Chapter 3

I watched these two practically trip over themselves to hand me the project transfer form. I signed it with a smile.

These two confident idiots.

I couldn't wait for the day my dad — the company's CEO — came in for his inspection.

I wanted to see how they planned to present a project they couldn't even open.

Over the next few days, the two of them ran themselves ragged trying to prepare. They were too busy to bother harassing me.

And on the morning of the CEO's visit, the vehicle damage assessment landed in my inbox.

Mark summoned me with his usual arrogance.

"Thomas, go get everyone coffee. I want an iced Americano. Figure out the rest yourself."

"And stay outside once you're done. A meeting at this level isn't for someone like you."

Aurora, smoothing out the blazer she'd bought new for the occasion, added sweetly:

"Thomas, be good. Stop sulking."

"Once I close this deal, I'll throw you two hundred bucks as a reward."

I looked at these two clowns and gave a slow nod.

"Sure. Though I'd skip the coffee — I have a feeling you won't be in the mood to drink it."

Mark frowned and started to say something. Then the receptionist burst in, flustered.

"Mark! The CEO is here! He's already in the elevator!"

Mark's expression flipped instantly. A wide, eager smile spread across his face.

"Move! Aurora, get the presentation ready. We need to make a strong impression."

"Thomas — get to the storage room and stay there. Don't let the CEO see you looking like that. You'll embarrass the whole department."

Aurora gave me a shove toward the corner.

I laughed quietly and walked straight into the control room beside the conference room.

The meeting began. Aurora opened her laptop with full confidence and connected to the projector.

"Mr. Phillips, and distinguished leadership — I'll now walk you through the core project strategy."

The screen lit up.

A giant exclamation mark appeared.

File encrypted. Please enter password.

Aurora froze. She clicked frantically, sweat breaking out across her forehead.

"What... what's going on? It was fine yesterday..."

Under the table, Mark kicked her hard. "The password! Type the password!"

Aurora's hands were shaking.

"I don't know the password! Thomas built this file!"

"But I could open it yesterday when I was reviewing the presentation — why won't it open now?"

The air in the conference room turned heavy.

My dad's expression went cold.

"This is what you call being prepared?"

"You can't even open your own presentation. Do you think this company is a playground?"

"If this deal falls through, whoever is responsible will be personally liable for tens of millions in penalties."

Mark went white. He jumped to his feet and immediately pointed the blame.

"Mr. Phillips! This is all that employee Thomas's doing!"

"He's jealous of Aurora's abilities. He deliberately locked the file to sabotage us!"

"I'll fire him immediately!"

My dad raised an eyebrow slightly. "Oh? Is that so?"

"In that case, bring this Thomas in."

"I'd like to see for myself who gave him the nerve."

Mark thought the CEO was going to back him up. He lit up.

He shouted toward the door. "Thomas! Get in here!"

"Come in here and explain what the hell you've done!"

The conference room door opened slowly.

Every eye in the room turned.

I walked in holding the vehicle damage report, set a cup of tea in front of my dad, and said:

"Dad. Have some tea. Take a breath."