Chapter 2

I printed David' s email.

Then I walked back to Mr. Peterson' s office.

He was on the phone, laughing. He waved me in impatiently.

I waited until he hung up.

"Mr. Peterson, I' m here to discuss the unprofessional way my demotion was handled, and the general lack of respect shown."

He frowned. "We've been over this, Sarah. Jessica is capable."

"She has a communications degree and zero project management experience. I launched Titan successfully. That' s my track record."

"The decision is final," he said, his voice rising. "Momentum Corp needs loyalty. If you can't provide that to Jessica and the new direction, the door is open."

He actually pointed to the door.

"I see," I said. My voice was calm, too calm. "So, my contributions mean nothing."

"Business is business, Sarah. Don't take it personally."

I pulled out my resignation letter. I' d typed it last night, after David' s email.

"I resign, effective immediately."

I placed it on his polished desk.

His eyes widened slightly, then narrowed. "Don't be rash. You're a good coder, a good manager when you're not being… difficult."

"I am being principled, Mr. Peterson. There' s a difference."

He scoffed. "You'll regret this. Austin is a small tech community. Word gets around."

A threat. Subtle, but clear.

I just looked at him.

"I'll clear out my desk."

As I was packing my few personal items – a coffee mug, a framed photo of my old dog, a couple of programming books – Jessica and David walked past my cubicle.

They stopped. Jessica smirked, her eyes flicking over my box of belongings.

David looked uncomfortable for a second, then his expression hardened, mirroring hers.

"Leaving so soon, Sarah?" Jessica asked, her voice dripping with false sympathy.

"Heard you couldn't handle the new team spirit," David added, a sneer playing on his lips. "Some people just don't know how to play the game."

He, apparently, was a fast learner.

I paused, a stress ball shaped like a brain in my hand. I' d squeezed it countless times during Titan' s development.

I looked straight at them.

"Games have a funny way of turning on the players," I said, my voice quiet but clear. "Enjoy your game."

Jessica' s smirk faltered. David just looked away.

I picked up my box and walked towards the exit, not looking back.

Maria from HR met me at the door with my final paycheck.

"I'm sorry, Sarah," she whispered. "This is wrong."

"I know," I said. "Thanks, Maria."

She squeezed my arm. "You'll land on your feet. You're too good not to."

I hoped she was right.

Outside, the Austin sun felt harsh. I took a deep breath.

It wasn't just a job I'd lost. It felt like a whole chapter of my life had been slammed shut. Unfairly. Brutally.