Chapter 1

I spent ten years of my life building this company from a shaky garage startup into an industry giant.

But when the layoffs came, I was the first one kicked out the door.

Our agreed-upon $500,000 severance package? It magically turned into two scratch-off lottery tickets.

Suppressing my boiling anger, I confronted Chloe, our HR director. She just crossed her arms and sneered.

"You crashed our biggest client's server last month, Ethan. You technically owe this company two million dollars in damages."

"Rachel was generous enough not to throw your ass in federal prison. You should be thanking her."

"Severance? Please. Go out and ask around. You have a massive black mark on your record now. What tech company would ever hire a screw-up like you?"

In that exact second, I realized what was happening. She was talking about last month’s server crash—the one I took the fall for to protect the company's new, well-connected golden boy.

And the CEO she was referring to—Rachel—was my wife of ten years. The woman who slept in my bed every night.

I didn't argue. I slowly picked up the humiliating termination agreement, spun on my heel, and walked out.

What they didn't know was that I had already been recruited by the SEC.

And every single piece of evidence showing how they framed me? I had already packed it up and downloaded it.

A month later, at the company's annual shareholder audit, I kicked the double doors open, flanked by a dozen federal agents.

Rachel fell to her knees before me, her body trembling as she begged me to spare her company.

I took a half-step back, my eyes cold.

"I’d love to give you a break, Rachel. But unfortunately, the federal prosecutor in charge of your case isn't feeling very merciful today."