entered the company doors, Finn handed me a mop.

"Sorry, Asher. Sister Celeste said the company just paid out year-end bonuses, so funds are tight. We won’t be hiring cleaners for now, so internal staff will handle cleaning."

"Management should lead by example, and since you’ve done it before, you can start."

He looked at me, eyes full of mockery.

I knew he was doing it on purpose.

This wasn’t the first time. Once, when Finn broke a contract, I scolded him in public. Celeste claimed my emotions were unstable and made me clean the toilets for a week.

As soon as I arrived at work that day, Finn handed me a mop.

"Sorry, Asher," he said. "Celeste mentioned that the company just paid out year-end bonuses, so funds are tight. We can't afford a cleaning service right now, so we'll have to handle the cleaning ourselves."

"Management needs to set an example," he added with a smirk. "Since you've done this before, you should lead the way."

I knew he was doing this on purpose, mocking me with his smile.

It wasn't the first time. Previously, Finn had broken a contract, and when I called him out publicly, Celeste punished me by making me clean the bathrooms for a week, claiming I was being too emotional.

"That's too much!"

Finally, a colleague couldn't hold back and spoke up for me.

"Why don't you clean up for Asher then?" Finn sneered at him.

"Clean what?!"

The colleague grabbed the mop and tossed it back at Finn.

"Asher, why are we still here? So many companies have tried to poach us, but we've stayed loyal to this company, to her. And this is how she repays us. She's clearly trying to push us out."

Other colleagues chimed in, expressing their agreement.

Soon enough, Celeste walked in with a stern expression. Finn, seeing her as his savior, exaggerated the story to her.

"You want to leave? Then go ahead!" Celeste sneered.

Another colleague tried to defend me, but Celeste retorted, "You must all have been bribed by Asher to speak for him."

The colleague was left speechless.

I found her accusations laughable. Whenever anyone defended me, she would accuse them of being bribed, effectively shutting them up.

Staying seemed pointless now.

I began packing my things to leave.

Seeing this, my colleagues also started packing.

Celeste paused in shock and then got angry. Just as she was about to speak, Finn whispered something to her, and her expression softened.

"Those who want to leave, may do so. But for those who stay, there's a $5,000 monthly raise, and when the company goes public, you'll receive stock options."

Several people paused and looked at her.

I knew they were surprised that Celeste still hadn't realized the company couldn't go public anymore.

Recently, the finance department had repeatedly raised concerns about the accounting issues, but she ignored them. They finally reported everything truthfully.

They planned to inform her later, but last night, our competitor had already taken her to court.

Celeste was oblivious, mistaking their pause for hesitation to leave. She looked smug.

"I'm pleased with your decision. Tonight, our investors will be coming to evaluate us. As long as you all perform well, I won't disappoint you."

"This year's year-end bonus is a car, and if you do well, next year's will be a house."

She glanced at me triumphantly, then whispered, "See, Asher? No matter how much you try to get them cars, in the end, it's all about the money."

"As long as I offer enough, I can keep them here."

I was about to respond when the receptionist rushed in to inform Celeste, "Ms. Celeste, someone is here..."

Before she could finish, Finn interrupted loudly.

"Is it our business partner? They weren't supposed to arrive until the evening. Maybe they see our potential."

Celeste also realized and sneered at me.

"You'll regret this now."

Just then, there was a commotion outside, and Celeste hurried to the door.

She froze when she saw who it was.

Two police officers entered.

They presented their badges and said coldly, "Celeste, you've been reported for embezzling company funds and tax evasion. Please come with us for investigation."