Chapter 1

I had just closed a thirty-million-dollar deal for the firm when HR handed me my walking papers.

My commissions and performance bonuses were completely wiped out.

Confused and furious, I marched into the CEO's office to demand an explanation. He didn't even look up before pointing a finger at my face.

"It is your damn negative energy, Sean. Ever since you joined, my company's luck has turned sour."

"I'm losing thirty percent of my projected profits because your birth year clashes with my aura. You're lucky I'm not suing you for damages. Now, sign the papers and get out of my sight!"

I looked down at a new notification on my phone and felt a sudden urge to laugh.

I didn't argue. I just signed the resignation form immediately.

He was right about one thing. Our destinies were definitely clashing.

Soon enough, it would be my turn to settle the score.

1

"Sean, remember to show up for your first day early next month. Don't be late."

I listened to the voice on the other end of the line and replied politely.

"I'll be there on time. You can count on it."

After hanging up, I thought back to Bill Sterling's arrogant face earlier today.

I couldn't help but chuckle.

The man had no idea that I had already landed a much better position with the federal government.

I was planning to quit this week anyway.

But Bill decided to pull that ridiculous stunt about my birth year just to screw me out of my money.

It seemed like we wouldn't be parting on good terms after all.

I stood up to go back to my desk and pack my things.

As I pushed open the restroom door, I ran right into Leo Miller and his group of lackeys.

They were standing there smoking and laughing like they owned the place.

Leo caught sight of me and immediately raised his voice.

"Well, if it isn't our former manager, Sean Carter! Were you in there hiding while calling your next master to beg for a job? You sure move fast."

I tried to ignore him and kept walking.

But Riley Brooks, his right-hand man, blocked my path.

"Don't be so hard on him, Leo. Our poor manager just got 'optimized' by the company. He's probably desperate to find a new hole to crawl into."

"I wonder who would be desperate enough to hire a loser like him."

The group burst into loud laughter as soon as the words left Riley's mouth.

I felt a chill run down my spine as I watched them.

I had always been good to these people.

I was the one who led them through every major project over the last three years.

I taught them everything I knew and shared my commissions with them.

Whenever they had family emergencies or needed a cash advance, I was the one who pulled strings for them.

I didn't expect a reward, but I never expected them to kick me while I was down.

I looked them in the eye, my face remaining calm.

"Regardless of what happened today, I was the top salesperson here for three years straight."

"Instead of worrying about me, you should focus on your own work. You haven't closed a single deal in months."

Riley's face turned bright red as I hit a nerve.

"Who do you think you are, Sean? You only got those deals because of the company's name."

"You were just lucky. If Leo had those leads, he would have done ten times better than you!"

Leo nodded with a smug grin, clearly enjoying the flattery.

He tilted his chin up and looked at me with pure disdain.

"Accept the reality, Sean. Outside of these walls, your skills and experience don't mean a damn thing."

"Oh, I almost forgot. Bill just made me the new Department Manager. It was his personal decision."

I actually laughed when I heard that.

No wonder Leo, who used to follow me around like a lost puppy, was suddenly so bold.

Bill Sterling had promised him my old throne.

I looked at Leo's triumphant face and felt nothing but irony.

When he first joined, he couldn't even draft a basic contract correctly.

I was the one he called "mentor." I was the one who took him to meetings and taught him how to negotiate.

I haven't even left the building yet, and the tea has already gone cold. It was a harsh lesson on loyalty.

Riley and the others were just as bad, switching sides the moment the wind changed.

Still, I didn't feel like wasting my energy on them.

"Fine then. Congratulations on the promotion, Manager Miller."

My voice was flat, showing no emotion.

"Bill is really good at discarding people once they've outlived their usefulness. But tell me... if it's me today, how do you know it won't be you tomorrow?"

Leo's face flushed with anger.

"Shut the hell up, Sean! You're just jealous. You can't stand to see anyone succeed now that you're a failure. Bill trusts me because of my talent!"

I looked at him with pity as he fumed.

I turned around and walked away without another word.

Over the years, I had seen Bill Sterling play games with contracts and cook the books.

I had looked the other way because of our long history and my desire to avoid trouble.

But Bill was about to have a very rude awakening.

When I start my new job next month, his company will be the first one on my audit list.

Every single one of these people laughing at me will go down with him.