Chapter 1

During the Black Friday rush, the AI system I developed helped the company target ads with surgical precision, raking in thirty million dollars in revenue.

However, when it came time to claim the project bonus, the Director flatly rejected my application.

"The system is just a support tool," he said coldly. "The credit for these sales belongs entirely to the Sales Department."

I kept my temper in check and pulled up the system logs. "Eighty-eight percent of the orders came from the system's precision targeting. According to company policy, I should receive a 0.5% commission."

The Director glanced at me, twirling his expensive fountain pen.

"Does sales commission belong to anyone other than the Sales Department? Don't be ridiculous."

"Furthermore, your glitchy system over-called the API interfaces, incurring extra server costs. You need to reimburse the company ten thousand dollars."

"That money will be deducted directly from your salary!"

The Pre-Christmas flash sale starts in three days, but the system has completely stalled due to the interface restrictions he imposed.

The Director called me in the middle of the night, panicking. I looked at my computer screen and smiled.

"Since the system is just a support tool, why don't you try manual advertising for a change?"

01

"The excess calls were a necessary optimization to achieve the best results, and I filed a report about it beforehand."

I placed the documentation on Director Miller's desk.

Director Miller didn't even look at it. He grabbed the report and ripped it into pieces.

"Stop making excuses! Right now, your system has caused actual financial damage to this company!"

I was kicked out of his office. As I turned to leave, I saw the Sales Manager walking in with a pathetic, flattering grin on his face.

"Look at him," one of my coworkers whispered. "Every time he sees the Director, he acts like a loyal dog waiting for a treat."

"Well, he's Miller's right-hand man. Any good news or bonuses always go to the Sales Department first."

"That's because Sales brings in the money. Unlike us in Finance or Tech. They always ask us, 'What's your contribution? What's your revenue?'"

"Wait, speaking of contributions, didn't Elena do the most for the Black Friday sale?"

A few colleagues were slack-talking and venting about the bosses. When they saw me, they immediately crowded around.

"Exactly! Elena's new AI system locked onto the target customers so well that our products sold out instantly. They had to open new production lines just to keep up with the shipping."

"Elena, you're the company's MVP this time! You set a record with thirty million in orders. Your bonus must be huge!"

I gave a bitter smile. Before I could say a word, a notification popped up in the company group chat.

【During the Black Friday period, the Sales Department achieved $30 million in sales. The total commission is $150,000.】

【Per company policy, since monthly sales exceeded $10 million, the Sales Department is awarded an additional $50,000 bonus.】

The office erupted into whispers. My colleagues looked at me with deep sympathy.

"I thought having my ideas stolen was bad enough, but what's happening to Elena is just cruel."

I took a deep breath and walked back to my desk.

The private Tech Department chat was already blowing up.

【So if it sells, it's all thanks to Sales? That's disgusting! They have no shame!】

【What did the Sales Department even do? We were the ones pulling all-nighters to maintain the system. Now they get all the money?】

【What am I going to do? I was counting on that bonus for my dad's medical bills!】

I was about to message my struggling coworker when I received a public reprimand from Director Miller.

【Elena Sterling from the Tech Department caused $10,000 in unnecessary expenses due to system mismanagement, harming company interests. This amount will be deducted from her salary as a warning to others!】

I looked at the message and let out a cold laugh.

Since the day I started, I was told to focus on what I could give to the company, not what the company could give to me.

I gave them $30 million in sales.

Now, I really wanted to ask, what has this company given me?

A ten-thousand-dollar bill for doing my job?

I quietly began backing up the entire system code and the core database.

Seeing that I hadn't replied to the notification, Director Miller @'d me personally.

【@Elena Sterling, are you dissatisfied with the company's decision? If so, perhaps the entire Tech Department should share the burden of the fine instead.】

I didn't expect Miller to be so vicious. He was using my team to force me into submission.

Thinking of my coworker who desperately needed money for his father, I couldn't let them suffer because of my pride.

【Understood. No objections.】

After using me to assert his dominance, Miller was clearly proud of himself.

A few of his bootlickers immediately started praising him in the group chat.

I opened my email and looked at the notification for my approved patent.

I hoped Director Miller would be just as satisfied when he had to personally pay for the damages he was about to cause.