Chapter 1

Because I left my Stanley tumbler on my desk, the newly appointed VP, Gavin, called me out in front of a hundred employees during the all-hands meeting and fined me $100.

"How many times do I have to say this? No personal clutters are allowed in the workspace!" He pointed his finger directly at my face.

"As the Operations Director, you should set an example. Instead, you violated company culture. That’s a $100 fine and a public warning!"

Over a hundred pairs of eyes instantly locked onto me. Some showed sympathy, some gloated, but most were just cold and indifferent, enjoying the drama.

I stood up and said calmly, "Gavin, there is no such rule in our employee handbook."

His face instantly turned purple with rage. He slammed his hand on the desk and roared, "There is now! What I say is the rule!"

I didn't argue further. I just sat down in silence.

The next day, the company escorted me out of the building on the grounds of "severely failing to align with company culture."

The moment I walked out of the front gates, I dialed a number.

"Carter, does your group still need an Operations Director?"