Chapter 3

3.

The next morning, I walked into the office as if nothing had happened. The second I stepped inside, Dani started chirping.

"Oh look, Gwen's here! You've got some thick skin, showing up after being fired."

I stopped and scanned her face before giving a dry laugh.

"You want me gone? Fine. Show me an official document with the corporate seal and the HR director's signature. Otherwise, I'm not going anywhere."

Dani's smirk faltered, but her expression quickly turned venomous.

"Just wait, Gwen. You're going to regret being so stubborn."

I ignored her and went straight to my station.

A few minutes later, Gary Logan emerged from his office. He looked around the room and then fixed his eyes on me, acting like he was a saint.

"Gwen, I've been thinking about it. I've decided to give you a second chance. I won't fire you yet."

My coworkers all turned their heads, surprised.

I raised an eyebrow. I knew there was a catch.

Sure enough, he continued with a smug grin.

"However, the company needs to reallocate resources. As of today, you're off the finance team. You'll be handling the office sanitation."

The room went dead silent for three seconds before Dani erupted in laughter.

"Wow, Manager Logan, you're way too kind!"

I clenched my fists and looked Gary in the eye.

"Manager Logan, I graduated from Stamford University with a double Master's in Finance and Trade. And you want me to mop floors?"

He gave me a greasy, toothy smile. "What's wrong with cleaning? A job is a job, right?"

His voice dripped with triumph.

"If you don't like the new arrangement, you're more than welcome to resign. We won't stop you."

"Exactly," Dani chimed in from the side.

"If you don't want to work, just leave. Don't waste our time."

I was about to rip into them, but then I remembered something my brother mentioned a few days ago.

The firm was losing top talent at an alarming rate, and he was personally investigating the root cause.

Was it because of people like this?

I suppressed my anger and forced a small smile.

"Fine. A transfer? I accept."

Just then, the receptionist hurried into the room.

"Manager Logan, the CEO is arriving shortly for the prize lunch. Please have everyone ready."

Gary's face immediately shifted into a mask of self-importance and excitement.

He smoothed his suit jacket and sighed dramatically.

"Oh dear, what a problem! Gwen has been moved to the cleaning crew. It wouldn't be appropriate for a janitor to have lunch with the CEO, would it?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Dani rushed over, her face full of flattery.

"Manager Logan, someone like Gwen isn't fit to sit at the same table as the CEO anyway! Only someone of your status is qualified for that!"

Gary's smile widened, and he looked at me with pure mockery.

"Gwen, what are you standing there for? Go change into a vest and mop the lobby. And make it sparkle. Don't embarrass our department!"

The group huddled around Gary, laughing and sucking up to him as they walked toward the elevators.

"Manager Logan, this is such a great opportunity for you! Once the CEO sees how capable you are, don't forget about us loyal employees!"

"Haha, of course, of course." Gary straightened his collar, looking like he already owned the place.

"I heard the CEO values high-performers above all else."

"I'll make sure he knows exactly how much this department has contributed under my watch!"

"You're the best, sir!" Dani nodded frantically.

I followed behind them, dragging a mop bucket, a cold smile forming on my lips.

Enjoy your little moment of glory while it lasts. You won't be smiling for long.

The elevator made a loud DING as the doors slid open.

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