Chapter 1

"You all know how rough the market has been this year. To pull through these tough times together, the year-end bonuses are cut in half."

The boss whined about hardships while wearing a brand-new green Rolex Submariner on his wrist.

My two-hundred-thousand-dollar commission was slashed to seven hundred bucks, plus a cheap felt banner that read: "Outstanding Dedication Award."

"Zachary, this banner carries immense value! It represents the company's highest recognition of your hard work!"

"Don't get too hung up on the money."

I looked at the tacky banner in my hands and laughed out of pure frustration.

"Fine. I won't get hung up on the money."

"I just hope that when rent is due next month, you won't get hung up on it either."

Derek blinked, clearly caught off guard.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

I tossed the banner straight into the trash can.

"It means I own this entire office building."

"Starting next month, your rent goes up tenfold. Pay up, or get the fuck out."

1

"I hope everyone understands the situation and stands by the company during these difficult times."

Inside the conference room, Derek Palmer's voice sounded heavy and solemn.

He furrowed his brows in deep sorrow.

If not for the dazzling green Rolex Submariner glinting on his wrist, I might have actually believed him.

The emerald sheen of that watch face practically burned my eyes.

He had just bought it last week for over fifteen grand.

So much for "tough times."

I sat on the left side of the long conference table, spinning a pen between my fingers until the plastic grew warm.

I was the company's top sales rep.

Over the past year, I had brought in thirty million dollars in revenue, securing at least eight million in pure profit for the firm.

According to my initial employment contract, my year-end bonus and commissions were supposed to be two hundred thousand dollars.

I had already planned how to spend it.

My old man back home was nagging me to go on blind dates, so I planned to buy a couple of vintage bottles of bourbon to shut him up and report on my little "life experience experiment."

"Even though things are tough, the company will never mistreat its heroes," Derek said, shifting his tone with a greasy smile.

He waved his hand, and the front desk girl walked in holding a stack of envelopes.

"Zachary, you're our top performer this year. You get yours first."

Derek handed me an envelope and reached under the table to pull out a rolled-up object.

I took the envelope and pinched it between my fingers.

Without even opening it, I knew the exact amount just by touch.

Seven hundred dollars.

My two hundred grand had shrunk to seven hundred bucks.

That was a ninety-nine point six five percent cut.

I did not say a word. I just stared at Derek.

Unnerved by my gaze, Derek quickly unfurled the object in his hand.

With a loud rustle, a felt banner unfurled before everyone's eyes.

It had golden tassels and cheap velour fabric.

Emblazoned across it in flashy gold letters were the words: Outstanding Dedication Award.

"Zachary, this banner holds enormous value!" Derek raised his voice.

"It represents the company's ultimate recognition of you! It's an honor!"

"Don't be so obsessed with money. You can't take cash to the grave anyway."

A smattering of applause broke out across the room, led by a few shameless suck-ups.

I stared at the tacky banner, then glanced down at the pathetic seven hundred dollars in my hand.

I scoffed in disbelief.

I had only taken this damn job to get some peace and quiet away from my family, while quietly assessing the retail medical equipment market for my family's enterprise.

I was not short on cash.

But that did not mean I was an idiot.

I had worked my ass off for an entire year, even tapping into my family's private connections to land massive accounts.

And he thought he could brush me off with this piece of garbage?

"Mr. Palmer," I said, standing up and tossing the envelope onto the table.

"Keep this seven hundred bucks and treat yourself to a cheap massage."

"Now tell me, when is my two hundred grand hitting my account?"