Chapter 2

The "cleanup" targeting me began soon after.

First, the administrative department approached me with a tactful tone: "Ms. Laura, Mr. Hayes has recently been implementing a new attendance system requiring everyone to clock in strictly. Could you please...?"

In my ten years at the company, I'd never clocked in once.

This was one of my privileges as founder.

I looked at the conflicted administrative manager and nodded. "Alright, I understand."

The next day, HR called me in for a talk.

"Ms. Laura, a colleague reported that you browse websites unrelated to work during work hours. This... doesn't look very good."

I looked at the screenshot HR handed me. It showed me browsing a home design forum.

That was a habit I'd maintained for ten years to find inspiration.

"Who told you that?" I asked.

HR hedged: "Well... we're obligated to protect the reporter's identity."

"Fine. I'll be more careful in the future."

I didn't take it seriously.

But I underestimated Sebastian's indulgence of her.

A week later, the company issued a new "Employee Conduct Guidelines," hundreds of rules covering everything from how to arrange files on your desk, what cups to use for drinking water, to not being allowed to sleep at your desk during lunch breaks.

At the bottom was Sebastian's personal signature.

And the drafter of these guidelines was none other than Vivian.

Sebastian had promoted her ahead of schedule to CEO Assistant.

Her desk also moved from the design department's open floor to an independent partition next to the CEO's office.

From then on, she patrolled the company daily, notebook in hand, constantly recording what she deemed "violations."

Sarah was written up for taking a call when her child was sick.

Mark was publicly criticized for eating a sandwich at his desk while rushing a project.

The entire company was full of complaints. The work atmosphere became extremely oppressive.

And I became her primary target.

The first time was because I had a cactus on my desk.

"Ms. Laura, company policy states no personal items may be displayed in work areas. It affects the company's overall image."

The second time was because I used my personal laptop to handle private emails.

"Ms. Laura, company computers are for work only. If you need to handle personal matters, please do so after work hours."

The third time was today.

Because of a glass of water, a plate of crackers, and me using my phone to check feedback from the homeowner of a project we'd just completed.

She stood before me, looking down like a judge.

"Three thousand dollar fine, deducted from this month's salary. Do you have any objections?"

I looked at her and slowly turned my phone screen toward her.

It showed a thank-you letter from the homeowner, specifically praising the entire project team, including her as an intern.

"I was working," I said.

She glanced at it and sneered. "Don't make excuses. Everyone knows you slack off during work hours all day and talk back to your superiors. What do you think the company should do with you?"

"Talk back to my superiors?" My gaze moved past her to scan the entire design department. "I'd like to ask everyone here—who exactly is my superior?"